Holiday rentals in Aviemore

A popular basecamp for exploring the Scottish Highlands, the resort town of Aviemore draws hikers, skiers, wildlife watchers, and all kinds of wilderness adventurers. Its lucky position within the Cairngorms National Park means boundless nature surrounds you in every direction. Speckled with sparkling lochs and laced with walking trails, this natural park is the largest in Scotland and the entire United Kingdom. The park’s diverse landscapes — from boulder-strewn valleys to snowy slopes — make this a year-round destination. Chairlifts climb the nearby mountain of Cairn Gorm, popular for winter sports since the 1960s. It’s no wonder gear outfitters line the town’s high street.

Humidity, cool temperatures, and rain define almost every season — chillier and wetter in winter and generally warmer in spring and summer. June, July, and August draw fairweather visitors for the longer days and balmier temperatures. Average summer highs peak in the mid-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Even in summer, there are typically more than 10 days of rain per month, so pack a hooded raincoat and athletic gear for outdoor activities.

The weather gets damper and colder as autumn progresses. Snow is common in winter, from December to March. It usually only sticks in the higher altitudes, with snowfall melting in the warmer lower elevations. Aviemore’s winter highs hover in the low 40s Fahrenheit, with temperatures often dipping below freezing, making it a cozy time to stay inside your cottage rental. Winter is the wettest time of year, when it rains more than half the time. Layer up with sweaters and fleece jackets, waterproof outerwear, and insulated boots to fend off the chill.

Glenmore Forest Park

In this popular forest reserve, magnificent Scots pines surround Loch Morlich, a freshwater lake with sandy beaches and a yacht club. In spring and summer, bird watchers and hikers enjoy the network of trails. Kayakers and boaters take to the waters of Loch Morlich. Come winter, hiking gives way to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Loch an Eilein

It’s a scene that resembles a fantasy movie: The mysterious ruins of a Highland castle occupy the tiny island in the center of Loch an Eilein. Ringed with hiking paths, the pristine lake reflects the surrounding mountains. You’ll find Loch an Eilein in Rothiemurchus Forest, a part of the vast Cairngorms National Park.

Cairngorm Mountain

Cairngorm Mountain is one of Scotland’s prime spots for snow sports including skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, with the season typically kicking off in December. The slopes give you panoramic views of Cairngorms National Park, Loch Morlich, and the rolling Highlands. The ski resort, which opened here in the early 1960s, is about 12 miles from Aviemore.