Aviemore

At the foot of the Cairngorms, once-quiet Aviemore now has all the brashness and boxiness of a year-round holiday resort. In the summer months it's filled with walkers, cyclists, and rock climbers, so it's a convenient place for stocking up on supplies. However, many of the smaller villages nearby are quieter places to stay. Be forewarned: this region can get very cold above 3,000 feet, and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in the middle of summer.