Walking of all grades is a highlight of the Aviemore area, though before setting out you should heed the usual safety guidelines. These are particularly important if you want to climb to the high tops, which include a number of Scotland's loftiest peaks. However, as well as the high mountain trails, there are some lovely and well-signposted low-level walks in the area. It takes an hour or so to complete the gentle circular walk around pretty Loch an Eilean (with its ruined castle) in the Rothiemurchus Estate, beginning at the end of the backroad that turns east off the B970 two miles south of Aviemore. The helpful estate visitor centres at the loch-side and by the roadside at Inverdruie provide more information on the many woodland trails that crisscross this area. A longer walk through this estate, famous for its atmospheric native woodland of gnarled Caledonian pines and shimmering birch trees, starts at the near end of Loch Morlich . Cross the river by the bridge and follow the dirt road, turning off after about twenty minutes to follow the signs to Aviemore. The path goes through beautiful pine woods and past tumbling burns, and you can branch off to Coylumbridge and Loch an Eilean. Unless you're properly prepared for a 25-mile hike, don't take the track to the Lairig Ghru , a famous old cattle drovers' route through a dramatic cleft in the mountain range which eventually brings you out near Braemar on the far side of the Cairngorm range.

Another good shortish (half-day) walk leads along a well-surfaced forestry track from Glenmore Lodge up towards the Ryvoan Pass , taking in An Lochan Uaine, known as the "Green Loch" and living up to its name, with amazing colours that range from turquoise to slate grey depending on the weather. The track narrows once past the loch and leads east towards Deeside, so retrace your steps if you don't want a major trek. The Glenmore Forest Park Visitor Centre by the roadside at the turn-off to Glenmore Lodge is the starting point for the 3-hour round-trip climb of Meall a' Bhuachallie (2654ft), which offers excellent views and is usually accessible year-round. The centre has information on other trails in this section of the forest.

The Speyside Way , the long-distance footpath which begins on the Moray Firth coast at Buckie and follows the course of the Spey through the heart of whisky country, has recently been extended to Aviemore. A pleasant day-trip involves walking from Aviemore to Boat of Garten, on to the RSPB osprey sanctuary at Loch Garten, and returning on the Strathspey Steam Railway.