How to Visit the Snowiest Spot in the UK

Planning a winter break in the UK? Visit the nation’s snowiest spot and enjoy the greatest chance of a wintery wonderland this side of the North Sea. In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Cairngorms National Park – the largest National Park in the UK – boasts rugged landscapes, historic castles, and family attractions to keep everybody entertained. At just an hour’s drive from Inverness, the park is the perfect place to head for a memorable winter’s day with the whole family. 

Getting to the Cairngorms National Park 

The park is easy to reach by road or rail, though we recommend you book your accommodation in nearby Inverness and drive there. There’s so much to do once you’ve reached the Cairngorms, having your car with you provides the most flexibility and will allow you to hop from spot to spot, experiencing the areas that excite you most. 

Things to do at Cairngorms National Park

Skiing and snowboarding 

As one of the snowiest spots in the UK, it’s no surprise that three of Scotland’s five ski centres are located inside the park. If you’re into the adrenaline and adventure of skiing and snowboarding and you’re well experienced, you can take yourself out into the country and explore away from the crowds. 

Walking 

Wrap up warm and head into the Cairngorms for a truly memorable walk. You can pick up a leaflet from the visitor centre to guide you, or book onto an expert-guided tour if you aren’t confident in navigation.  

There are different walking options which cater to different abilities, so choose the one that’s best for your party and get ready to experience some of Scotland’s iconic landscape.  

Water sports 

From fishing and sailing to windsurfing, paddle sports, and rafting, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the beautiful crisp water at the Cairngorms National Park. Settle into your own open canoe and look out for wildlife in the water. Rivers Spey and Dee flow through the park, both of which are unparalleled for salmon and sea trout.  

Hotels near the Cairngorms National Park 

Book your stay in Inverness and enjoy all the comforts and conveniences of the city centre after a long day out in the snowy Cairngorms. Our Mercure Inverness Hotel is just an hour’s drive from the park, so you can get back and warm up in no time.

What’s the Weather Like in Inverness

Don’t let unexpected weather spoil your trip and make sure you get the most out of your time in Inverness! 

Mercure proudly sponsors Weather on Channel 4