Cairngorm Mountain
Experience breathtaking Scottish Highlands views via the UK's highest funicular railway, encounter reindeer, and enjoy mountain adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Cairngorm Mountain
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking Scottish Highlands views via the UK's highest funicular railway, encounter reindeer, and enjoy mountain adventures.
"The views are fantastic from the top with a couple of viewing platforms. All also accessible for anyone with mobility issues."
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Be aware that parking fees are separate from your funicular ticket price.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Mountain weather is unpredictable; pack warm, waterproof clothing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cairngorm Mountain Funicular Railway
Base station to summit
Ride the highest railway in the UK for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
+2
Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
Near Glenmore
Meet Britain's only free-ranging reindeer herd on a guided walk. A magical experience for all ages.
Loch Morlich
Glenmore Forest Park
A stunning freshwater loch offering opportunities for wild swimming, watersports, and scenic walks.
Mountain Carting
Cairngorm Mountain
Experience gravity-fueled fun by riding a cart down the mountain, a unique adventure for thrill-seekers.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Funicular Tickets in Advance
Check Weather Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Be aware that parking fees are separate from your funicular ticket price.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Mountain weather is unpredictable; pack warm, waterproof clothing.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
For hiking and exploring, comfortable and supportive shoes are a must.
📸 Camera Ready!
The views are spectacular, especially exiting the funicular tunnel.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Be aware that parking fees are separate from your funicular ticket price.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Mountain weather is unpredictable; pack warm, waterproof clothing.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
For hiking and exploring, comfortable and supportive shoes are a must.
📸 Camera Ready!
The views are spectacular, especially exiting the funicular tunnel.
🚫 E-bikes on Railway Restriction
E-bikes are not permitted on the funicular; you'll need to ride them up.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cairngorm Mountain for its spectacular views, accessible funicular railway, and the unique experience of seeing the reindeer herd. The mountain carting and hiking opportunities also receive positive mentions. While generally well-regarded, some visitors note the additional cost of parking and the restrictions on e-bikes on the railway.
"Cairngorm Mountain resort and surrounding area is well worth a visit. Plenty of accessible parking, the climb is well worth it. There is free WiFi and toilets plus a cafe and shop on site, and the railway that operates here will take you up to spectacular views. Great trails for mountain bikers are located here too, but note you can't take ebikes on the railway, you have to ride those up to the summit instead. If you're in the area then this location is well worth a visit. Highly recommended."
Dr Jamie Smith
"We booked in advance . The views are fantastic from the top with a couple of viewing platforms. All also accessible for anyone with mobility issues. To note you need to pay for your carparking on top of ticket price. Funicular is a great little ride up mountain..nice staff too."
Kim Quickfall
"Awesome place and far from a tourist trap. Anybody who feels trapped didn’t read the T&Cs which clearly state (and you have to check a box that you accept it) that you cannot leave the station.
It was simply a really awesome experience. We were there on a day with lots of rain and shattered clouds but still the view was great and the whole feeling was simply outstanding.
Prices were reasonable so no reason to complain."
Stefan Horn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cairngorm Mountain is accessible by car, located near Aviemore. The postcode for navigation is PH22 1RB. There are also local bus services that connect Aviemore to the mountain. If you're coming from further afield, you can fly into Inverness Airport and then take a train or bus to Aviemore.
Yes, there is accessible parking available at the base station. However, please note that parking fees apply and are separate from your funicular ticket price. +1
Dogs are generally welcome at Cairngorm Mountain, but there are restrictions on the funicular railway. If you plan to hike with your dogs, they are permitted on the trails.
For exploring the wider Cairngorms National Park, a car offers the most flexibility. However, for reaching Cairngorm Mountain itself, public transport options from Aviemore are available. +1
While not always advertised, some local tour operators from Aviemore and Inverness offer trips that include Cairngorm Mountain, often combining it with other attractions. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the funicular can vary, and it's advisable to check the official Cairngorm Mountain website for the most up-to-date pricing. Booking in advance is recommended.
Yes, booking your funicular tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak times, to guarantee your spot and avoid disappointment.
Opening hours for the funicular and facilities can vary depending on the season and weather conditions. It's best to check the official Cairngorm Mountain website for the most current operating times.
While it might be possible to purchase tickets on the day, booking in advance is strongly advised to avoid disappointment, as popular times can sell out.
E-bikes are not allowed on the funicular railway; they must be ridden up to the summit. Other restrictions may apply, so it's worth checking the terms and conditions before your visit.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
You can ride the funicular railway for stunning views, hike various trails, enjoy mountain carting, visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, or explore Loch Morlich. Skiing and snowboarding are popular in winter.
Yes, there are numerous hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels, from gentle walks to more challenging ascents like Sgòr Gaoith.
The funicular railway and viewing platforms at the top station are designed to be accessible for individuals with mobility issues.
Facilities at the base and summit stations typically include toilets, a cafe, a shop, and free WiFi.
Yes, Cairngorm Mountain is a popular ski and snowboard destination with floodlit slopes and equipment hire available during the winter season.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at the base station and a restaurant at the Ptarmigan building at the top of the funicular, offering food and drinks with incredible views.
Absolutely! The Ptarmigan building at the summit houses the UK's highest restaurant and gin bar, providing a unique dining experience with panoramic vistas.
While there are cafes and restaurants, many visitors also bring their own snacks and enjoy picnics with the stunning scenery as their backdrop.
The cafes typically offer a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches, and light meals suitable for a mountain visit.
The restaurant at the top offers a unique setting for a meal, especially during sunset or clear evenings, making it a memorable experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the funicular and summit are incredible. Don't miss the vistas of Loch Morlich and the surrounding peaks. +1
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the landscape.
Yes, the journey on the funicular offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially as you exit the tunnel.
Look out for the unique pyramid structure in the Cairngorms National Park and the stunning reflections in Loch Morlich. +1
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks, as while there are cafes, having your own supplies can be helpful. The mountain carting offers a thrill for older children and teens, while the general outdoor environment encourages exploration and adventure.
🚶 Hikers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cairngorm Mountain Funicular Railway
The journey itself is an experience, providing increasingly dramatic views as you climb. Visitors often describe the ride as 'great' and 'incredible', with many recommending having a camera ready to capture the scenery, especially as you emerge from the tunnel. Opened in 2003, the funicular was recently reopened after a period of closure, much to the excitement of visitors.
+1 At the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, explore viewing platforms, and access facilities like a cafe and restaurant. It's an accessible way for most people to experience the mountain's heights, even those with mobility issues. Adventures Beyond the Funicular
+1 This exhilarating activity starts high above the landscape, offering a unique way to experience the terrain.Nature lovers can visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, Britain's only free-ranging herd. Guided walks allow visitors to get up close with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, a truly magical encounter.
Winter Sports and Activities
Equipment hire is available on-site, making it convenient for visitors to gear up. Even outside of skiing, the winter landscape itself is a spectacle. The crisp air, snow-covered peaks, and potential for dramatic winter skies create a stunning environment for photography and enjoying the rugged beauty of the Highlands.
+1 Visitors looking for a winter staycation often find Aviemore and the surrounding Cairngorms to be an ideal destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit