- Matthew Reynolds
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Top 3 Winter Walks in the Cairngorms
There’s not much better for the mind and soul than breathing in that crisp Highland air while wandering through snow-clad pines that have been standing for centuries. Well… maybe one thing — a wee dram of whisky by an open fire. Or perhaps a fully loaded hot chocolate, marshmallows piled high, while you’re tucked up reading your favourite book.
Anyway, my point is this: getting outside in winter is vital. Those dark days and short hours of daylight can really weigh me down. So I make it my mission to wrap up, pull on the boots, and step out into the cold. Even when the sofa looks tempting and I’m wrestling with my hat and scarf, it’s always worth it once I’m out there.
I have a sneaking suspicion I’m not the only one who feels that way. So, in the spirit of winter wanderings and keeping the cabin fever at bay, I’ve put together a wee list of my top 3 winter walks in the Cairngorms National Park.
These are all in the north of the park and are a bit longer than your average Sunday morning stroll — the kind of walks that leave your cheeks rosy and your soul full. If you’re looking for something a little shorter, check out my Top 5 Low-Level Walks here.
1. Ryvoan Pass — Nethy Bridge to Glenmore
16km | 310m Ascent | Starting Point: Click here
This route has it all: ancient Caledonian forest, sweeping mountain views, a cosy bothy, and a magical lochan. What’s not to love?
Nethy Bridge and Glenmore are connected by public transport, making this a great through-route — though let’s be honest, Highland buses aren’t exactly known for their frequency (think one an hour if you’re lucky). Time it right, though, and it’s the perfect way to explore a wide variety of the Cairngorm landscape.
If you’re not up for a full through-hike or dealing with shuttle logistics, no worries — you can simply walk partway in and turn back the way you came.
Start from Nethy Bridge, maybe grab a hot drink at the café first (fuel is important), then follow the riverside path. Listen to the gentle rush of the water, and keep your ears tuned for the chatter of crossbills and crested tits — the regulars in this beautiful forest. From the Green Bridge, head up dell road toward Forest Lodge and continue along the Ryvoan Pass. There are numerous clearings where you’ll catch breathtaking glimpses of the mountains standing proud in the distance.
Once you reach Ryvoan Bothy, you’ve got a few choices:
Option 1: The Adventurous Route — Head up Meall a’ Bhuachaille. Be aware, though: in winter conditions you’ll need proper gear (ice axe, crampons, and winter experience). It’s steep and can be treacherous when icy.
Option 2: Direct to Lochan Uaine — For a more relaxed finish, wander down to the enchanting Lochan Uaine — the “Green Lochan.” Legend has it the fairies wash in the loch which is why it's that colour. Whether you believe that or not, it’s a cracking wee spot for a flask break. From there, either continue along the main track or take the smaller alpine-feeling path opposite the stairs leading down to the lochan.
All routes eventually lead to the Glenmore Community Café, where a well-earned coffee (or cake… or both) awaits. From here you can easily catch the bus back to your starting point. If you've got a bit of a wait for the next bus, no worries, go and checking out Loch Morlich. Its worth it!
My top 3 winter walks in the Cairngorms continues...if you are looking for slightly shorter walks check out this blog click here
Speyside Way - Boat of Garten to Grantown-on-Spey
17.5km | 150m Ascent | Starting Point: Click here
The Speyside Way is one of those glorious routes that feels tailor-made for winter walking — long enough to stretch the legs, but gentle enough that you won’t need to wrestle with crampons, although micro spikes / yak tracks could come in handy if it's icy.
This section, from Boat of Garten to Grantown-on-Spey, is my personal favourite. It offers a lovely blend of Highland village charm, peaceful forest paths, sweeping river views, and even a peek into local agriculture (aka cows that look unimpressed by everything).
One of the best things about the Speyside Way is its flexibility. You can hop on or off at several points along the trail and still have a cracking day out. Public transport links between the villages make it easy to turn this into a one-way wander, rather then having to walk the same track twice. And this is one of the reason's it makes my top 3 winter walks in the Cairngorms.
Leaving Boat of Garten, the path soon winds through tranquil woodland, where the air smells like pine needles and frost. Keep an eye (and ear) out for red squirrels scampering about — they seem to enjoy showing off in the quieter winter months.
As you follow the trail north, you’ll cross old railway bridges and wander through open countryside, with the Cairngorm hills often glistening in the distance. It’s the sort of walk where time just slips away.
Finishing up in Grantown-on-Spey is the perfect reward. The town has a welcoming
charm — and if you’ve still got energy, the Anagach Woods on the edge of town are well worth a short detour. They’re truly stunning in winter, with tall Scots pines framing the snowy landscape like something straight out of a Christmas card.
And of course, no great walk should end without a treat. So grab a coffee, a slice of cake, or (let’s be real) maybe a wee whisky — you’ve earned it.
Glen Feshie - Ruigh Aiteachain Bothy
12.5km | 150m Ascent | Starting Point: Click here
This one feels a touch more adventurous than the others (you'll need a car / taxi as well) — the kind of walk that makes you feel like you’ve properly earned your tea and biscuits afterwards. There are a couple of river crossings to tackle, one of which occasionally involves balancing across a fallen tree (exciting, slightly terrifying, and absolutely not recommended when it’s icy). Do your best to keep your feet dry — easier said than done — because this route leads you deep into the spectacular Glen Feshie Estate, home to some of the biggest pine trees in the UK and landscapes that look straight out of a nature documentary.
Your destination, Ruigh Aiteachain Bothy, is a gem — beautifully restored, warm, and welcoming. It’s the perfect spot to stop for a brew, thaw your fingers, and soak up the peace and quiet of the glen. There’s something about sitting in that stillness, hearing nothing but the wind through the pines and the river murmuring nearby, that makes you feel utterly grounded.
Now, I’ll admit — this one’s not a loop. It’s an out-and-back route. Normally, I’m a big advocate for a circular walk (there’s something deeply satisfying about not seeing the same tree twice), but honestly? Glen Feshie is so breathtaking that you’ll be delighted to walk it in both directions. Every step looks different on the way back — and besides, who’s complaining about getting to see all that beauty twice?
Things to Consider
Found a walk you fancy? Brilliant! Before you dash out the door and into the snow, here are a few quick things worth thinking about...
🗺️ 1. Tell someone your plans
Especially if you’re heading for Glen Feshie — signal there can be patchy. It's worth letting someone know where you’re going and what time you plan to be back. It only takes a quick text, but it’s well worth the peace of mind.
🧤 2. Check your kit
Winter in the Cairngorms can be properly chilly, and conditions can change fast. Make sure you’ve got plenty of warm layers, waterproofs, and sturdy boots.And don’t forget — the sun can set as early as 3:30pm in mid to late December, so pack a torch or head torch just in case. Trust me, you don’t want to be relying on your phone’s already low battery (drained from taking 400 photos of frosty trees) to light the way back.
☕ 3. Bring some morale-boosters
A flask of hot chocolate? A wee nip of whisky? A slab of good chocolate? All solid choices. Personally, I’m a big fan of bringing a doughnut — usually squashed beyond recognition by the time I remember it’s in my bag, but still tastes flippin’ beautiful.
And that’s a wrap on this one! Thanks for sticking with me — I hope this inspires you to pull on the boots, brave the chill, and enjoy some winter magic in the Cairngorms. Just remember: as tempting as that sofa looks, getting outside and breathing in that fresh air is always so worth it.