During our 3-week driving trip through Northern Scotland, we found yet another great place for a base – Aviemore near Inverness.
Our aim was to explore a bit of Cairngorms and surrounds before we ventured into the North Coast 500 route. We were pleasantly surprised at the number of places we could visit over 4 days on day trips from Aviemore – places of historical and architectural importance, scenic places like waterfalls, bridges and unique rock formations, and of course, the beautiful lochs.
Here’s a map showing four good day trips.
Day Trip number 1
The Cairngorms region is full of beautiful lochs. Most of them are accessible from Aviemore within short driving distances and are perfect as day trips. While there are about a dozen or more lochs, here are three that you should not miss.
LOCH AN EILEIN
Also known as the ‘Loch of the Island’ Loch an Eilein is unique as it has a 13th century island castle. It is a freshwater loch in Rothiemurchus forest about 5 km south of Aviemore.
The path around the loch provides some of the best easy walking with the background of pine trees and mountain views. It was voted as Britain’s best picnic spot and is also part of the 50 km Rothiemurchus marked network of walking paths.
LOCH MORLICH
Located in one of the beautiful settings in Scotland, Lake Morlich is surrounded by forests and has long stretches of sandy beaches with stunning snow-clad peaks. It is an ice age feature called Kettle hole. Where else could you sun bathe on a beach while viewing the snowy mountain peaks?
There is a lovely café and a watersports centre too.
An Lochan Uaine – the Green Loch
A beautiful loch with mysterious green waters.
It is located in a quiet spot with a small circular body of deep turquoise water surrounded by beautiful scenery and sandy beaches.
Found on the mountain Sgòr an Lochain Uaine (peak of the little green loch) or the Angel’s Peak as it is also known, the lochan is easily accessible from the Glenmore visitor centre.
As per Scottish beliefs and folklore, the green color is taken from the local fairies, who are said to wash their clothes here thus giving its unique color. And it is believed that Glenmore is the home to the King of Fairies, Big Donald!
A more logical explanation is that the color comes from the reflection of all the green pine trees around the loch as well as the green algae in the water.
A lovely spot to relax and enjoy the scenery. Green Loch is easily reached by a short walk from the car park at Glenmore Visitor Centre in Aviemore or at ALLT MOR – plenty of signs showing the direction to take.
Day Trip number 2
This day trip gave us a taste of some Scottish history and castles and we also found an interesting old stone bridge en route.
OLD PACKHORSE BRIDGE in CARRBRIDGE
It is the oldest known stone bridge in the Highlands and one of the most iconic attractions in Cairngorms. The old packhorse bridge across the River Dulnain was built in 1717 in Carrbridge.
There are steps going down from the street level to a lower viewing platform. The best view however is from the modern road bridge.
The bridge is unique with just a slender arch (rest washed away) and you can see the waterfall through the arch. It’s a peaceful place to linger and take photographs.
FORT GEORGE
One of the outstanding artillery fortifications in Britain.
After Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated at Culloden in 1746, this fort was built as the ultimate defence against further Jacobite unrest.
Its garrison buildings, cannons, and arms collections provide an interesting insight into the military life of 18th century.
The approach itself is quite impressive – the raised walkway, drawbridge across a wide ditch.
At the end of spring, the approach roads were colorful with orange-yellow wild flowers on both sides.
CAWDOR CASTLE AND GARDENS
Located in Nairnshire not far from Fort George is this romantic fairy-tale castle. It has been the home of the Thanes of Cawdor since 1370, but it has now become the family mansion and a beautiful stately home.
The castle is set in extensive grounds with three beautiful gardens. There are color-coded nature trails in the Cawdor Big Wood surrounding the property.
A lovely café and a gift shop add to the amenities here.
When you exit the castle, across the drawbridge, take the left turn to enter the medieval gardens. If you turn right, you will see a garden gate entrance to the walled flower garden.
Day Trip number 3
Driving northwards from Aviemore, we visited the impressive Elgin Cathedral and a unique rock formation called Bow Fiddle Rock in Portknockie.
ELGIN CATHEDRAL
Located in Elgin, this historic ruin is also known as ‘the Lantern of the North’. Dating back to the 13th century, Elgin Cathedral is one of Scotland’s majestic medieval buildings.
The Cathedral was badly damaged due to fire in 1390 but today the two towers of the West Front and Chapter House are in good condition and open to visitors. You can climb up the tower to get sweeping views of the town. There are information boards on the top highlighting the visible landmarks.
BOW FIDDLE ROCK
An amazing place – a unique rock formation, lovely adventurous walks and flocks of birds on the rocks.
Located between Buckie and Cullen near Portknockie, Bow Fiddle Rock is a unique rock formation that resembles the tip of a fiddle bow! It was formed by erosion of a rock called Cullen Quartzite – a metamorphic rock.
Easy to find. The rock is a nesting place for sea birds including herring gulls and black backed gulls.
Day Trip number 4
FALLS OF FOYERS
Located on the south-eastern side of the famous Loch Ness in a small village called Foyers are the Falls of Foyers – Smoking falls in Scottish. The drive from Aviemore takes about a little more than an hour.
