Aviemore is the nearest main town to the Cairngorm Mountains, home to the most northerly and first ski resort in Scotland. In winter the town becomes the epicentre of the Spey Valley.
A recent town compared with most in Scotland, Aviemore was a little settlement constructed beside Wade's military road but it became a prosperous area with the arrival of the railway in the 19
th century.
The famous River Spey flows beside the town and water sports are catered for on lochs Morlich and Insh.
Wildlife is in abundance in the Spey Valley, a stronghold for many rare species of insects, birds, mammals and plants, including the Caledonian forest that once covered all of Scotland.
This has helped the area become the Cairngorms National Nature Reserve, which covers some 100 square miles, incorporating parts owned by the Scottish Natural Heritage and private estates (Rothiemurchus, Glenfeshie, GlenAvon and Mar Lodge).
The Strathspey Steam Railway travels from Aviemore to the delightful neighbouring village of Boat of Garten, through some spectacular highland scenery for which the Spey Valley is well renowned.
The town is an ideal base for a large variety of outdoor sports including skiing, both cross-country and downhill, husky racing, golf, horse riding, climbing and walking, bird watching, fishing and water sports.
