The Cairngorms
National Park
Discover the Cairngorms National Park - the Jewel of the Scottish Highlands
The Cairngorms, a wild and ancient land of sweeping moors, dramatic peaks, and lush forests, beckons to those who seek to lose themselves in nature's embrace. This is a place where time slows down, where you can feel the pulse of the earth beneath your feet and the rush of fresh mountain air in your lungs.
It's a place where you can find your centre, where you can reconnect with yourself and with the natural world. So learn more about this wonderful part of Scotland and to explore it with the best guides in Scotland, book with us!
What Makes the Cairngorms Special?
The Cairngorms National Park boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in Scotland. From towering mountains and tranquil lochs to ancient forests and rolling hills, the Cairngorms is a feast for the senses. Plus, with over 25% of the UK's threatened species calling the Cairngorms home, there's never a dull moment for wildlife watching.
The park covers an area of 4,528 square kilometres and is home to some of the highest mountains in the UK. The Cairngorms plateau, which sits at the heart of the park, is a vast, arctic tundra landscape that's unique in the UK. There are also many beautiful forests, lochs, and rivers to explore, with some of the most stunning scenery in the park found along the River Spey, which flows for over 100 miles from the Cairngorms to the Moray Firth.
What to Do in the Cairngorms
Are you ready for adventure? Strap on your hiking boots and hit the trails. With over 4,000 km of paths and trails, the Cairngorms is a hiker's paradise. You can even bag a few Munros - Scotland's highest mountains. There are 57 Munros in the park, including Ben Macdui, the second-highest mountain in the UK, and Cairngorms, which is home to a popular ski resort in the winter months.
If you prefer to explore on two wheels, the Cairngorms has plenty of options for cycling. There are miles of quiet country roads, forest trails, and mountain bike tracks to explore. You can even take on the challenge of the Cairngorms Loop, a 300 km circular route that takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in the park.
Not up for a trek? No problem! You can still enjoy the Cairngorms by taking a scenic drive, cycling along quiet country roads, or simply relaxing in a cozy pub with a pint of local ale. The park is home to many charming villages and towns, including Aviemore, Grantown-on-Spey, and Ballater, all of which offer a warm welcome to visitors.
Cairngorms Wildlife
The Cairngorms is home to some of Scotland's most iconic wildlife. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, ospreys, golden eagles, and red deer. You might even catch a glimpse of the elusive pine marten or the playful otter. Take a wildlife tour or wander through the park on your own - you're sure to be amazed by what you see.
The park is also home to many rare and endangered species, including the capercaillie, a large, ground-dwelling bird that's found only in the pine forests of Scotland. The Cairngorms is one of the last strongholds of the capercaillie, which is under threat from habitat loss and predation.
Cairngorms Culture
The Cairngorms is steeped in history and culture, with castles, ruins, and museums galore. Visit the 13th-century Corgarff Castle, once a strategic stronghold in the Jacobite uprisings, or explore the ruins of the 14th-century Kildrummy Castle, which was once one of the grandest castles in Scotland. If you're interested in history, be sure to visit the Highland Folk Museum, which features a fascinating collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the life and culture of the Highlands throughout the centuries.
The Cairngorms is also home to a thriving arts scene, with many local artists and craftspeople showcasing their work in galleries and studios throughout the region. If you're interested in traditional Scottish crafts, be sure to visit the Grantown-on-Spey Woodturning Centre or the Ballindalloch Castle Gift Shop, which offer a variety of locally made items such as pottery, textiles, and jewelry.
Overall, the Cairngorms National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty, culture, and history, and it's no wonder why it's such a popular destination for visitors to Scotland.
Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures, wildlife spotting, or immersing yourself in the rich culture of the Highlands, there's something for everyone in the Cairngorms.
So why not plan a visit today and discover all that this incredible region has to offer?
Finally, no visit to the Cairngorms would be complete without taking in some of the region's traditional events and festivals. From the Braemar Gathering, which features traditional Highland games like caber tossing and hammer throwing, to the Tomintoul Highland Games, which showcases traditional Scottish music and dance, there's always something going on in the Cairngorms.
So what are you waiting for - plan your next Scottish adventure and get out there!
If you’d like to have a knowledgeable, friendly guide to take you on a tour of this beautiful land than consider booking one our own tours. We go the extra mile to ensure your trip to Scotland is the best it can be and unique to you!