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Walking

Hill walkers above the Northern Corries in the Cairngorm Mountains. © Neil McIntyre

Walking is by far the most popular activity in the National Park, and probably the most varied, for both choice of route and of surroundings.

The sheer size, scale and remoteness of the Cairngorms make them one of the most dramatic and harsh mountain environments in Britain, a challenge to even the most seasoned hillwalkers.

However, you don't need to undertake a serious expedition to enjoy the hills of the Cairngorms. Many of the 43 Munros, including five of the six highest mountains in Britain, can be tackled in a day with basic equipment and experience. And by following the old drove roads and passes, the wild heart of the National Park can be experienced without trekking over summits.

What's so special about the National Park is that there are plenty of walks of all grades to suit all tastes. There is a huge variety of waymarked and all abilities trails amongst the local path networks that surround most of the towns and villages. Each of these offers a different 'taste' of the Cairngorms - the choice of walks is as varied as the landscape itself.