Inverness & Aviemore: A Quiet Pause in the Highlands
Inverness & Aviemore travel – A Scenic Train Ride Into the Highlands
The journey from Edinburgh into the Highlands felt like slipping into a slower rhythm. As the train moved farther north, the scenery softened — rolling green hills, golden fields catching the light, and those pockets of pine forest that seem to breathe for you. It’s the kind of landscape that makes you exhale without realizing you were holding your breath.
By the time we reached Aviemore, it felt like we’d stepped into a little hideaway tucked perfectly into nature. This leg of our trip came after exploring Edinburgh, which you can read about in my Edinburgh travel guide here.
Aviemore: Cozy, Warm, and Wonderfully Simple
Once we arrived, Aviemore immediately felt different — quieter, softer, and exactly what we needed. Aviemore surprised me — in the best way. Everything feels close together here: friendly faces, shops only steps apart, and a quiet sense of calm you notice the moment you arrive. Nestled inside the Cairngorms National Park, the town has a lived-in coziness that blends Scottish charm with practical comforts.
Our Cabin in the Cairngorms
We stayed in one of the self-catering cabins just outside town — simple, rustic, triangular-roofed hideaways with walking trails right outside the door. Those cabins instantly felt welcoming, especially when we discovered the fireplace. Evenings spent with its warmth crackling in the background felt like something out of a Highland storybook.
Walking Trails With Storybook Scenery
Just a short stroll from the cabin, we found easy walking paths lined with tall trees, soft moss, and occasional clearings where wide meadows opened up in front of us. The air was crisp and fresh — the kind that makes you slow down, breathe deeper, and settle into the moment.
Nothing here was difficult or strenuous; it was gentle, peaceful, and incredibly grounding. Not everything on this leg of the trip was about scenery, though.
Exploring Aviemore: Shops, Sweets & Simple Pleasures
Aviemore has a little bit of everything: outdoor shops, gift shops, supermarkets, cafés, and friendly locals who make the whole town feel approachable.
The Sweet Shop That Stole the Show
One of my favorite finds? A candy shop that made its own sweets — and yes, I bought far too many. No regrets. They were incredible.
Quick Grocery Stop (Coffee Required!)
The grocery store was just a stone’s throw from the train station, and picking up breakfast supplies was easy. Coffee was absolutely a must — no way were we starting Highland mornings without it.
Dining in Aviemore: Two Restaurants Worth Remembering
Charcoal Aviemore (Right at the Train Station)
A mix of Mediterranean and Indian flavors — unexpected, delicious, and wonderfully put together. The portions were huge, so plan on leftovers for the next day.
Cairngorm Hotel Restaurant
This place feels iconic in town. Depending on the season (especially ski season!), you may need a reservation. The food was fabulous and worth every pound, and the desserts were unforgettable.
Aviemore to Inverness: A Beautiful, Easy Ride
The next morning, we called a taxi to the station — and in classic Scottish fashion, the driver was warm, chatty, and helpful. Small kindnesses like that stick with you when you’re far from home.
That train ride to Inverness was slow, scenic, and calming. The countryside between the two towns unfolded like a watercolor painting — streams slipping through fields, tiny clusters of homes, and distant blue-gray mountains softening the horizon.
Inverness: Short, Sweet, and So Memorable
Our time in Inverness was brief, but it left an impression. Shops are close together here too, making it easy to wander without a plan.
Scottish Goods, Handmade Wares & the Perfect Blanket
One of my goals for this leg of the trip was to bring home something made in Scotland. Inverness delivered.
I found a Scottish-made wool blanket for my living room — warm, cozy, and woven with the exact kind of Highland character I hoped to find.
Walking through the stores, I loved seeing all the different tartans — so many patterns, so many histories in their threads.
Everyday Scotland: Even the Grocery Store Felt Different
Even the grocery stores felt like a little window into everyday Highland life:
- Lower prices than expected
- Fresh, vibrant produce
- Self-checkout lanes that made everything easy
It’s funny how the small, everyday moments can teach you the most about a place.
Returning to Aviemore: A Beautiful Train Ride Back
The ScotRail ride back to Aviemore in the evening was beautiful — soft light across the countryside, quiet valleys passing by, and that peaceful sensation that comes after a full, satisfying day.
Evening settled in as we returned to the cabin, fireplace glowing, the Highlands outside resting under the last bit of daylight.
Speyside Way (Optional Adventure)
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, Aviemore sits along the Speyside Way — a long-distance walking route you can hike or cycle in small, manageable sections. We didn’t take on a full route, but it’s a wonderful option for anyone wanting more time outdoors.
If you enjoy quiet travel stories like this one, I share more reflections, cozy finds, and behind-the-scenes moments in my newsletter. You’re always welcome to join me there.
Conclusion: A Much-Needed Pause in the Middle of the Journey
Aviemore and Inverness weren’t fast-paced stops filled with tours and schedules — and honestly, that was the best part.
This leg was a peaceful pause between our bigger days in Edinburgh and Skye. A chance to breathe, rest, eat well, explore gently, and soak in Highland quiet before moving on to the dramatic cliffs and sea air of the Isle of Skye.
Sometimes the small stops are the ones that stay with you the longest.
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Travel Tools I’m Thankful Came with Me on This Trip
This leg of our trip was only the second stop — and somehow, it’s where we bought the most. Between cozy finds, wool blankets, and a surprise stop at TK Maxx (the UK version of TJ Maxx), I was especially thankful for a few packing essentials that made it all fit.
Things were simple on this part of the journey, but the items I packed ended up being the most useful. Long train days, walking through town, and cooler Highland evenings made me appreciate having reliable, practical basics with me.
Here are the travel essentials that truly earned their place in my suitcase:
- Lightweight Carry-on Suitcase – perfect for narrow train aisles and easy to lift into overhead racks, even when packed a little fuller than planned.
- Portable phone charger & battery pack — a lifesaver for train travel, navigation, and long walking days through Aviemore and Inverness.
- Universal Power Adapter – handled every plug I needed from Edinburgh to Oban.
- Comfortable walking shoes – must-haves for cobblestone streets and lots of exploring on foot.
- Packable Waterproof Jacket – not always needed, but perfect for misty evenings and cooler walks.
- Natural Lip Balm (similar to my Edinburgh find) – smooth, cocoa-butter feel with a hint of citrus and geranium.
If you’re planning your own Scotland trip, I’ve listed more of my favorite travel tools and cozy essentials on my Resources page the same ones that helped make this journey from Edinburgh through Aviemore and Inverness smooth and comfortable.
💛 This post continues our Scotland journey. If you’d like to start at the beginning, you can read about our time in Edinburgh here.
About the Author:
HI! I’m Mary Ann! I believe great adventures don’t have to come with a big price tag. I share practical travel tips, budget-friendly destinations, cozy getaways to help you see more, spend less, and enjoy the journey.
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