Discover our National Parks

Scotland’s two National Parks contain some of our best wildlife and landscapes and offer lots of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

​Both National Parks cover an extensive area. All sorts of maps and guides are available to help you make the most of a visit – whether you plan to walk, cycle or simply find the perfect picnic spot.

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Mountains meet lochs to create an array of superb landscapes in this National Park, each with its own special attractions – wildlife and otherwise. Look out for porpoises breaching off the Cowal coast or ospreys circling above Loch Earn in Breadalbane.

No other body of inland water in Britain has a bigger surface area than Loch Lomond. But the National Park also contains another 21 lochs (and one lake) on which to have fun. Swim, sail, paddle and windsurf the day away.

There is walking to suit all abilities and seasons, plus rock climbing, paddlesports and plenty of places to just sit and relax. You can drive the scenic Trossachs Trail or hit any of the awesome mountain biking routes to enjoy the views – plus an adrenaline rush.

Discover Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Cairngorms National Park

From the Cairngorm plateau, take in the drama and sheer scale of this incredible arctic mountain range. Now imagine the powerful glaciers that carved out this imposing landscape.

This is the place to get a head start on your ‘Munro bagging’ – there are 55 within the National Park. Five of the UK’s six highest peaks are here, but there are also summits that are within easy reach of beginners. Winter brings exciting ice climbing, snowboarding and skiing challenges.

Mountains are far from the only draw, however. Some of Scotland’s rarest wildlife roams the National Park – from the pine marten and ptarmigan to the elusive wildcat. Cycle paths cater to all kinds of bikes and abilities, and lower-level path networks suit a wide range of interests and offer gentler ways to explore.

Explore Cairngorms National Park

Find out more

Read about the National Park designation

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