With over 50 munros (what we call mountains that are at least 3000ft high) in the Cairngorms National Park, the scenery is breathtaking and wild. The NE250 takes drivers up on the high ground for the most spectacular views of the wildest environment Scotland has to offer.

Even though driving through The Cairngorms makes for an incredible experience, the best way to see them is on foot or cycle. There are numerous routes that one can opt for whether on foot or bicycle, or a special day trip itinerary might be your cup of tea, with everything planned from breakfast in Aviemore to afternoon tea at the Potting Shed at the famous Inshriach Nursery.

The cairngorms is perfect for adventure and it is right on your doorstep wherever you may stay. You will be busy the whole time you are at the cairngorms. 

Accommodation 

Old Pine Yurt 

The Old Pine Yurt is situated under an ancient Scots Pine tree on the east side of Tom Beag, one of the foothills of the Cairngorms, overlooking beautiful Strathavon (which has been called “perhaps the most perfect glen in Scotland”).

Only accommodating one booking at a time, it is the perfect relaxed setting for a private retreat. Adjacent to the Yurt is the Hut, where you will find books, games, local information and a comfy seating area.

The Yurt itself is truly off-grid. Heating is in the form of a wood-burning stove and lighting is by solar power and lantern. The water supply is derived from an underground spring and we think you will agree it is some of the sweetest and purest you will ever have tasted. Cooking is by gas, or over the camp-fire, and the shower has an ingenious log-fired heating system. 

Waterside Cottage 

Waterside Cottage is well-equipped with amenities including games and books to offer a comfortable home from home experience. There is also plenty of visitor information to help you plan your stay and give you some inspiration for things to do and see in and around the beautiful Highlands. Off road parking is available just 50 metres away in the free car park.

The cottage can sleep up to 6 guests; there are 2 bedrooms upstairs, one with a king-size bed and the other with 2 single beds, plus a sofa bed located in the downstairs living room which can sleep 2. There is also a travel cot and highchair.

Highland Defenders

We hire Land Rover Defenders fitted with industry-leading hardshell roof tents and equipped with all the camping kit you’ll need for your Scottish road trip.

Packages available for 1-4 people with a huge range of add-ons and extras, including dog

packs, child seats and transfer services.

Roof tents pitch in one minute and have in-built mattresses for added comfort.

Camping kits are comprehensive and include everything you will need for your adventure;

sleeping bags, stove and cooking equipment, table and chairs, plus much more.

Things to do

Granite Adventures

Granite Adventures have a range of fantastic activities to get you out and enjoying the adventurous side of the NE250. No matter if you are looking for a relaxing walk through stunning scenery or you are looking for an adrenaline rush of kayaking on white water we have something for you.

Enjoying the stunning range of venues from the coastline, through our forests, rivers and lochs up to the Grampian Mountains we have something for everyone and something for every weather forecast.

We advertise course dates on our website and can offer tailored dates for you, your family or group.

The Whisky Castle 

The Whisky Castle has been selling the finest malt whiskies of Scotland from its premises in the quaint village of Tomintoul for over 100 years.

It is located at the gateway to Scotland’s Malt Whisky Trail in the highest village in the Highlands of Scotland. We have over 600 malt whiskies with many being single cask, independently bottled and from small batches.

We provide a unique tasting experience from a fantastic selection of products allowing us to match a malt to your palette and budget.

Our single malts are personally selected by us with many being non-chill filtered so you are assured of some of the most unique drams from across Scotland including limited and rare collectables.

Absolute Escapes Self Drive Holiday

Established in Scotland in 2004, Absolute Escapes is an award-winning specialist in self-drive tours of Scotland. Our exceptional reputation has developed through a deep passion and knowledge of Scotland – we firmly believe that your visit should be truly unforgettable.

self-drive tours offer complete freedom of choice. The itineraries and accommodation on our website is designed to give you a flavour of what is possible and can be tailored to suit your preferences. This allows you to explore your interests at your own pace, and stay in your preferred style of accommodation – with our specialists’ knowledge always at your disposal.

The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet Distillery sits in a wild and remote glen, its history laced with drama and intrigue. So in every bottle of whisky we make, we capture as much of the spirit of the glen as we can.

When George Smith founded The Glenlivet Distillery in 1824, he resolved to create a single malt whisky of such exceptional quality that all other whiskies would be judged against it.

To realise his dream, he fought wild terrain, harsh winters and hostile rivals. But it was well worth it! George created a priceless legacy: a supremely elegant, subtly complex whisky whose original rich taste is now enjoyed all over the world.