Inverness/Cairngorms - somewhere between?

[WeeMadArthur1]

Trying to find somewhere to stay in Scotland, in a self catering cottage where we can drive to a town/city and activities (eg castles, lochs, zoo) but also to mountains. Does anyone know this area and where might be a good place to stay? We were originally thinking of near Ben Nevis but wondering whether the Cairngorms might be nicer?

Aviemore completely fits your bill. Heaps of outdoor stuff/ activities to do, lovely place and not far to Inverness for city things.

Aviemore.
Highland wildlife park. Mountains. Outdoor activities. Historic stuff. Touristy trains. Close enough to Inverness and places like Loch Ness. Lots of accommodation.

We recently stayed at the Aviemore High Range Chalets. It isn't luxury accommodation, but it has everything you need at a good price point and is within walking distance of the centre

Look at Morayshire too. Very accessible.

Another one for Aviemore. Easy to get to straight off the A9 and so easy to get further north to Inverness and beyond or south to Perthshire.

I too would also highly recommend the High Range for accommodation. I absolutely love it there.

We’re thinking of moving from the south of England to the Cairngorms or around Inverness. We’re happy with rural however have two kids primary school age so looking for recommendations of where would be great for families and has good primary and secondary schools? We both work from
home so no concerns around commute however within 50min of Inverness airport would be ideal.

Aviemore or surrounding villages would be a great base.

Fort William (Ben Nevis) not so much.

You would be best starting your own thread in Scotsnet.