7 Must reads before a trip to the Cairngorms
For book lovers and travellers, few things beat reading about a place before you visit it. Stories spark anticipation. They help you imagine the landscapes, people, and history long before you arrive. Discover 7 books about the Cairngorms to read before your trip.
Whether you’ve already booked your Cairngorms holiday or you’re still planning, these seven must read books will deepen your connection to the area. Each one of these 7 booking about the cairngorms to read before your trip, offers insight, atmosphere, and a richer sense of place.
The Living Mountain by Nan Shepherd
Starting our our journey to discover 7 books about the Cairngorms to read before your trip is Nan Shepherd’s The Living Mountain. This is often described as one of the greatest nature books ever written. Shepherd, a lecturer at Aberdeen University, spent years walking the Cairngorms. Her writing captures the mountains with poetic clarity and emotional depth.
She wrote the manuscript during the Second World War, but it remained unpublished for more than thirty years. When it finally appeared in 1977, it became a modern classic. Today, the Nan Shepherd Prize celebrates underrepresented voices in nature writing. This book is essential for anyone who wants to understand the spirit of the Cairngorms.
Available new, used, and on Kindle.
Memoirs of a Highland Lady by Elizabeth Grant of Rothiemurchus
Elizabeth Grant wrote these vivid memoirs between 1845 and 1854 for her family’s enjoyment. They were first published in 1898 and have remained popular ever since.
Grant describes her childhood in Edinburgh, London, and at her family’s estate in Rothiemurchus near Aviemore. Her sharp observations and remarkable memory bring nineteenth‑century Highland life to the page. The result is a lively and charming classic of Scottish literature.
Available new, used, and on Kindle.
Of Stone and Sky by Merryn Glover
Merryn Glover’s second novel is set in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, where she lives. Published in 2021 and longlisted for the Highland Book Prize, it blends mystery, community, and landscape.
The story begins when a shepherd disappears after lambing season. His foundling sister and estranged brother try to uncover what drove him into the mountains. Their search reveals the history, tensions, and deep connections within their community.
Glover served as writer‑in‑residence for the Cairngorms National Park in 2019, and her love for the area shines through every chapter.
Available new, used, and on Kindle.
Cairngorm John: A Life in Mountain Rescue by John Allen
John Allen spent more than thirty years with the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, including eighteen as team leader. His call sign, “Cairngorm John,” became well known among search and rescue crews.
In this gripping memoir, Allen shares real rescue stories, personal reflections, and insights into mountain safety. He also discusses topics such as hypothermia, first aid, and the vital role of rescue dogs. His warmth and humour make the book engaging for both mountaineers and general readers.
Available new, used, and on Kindle.
Shared Stories: A Year in the Cairngorms – an anthology edited by Anna Fleming and Merryn Glover
This anthology grew from a special 2019 project supported by the Cairngorms National Park Authority, the Woodland Trust, and Creative Scotland. As writer‑in‑residence, Merryn Glover invited people across the region to share their experiences of nature and community.
The collection includes poems, short prose, reflections, and moments of humour. Together, they celebrate the relationship between people and the Cairngorms landscape.
A digital version of the book is available to download here or you can purchase a hard copy here.
Legends of the Cairngorms by Affleck Gray
Affleck Gray spent his life living and working in the Cairngorms. His deep knowledge of local folklore shines through this collection of 84 traditional tales.
The stories range from ghosts and monsters to lost loves, clan feuds, and strange happenings. They offer a colourful look at Highland history and imagination. If you scare easily, you may want to read this one during daylight.
Second‑hand copies are available online.
Lost Badenoch and Strathspey by Bruce B. Bishop
Local historian Bruce Bishop explores the evolution of Badenoch and Strathspey from ancient times to the present day. He covers Pictish settlements, droving routes, rebellions, castles, religion, and the growth of rural estates.
The book also includes fascinating period photographs and insights into industries such as whisky production. It’s an excellent choice for visitors who want to understand the area’s heritage.
Second‑hand copies are available online.
Now you have had time to discover 7 books about the Cairngorms to read before your trip. You are ready to Explore the Cairngorms yourself…
These seven books offer history, adventure, folklore, and a deeper sense of place. They’ll enrich your trip and help you see the Cairngorms with new appreciation. Find your lodge and start your exploration now!
Frequently Asked Questions: Books to read before visiting the Cairngorms:
What are the best books to read before visiting the Cairngorms?
Start with The Living Mountain by Nan Shepherd. Then explore memoirs, local history, fiction, and folklore from writers who know the Cairngorms well.
Why read about the Cairngorms before my trip?
Reading helps you understand the landscape, culture, and history. It also deepens your connection to the places you’ll explore.
Are these Cairngorms books suitable for all readers?
Yes. The list includes nature writing, memoir, fiction, rescue stories, and folklore. There’s something for every interest.
Where can I buy these books?
Most titles are available new or second‑hand from online booksellers. Many are also available on Kindle.
Do I need to know the area to enjoy these books?
Not at all. Each book stands alone. However, reading them before your trip adds meaning to your visit.
Which book should I read first?
If you want a classic, choose The Living Mountain. For a modern story set in the Cairngorms, try Of Stone and Sky.