Camping in Cairngorms National Park
Cairngorms National Park Location
Famous for its royal connections and Balmoral castle, Cairngorms National Park is great for those looking to camp in north east Scotland.
Located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the national park includes Aviemore, the Angus Glens, Atholl, Glenshee and the Royal Deeside and Donside area. This gives those camping in Cairngorms a huge area to explore and plenty to do.
The parks native forest, moorland, wetlands and tranquil lochs are home to many endangered species including the golden eagle, water vole and red squirrel. Cairngorms’ camping gives you a real look into the nature of Scotland and all it has to offer.
Those looking for camp sites in Scotland with plenty of sporting opportunities will be interested to know that Cairngorms is a great place for all outdoor pursuits. Mountain biking, canoeing, cycling, climbing, skiing, fishing, horse riding and shooting are just a fraction of the activities on offer.
When camping at Tarland by Deeside you’ll be surrounded by plenty of history and cultural heritage (there are castles, fortified houses and estates to explore!). There are plenty of local distilleries to explore which pride themselves in making authentic Scottish tipples like Caorunn Gin and chocolate whisky.
Active campers at Cairngorms National Park can get involved in organised guided walks, talks and other outdoor events.
Camping in the Cairngorms National Park
Things to do from the campsite
The village of Tarland is a five-minute walk from the Club campsite. It has shops, a golf course and bowling green. Pull on your walking boots or hop on your bike, the new ten kilometre Tarland Way walking and cycle path runs from the village to Aboyne.
Activities
Head south from Tarland campsite to the Muir of Dinnet, Loch Davan and Loch Kinord – this trio of lochs are a hot spot for walking and cycling. There is a nature reserve here too where you could spot osprey and otter. Braemar, west of Tarland campsite is another walking and mountain biking centre, with no less than 30 Munroes within the immediate area around the town. Scotland’s highest 18 hole golf course is here too.
Events
BikeBalmoral in June, Aboyne and Deeside Festival in July and the Highland Games in August, Braemar Gathering in September.
Places to visit
Balmoral Castle and Gardens to the south west of Tarland Club campsite has been the Highland holiday home of the Royal Family since 1852. Explore the grounds and enjoy a guided walk or Land Rover safari. Find out how Scotch whisky is made at the Royal Lochnager Distillery Visitor Centre near Balmoral Castle. Nine miles west of Balmoral is the village of Braemer with its imposing castle and the Braemar Highland Heritage Centre. You’ll find the ruins of Kindrochit Castle here also. Head north to see the striking Corgarff Castle with its star-shaped fortification and the Glenlivet Estate which offers a wide range of visitor attractions and places of interest including the Tomintoul Museum, Glenlivet Distiliery and Blairfindy Castle. There’s also a host of waymarked walking and cycling trails and fishing available.
Worth noting
The Club’s Tarland by Deeside campsite lies just outside the Cairngorms National Park, and shares the same stunning scenery as Balmoral Castle.