Parking is just about adequate but can get filled very quickly.
It’s a spectacular waterfall with a drop of 140 ft into a gorge that winds its way eventually to meet Loch Ness.
The best thing about these falls is the long pathway through colorful forestland with a lot of steps going down – some of them steep. The upper viewpoint gives a grand view of the falls for some great photos.
The more challenging path is to go further to the lower viewpoint almost to the shores of Loch Ness.
Climbing up to the car park is a good workout and we took it slow stopping to enjoy the views here and there. The falls were more like a trickle in May when we went there but are supposed to get forceful after the rains.
I must mention the good café just across the parking lot with wifi and good hot chocolate!
That wrapped up four days of leisurely driving around enchanting Northern Scotland. And yet there was much more to come! We drove further north to explore the awesome NC500 route!
The ruins, the castles, the waterfalls, the blue/green water…I loved it all. Looks like a grand road trip!
What a beautiful location. I love the old cathedral and the old packhorse bridge
What a fun area to explore! I LOVE bow fiddle rock! It really does look like the bow of a fiddle! Cawdor Castle and the Green Loch are both gorgeous too. 🙂
The beauty of Scotland has never ceased to impress me. I’ve been to Inverness before but haven’t got the chance to visit Aviemore and all these attractions that you mentioned. Will be adding Fort George, Loch Morlich and Falls of Foyers to my bucket list right now.
We definitely want to plan a long trip to Scotland. A road trip around Northern Scotland would be perfect. Good to know that Aviemore is a good base to use. So many lovely day trips for such stunning outdoor sights. And forts, castles and gardens too! I really do need to get a trip planned.
Wow everything looks great on this road trip and the type of trip I would love to do with ruins, stone castles and forts, gorgeous coastline and landscape. It really is gorgeous around Aviemore and the surrounding areas and I would love to do a trip like yours.
Being of Scottish decent, a trip to Scotland has long been on my bucket list. So, it was great to come across your helpful post. The legend of of Lochan Uaine’s green color from the fairies laundry is so amusing! And the Cawder Castle and Medieval gardens are exactly the kind of thing I love to do. Smoking Falls cool, too – I appreciate your tip about expecting a trickle when visiting in May.
I loved visiting the north of Scotland and the lochs, but I made a terrible mistake, I took one of those buses with a fixed itinerary so I couldn’t enjoy the place as I wanted and the best places were all overcrowded! I should have found a nice article like this to plan my time better! I hope to go back someday! PS Elgin cathedral looks stunning!
Scotland is one of those enchanting places you want to spend every minute outdoors. Falls of Foyers looks breathtaking! You did a great job capturing the beauty of this rugged countryside.
You took amazing pictures of the location! The sweeping vistas from Loch Morlich beach are quite mesmerizing. Cawdor Castle and Gardens seem like a wonderful destination to visit. My eye is also drawn to Elgin Cathedral, which, despite its destruction, nevertheless exudes magnificence. My 2022 trip wish list is finally full, thanks to Aviemore!
I do have a trip to Scotland in mind and if we decide to make a road trip around Northern Scotland this might make a perfect home base. I always love to travel that way, and with Aviemore being so central to some lovely day trips I will save your article for future reference.
I spent less than two weeks in Scotland, but I am charmed and delighted with this island and would like to return. I haven’t had a chance to see exactly the northern part of it, so I’d love to use your tips. From the places you describe, I only got to Inverness. Loch of the Island, Eilein is on my bucket list with its 13th-century island castle. I also want to see the old packhorse bridge across the River Dulnain. And for sure I would love to take pictures of Elgin Cathedral.
This is brilliant! We loved Scotland but barely scratched the surface. I’d love to do all four of your suggested itineraries but I think number 2 looks like it would be my favourite. Scottish castles are just so beautiful! Gorgeous photos btw
Wow! This place is beautiful. It looks like something taken from a postcard. Thank you for sharing a bit about the history. I first heard about Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Jacobites, and the battle of Culloden in the Outlander series. It would be exciting to explore the area.
I think I managed to miss most of these places on my trip to Scotland, though I did visit Fort George and Cawdor Castle. I will be certainly adding some of these places to my list for my next visit and would love to stay around Inverness and see more of this area. The falls of Foyers and the Bow Fiddle Rock are at the top of my list for next time.
I’ve been to Inverness briefly, but not to Aviemore. Would love to venture out to see the Old Packhorse Bridge and the Elgin Cathedral. The lochs are incredibly beautiful, too. Seriously, Scotland has so much to offer — enough to spend a lifetime exploring. Wish I could go back!
Aviemore is a place I have been visiting since I was a child! Cannot wait to go back, this is a great guide
Wow this trip looks incredible!!!
Amazing day trips from Aviemore! There’s so much to see and do in this area. Really wish I could get back to Scotland!!
Gorgeous photos and wonderful day trips! I think I’d have to linger at Cawdor Castle and the Old Packhorse Bridge. Both are stunning! Thanks for sharing these recommendations.
Loving all four of these day trips from Aviemore, Scotland. I would love to explore all the historical places, waterfalls, and lochs especially. So beautiful!