Autumn at Cairngorm Mountain

September 28th, 2023.

Things to do this Autumn at Cairngorm Mountain.

As we welcome the crisp autumn weather, it’s the perfect time to visit Cairngorm Mountain near Aviemore and enjoy the great outdoors. With things to do for everyone, you can experience the magic of the Cairngorms this season.

Making plans for the October school holidays? Look no further as our family-focused experiences promise an action-packed trip.  Mountain biking and tubing are open most days so your wee ones or teenagers alike will have an unforgettable holiday. You can book both activities effortlessly online.

Have a wheelie good time

Our 3km of flow-style mountain biking trails are ideal for visitors of all ages and abilities. Beginner and intermediate trails are easily reached by our ‘magic carpet’ conveyor belts, while the intermediate and advanced trails offer the ultimate adrenaline rush. Try our on-site bike hire, including small balance bikes and adult sizes as well as electric bikes, or bring your own bike on the Aviemore Adventurer bus and park you bike in our car park.

Get an adrenaline rush

Open every weekend and throughout the school holidays, our popular mountain tubing promises an exhilarating, high-speed experience. Located next to the main car park, each 30-minute session offers an adrenaline rush with spectacular views over Loch Morlich and the Spey Valley.

The Spindrift and Cliffhanger slides are a thrilling experience for visitors aged 4 through to adults, while children aged between 2 and 8 can enjoy the gentle Snowflake slope.

Explore the wilderness

Until the end of October, you can enjoy our scenic guided walks around the Cairngorms. Led by experienced rangers, you can explore nature like never before, including local plants and wildlife, and discover more about the mountain’s history. You will be led through the spectacular Northern Corries on our half day walk at a gentle pace making time to photograph the wild landscape surrounding you.

Visit the Mountain Garden

Like our guided walks, our Mountain Garden offers an insight into the unique wildlife thriving in the Cairngorms. Discover more about the mountain environment and enjoy the beautiful landscape at the Coire Cas viewpoint. You can even make a call at the highest phone box in the UK!

Ride to the top

Reopening later this autumn, the Cairngorm Mountain Railway is Scotland’s only funicular railway and the highest in the UK. The iconic funicular transports visitors on the 2km stretch to the Top Station in under eight minutes, where our unique visitor experience at the Ptarmigan building awaits them.

At the Ptarmigan building, you are guaranteed a fun-filled experience, no matter the weather. Our 270-degree immersive exhibition showcases the breathtaking landscape, while in the Cairngorm Learning Zone, families and children can design their own natural environments with our interactive 3D sandboxes. Using augmented reality technology, visitors can shape the landscape and change sea levels, while observing the impact of different natural phenomena, such as ice ages and volcanoes.

Stay warm and cosy

The Ptarmigan restaurant – the highest restaurant in the UK – offers stunning views of the mountain range as well as a cosy log fire, ideal for cool autumn days. Start your day with our hot breakfast rolls or try our warming main courses with seasonal and local ingredients. Why not also treat yourself to a drink at the gin bar? Meanwhile, our kids’ menu is a great option as our wee visitors refuel after their busy day.

On our viewing terrace, which we have recently extended, experience al fresco dining and drinking, or soak up the panoramic views of Loch Morlich and the Spey Valley.

You can also stay cosy at the Cairngorm Café and Cas Bar, located in the Day Lodge. With log fires, relax with hot or cold drinks as well as a varied food menu, including homemade soups, pasta dishes and a choice of pizzas. Our special autumn hot chocolate drinks are also guaranteed to keep you warm, with flavours including Irish Cream Baileys, Calypso Tia Maria, and Irish Mocha Baileys.

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