Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Cairngorms National Park?

Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Cairngorms National Park?

Many travelers spend at least 3 or as many as 5 days in Cairngorms National Park during their visit. After all, the remote national park has plenty to explore such as the hiking, the gorgeous scenery, and the restaurant scene.

Cairngorms National Park is located in the northeastern part of Scotland. It was first established in 2003 and includes the Cairngorms mountain range. The park is stunning, with many beautiful hikes that take you through glens, valleys, forests, and by waterfalls and wetlands.

Do you have one or two weeks to visit Cairngorms National Park? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is one week enough time in Cairngorms National Park?

One week is more than enough time to see everything in the area. Many visitors prefer to spend three to five days here, so you'll be able to go hiking, take in the beautiful scenery, and dine out at amazing restaurants at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the region.

How to spend a week in Cairngorms National Park

Known for it's hiking, Cairngorms National Park sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. There are hikes for every skill level. You'll find waterfalls, open glens, mountains, and beautiful lakes. Some of the best hikes include the Falls of Bruar, Morrone, and the Seven Bridges Trail.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Welcome to Winter Hiking ($116)
  • Cairn Gorm Mountain Adventure Private Hike ($170)

Cairngorms National Park is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. With many stunning lochs and impressive hikes, the park is filled with natural beauty.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Private Walking Tour to Ben Macdui Scotland ($116)

Perhaps the most famous spot in Cairngorms National Park is the Snowroads Scenic Route, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. There are a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the area that offer hearty dishes to fill a hungry hiker.

After you've explored most of Cairngorms National Park, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Cairngorms National Park. Plenty of amazing options are available.

With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Cairngorms National Park, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Cairngorms National Park. Plenty of amazing options are available.

With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Cairngorms National Park, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.

Is 2 weeks enough time in Cairngorms National Park?

Two weeks is more than enough time to see pretty much everything here. You can move at your own pace spend extra time enjoying the hiking, the gorgeous scenery, and the restaurant scene. You could also use the area as a base for exploring other nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region, too.

CAirngorms National Park, Scotland CAirngorms National Park, Scotland

How to spend 2 weeks in Cairngorms National Park

With 2 weeks in Cairngorms National Park, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the national park has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time hiking. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this national park looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.


A few trip suggestions:

  • Welcome to Winter Hiking ($116)
  • Cairn Gorm Mountain Adventure Private Hike ($170)

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Cairngorms National Park, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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