Aviemore or Dumfries and Galloway area for a first trip to Scotland ?

[Hanschenklein]

We were thinking of towing our caravan up to Scotland in the summer, initially Dumfries and Galloway area but now considering further north like Aviemore.
Just wondered how the two compare for things to do, places to visit etc ? We like walking, visiting stately homes and gardens and just general pottering. We'll be going with DS 2 aged 16. I went to the area years ago to ski and loved it but obviously this was during the winter so can imagine it's very different in summer ! DP and DS have never been so this will be their first introduction. Happy to be corrected but I get the impression that D and G has scenery more akin to the lakes whereas Cairngorms are wilder, more desolate and more majestic ?
We live in the NW so travelling to D and G isn't that far but the Cairngorms will be
a much bigger journey !

Aviemore area is stunning! It is wild but there would be lots of activities for your dd if she's in to outdoorsy stuff. So many beautiful walks and lochs to explore.

D& G might be better for stately homes, but I find it a bit bland. V pretty but not a lot to do. Just one opinion though. I'm sure others would disagree!

Think I'd agreed with BebeBelge.

Have you thought about the midges OP? That would be a big factor for me in the summer. Woodlands, still water and no wind will all attract midges.

If you're not bothered about that, how about the Cowal peninsula in Argyll and Bute? It's stunningly beautiful and if you avoid the area around Dunoon, it's not so busy.

Or how about Perthshire? Being further east means fewer midges, and you've got some beautiful scenery. Lovely towns like Dunkeld and Pitlochry to explore too. There other advantage is that the coast is in reach too.

I’d try to fit the A500 in, breathtaking. Wouldn’t tow the caravan, though 🤣

Aviemore area is beautiful, we particularly like the boat of garten to stay at

@MrsSkylerWhite 😂 hate towing the caravan at the best of times !
Thanks for the suggestions, will take a look.
Saw a caravan/campsite called Glenmore near Aviemore. Any experience of it anyone ?

I’d go to d&g. Plenty of walking in the southern uplands, great bike trails in the forests, brilliant beaches with shallow ish calm water so good swimming, can paddle board/canoe out to islands

@BebeBelge never been to D and G but I've read that there's a lot of driving between places. Watched a few YouTube travel vlogs about it and it doesn't seem to have the grandeur of the Cairngorms (happy to be corrected and also appreciate the Highlands is huge too). Our tourer is normally kept at a site in the dales so we are used to rolling hills and wild moors I guess.

D&G is great for caravanning. Have sent a message with some details.

@AnotherForumUser 👍

Am guessing it's the NC500 as in North coast 500 miles you're talking about, rather than a road called the A500?

If we're talking about the same place, no definitely not suitable for caravans

I've caravanned in both, it takes ages to get anywhere in D&G, wiggly roads whereas it's motorway, then trunk road up to Aviemone, easier for towing plus great scenery.
I love D&G but it is sleepier than Aviemore, it's almost like going back in time. Good for pottering about with easily entertained small people or for older couples who like going to gardens and art galleries, I think Aviemore would be more likely to impress and entertain older children teens

I love Aviemore.

I've stayed at the cabins at Glenmore.
That area is great with loads of signposted walks or wilder trails. Fab area for cycling.
You can hire canoes etc. or swim in Loch Morlich.

There's a nearby clay pigeon shooting centre which son enjoyed at similar age.

Close to Aviemore for bigger shops and restaurants.

Definitely D and G. Fewer tourists,lovely beaches, brilliant forest walks and wildlife,lots of adventure activities for ds from water sports to grass sledging( my kids loved the latter)
Not so far too travel as Aviemore either. Weove it.
(Oh and make sure and have some Cream o' Galloway ice cream)

I'd go to Cairngorms but more the Braemar and Ballater side. You'll not be short of amazing castles to visit there and scenery is beautiful. We've had our campervan at the park in Ballater and it was lovely. The weather is more reliable in that area too. D&G is lovely but not for stately homes.

I live near D&G although I admit I don’t know the area well, it is beautiful though and I expect will be quieter than Aviemore.

Where are you coming from? You could be adding about 4 hours on to your drive if you head for Aviemore, which if you’re coming from pretty far south will feel like a lot more.

@icebearforpresident we are coming from lancashire so still a fair drive.
Thanks for all the lovely suggestions.

We used to drive to Aviemore regularly from central Scotland, took us about 2 and a half hours. Driving to near Whithorn in D&G took about 4 as it's a much slower road ( obviously depends on how far in to D&G your are driving). I don't think it would take as much longer as you'd think and it's a road that's easier with a caravan generally as it's been improved more than the road to Dumfries and Galloway.