Day Trips from the Cairngorms - Explore More of the Highlands

The Cairngorms National Park is a perfect base for your Highland getaway - but it’s also the ideal starting point for exploring some of Scotland’s most stunning nearby destinations. These day trips are especially perfect for those planning a visit over the summer months, when guests often stay for a week or longer, giving plenty of time to venture beyond the park itself.

As lovers of antique and vintage furniture and accessories, we have included a few of our favourite vintage spots and architectural salvage shops - perfect for a bit of treasure hunting between scenic stops.

From dramatic coastlines to historic castles, here are some of our favourite day trip ideas to enjoy while staying at one of our Love Cairngorms self-catering cottages.

1. Inverness & Loch Ness (Approx. 1-hour drive)

Spend the day in Inverness, the Highland capital, where you can stroll along the River Ness, visit Inverness Castle Viewpoint, or explore Eden Court Theatre and the Inverness Botanic Gardens. Just a short drive away, take a scenic loop around Loch Ness, stopping at Urquhart Castle for stunning loch views and a touch of history.

For treasure hunters, stops at Auldearn Architectural Antiques near Nairn and Daviot Architectural Antiques just outside Inverness are a must. We sourced many of our favourite pieces for holiday cottages from Daviot - a treasure trove of reclaimed and vintage finds perfect for those seeking something unique.

Food Stop: Enjoy a riverside lunch at The Mustard Seed or The Kitchen, or coffee and cake at Velocity Cafe, a cyclist-friendly spot with a focus on local produce.

2. The Moray Coast (Approx. 1 to 1.5-hour drive)

Head north to the Moray Firth and discover sandy beaches and charming villages. Visit Findhorn for its eco-village and beach, or Lossiemouth for dolphin spotting and harbour walks. Don’t miss Cullen, famous not only for its dramatic coastline but also as the birthplace of Cullen Skink, a delicious traditional Scottish soup. Cullen is also a haven for vintage bargain hunters with several quirky shops to explore.

Further along the coast, visit Portsoy for its historic harbour and excellent ice cream shop, or make the journey to Pennan, the iconic village where the classic film Local Hero was set.

For those who love a good rummage, stop by The Old Curiosity Shop in Rothes, a delightful spot for discovering unique vintage finds.

Food Stop: Try The Kimberley Inn in Findhorn or The Bothy Bistro in Burghead for fresh seafood.

3. Speyside Whisky Trail (Approx. 45 min – 1 hour)

Follow the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail and explore some of Scotland’s most renowned distilleries. Take a guided tour at The Glenlivet, Macallan, or Aberlour, and stop at the Speyside Cooperage to see how barrels are crafted.

Food Stop: The Mash Tun in Aberlour is a cosy spot known for great food and an impressive whisky selection. Alternatively, enjoy lunch or dinner at the elegant Craigellachie Hotel, where their beautiful bar lounge is dog-friendly and perfect for relaxing with a dram.

4. Royal Deeside & Balmoral (Approx. 1.5-hour drive)

Take the scenic drive over the Lecht Road to Royal Deeside. Along the way, stop at Corgarff Castle, a striking 16th-century tower house surrounded by a distinctive star-shaped wall—rich in history and offering panoramic views of the hills.

Continue on to visit Balmoral Castle (open April to August) or explore the lovely village of Braemar, home to the famous Highland Games. Stop by Crathie Kirk, the royal family’s place of worship.

Food Stop: Enjoy lunch at The Bothy Braemar or indulge at the beautifully decorated Fife Arms, a hotel known for its art-filled interiors and refined Scottish menu.

5. Pitlochry & Dunkeld (Approx. 1 hour)

South of the Cairngorms, Pitlochry is a picturesque town known for its theatre, dam, and salmon ladder. Visit Blair Castle, seat of the Dukes of Atholl, and don’t miss its beautiful walled garden, a peaceful haven filled with seasonal blooms. Or walk the Pass of Killiecrankie, a dramatic gorge rich in history and natural beauty.

Just a short drive south of Pitlochry, Dunkeld is a charming village nestled on the banks of the River Tay. Stroll through its historic streets and discover a variety of independent shops and eateries.

Food & Drink: Our top picks are the Taybank for their riverside beer garden or stylish interiors, Redwood Wines offering a curated selection of wines and small plates or ARAN Bakery, an artisan famed for its sourdough, pastries and seasonal delights.

Shopping: The Blue Magpie - lifestyle and gift store featuring handpicked fashion, jewellery, homewares, and more. Jeffreys Interiors - housed in a converted church, this showroom offers a curated selection of furniture and home accessories. LÒN Store - a general store showcasing Scottish-made products, from pantry items to home goods.

Dunkeld's blend of natural beauty, culinary delights, and unique shopping experiences make it a must-visit destination during your stay in the Cairngorms.

6. Fort Augustus & the Great Glen (Approx. 1.5-hour drive)

Drive west to Fort Augustus, where the Caledonian Canal meets Loch Ness. Watch boats navigate the lock system, explore the Clansman Centre, or take a boat cruise on the loch.

Food Stop: Relax at The Boathouse Restaurant with lochside views or ‘taste nature’s larder’ at Station Road, a Michelin Guide restaurant at the Lovat Hotel.

After a day of exploring, there’s nothing better than returning to the comfort of your Highland cottage. Each of our self-catering homes offers the perfect mix of seclusion, scenery, and access to the wider Highlands.

Plan your next adventure at www.lovecairngorms.com