We are planning to travel (two adults and a 5- and 9-year-old) in April and stay in the Cairngorms for 6 days. We are staying in Braemar for 2 nights. I would love advice for things to do from Braemar or specific hikes we could take. I would also love advice around a second location to base ourselves for another 4 nights - maybe on the western/northern side of the Cairngorms, and advice on what to do there. Thank you in advance!
This should get you started for walks in and around Braemar to cover all abilities
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/braemar.shtml
and nearby Ballater
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/ballater.shtml
Braemar has a website which is kept up to date by a proactive tourism group so keep an eye on it for anything which may be going on during your visit.
For the Western part, you need to be looking at Grantown on Spey, Aviemore or possibly Kingussie.
Ideas suitable for both the 5 and 9 year old could include in no particular order
• Cairngorm Mountain Railway (no access to the mountain from the top station, but it is an unique experience and the views are amazing) .
• Go and see the Reindeer herd
• Visit the Highland Folk Museum at Newtonmore
• Enjoy Highland Wildlife Park at Kingussie
• Go on a Hairy Coo Safari in Rothemurchus
• Exhaust yourselves in Landmark Forest Park, Carrbridge
• Go for a ride behind a steam train on the Strathspey Steam Railway