Cairngorms National Park ***
© Copyright Andrew Tryon and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Description:
The Cairngorms National Park (Pàirc Nàiseanta a' Mhonaidh Ruaidh) is Britain’s largest protected area, covering 2,528 km². The mountains are breathtaking, and the trails and paths are a joy to wander. It’s the very heart of Scotland, and you’d be hard-pressed to find more concentrated natural beauty anywhere else. The park is vast enough to explore for weeks, yet still surprise you with new wonders around every corner.
There’s a real sense of calm among the towering hills and endless vistas of this stunning national park. There are plenty of walks to explore the valleys of the Cairngorms. Head over to Loch Muick for breathtaking countryside views, where herds of red deer gather at the water’s edge and the rare capercaillie can be spotted in its natural habitat. Wander the winding paths through pine and ancient beech trees in Cambus O’ May forest, soaking up sweeping views of mountains and countryside. Whether you’re into hiking, birdwatching, or hunting down historic castles, the Cairngorms National Park has it all.
Great places to visit within the national park:
- Battle site of Culblean / Ordie
- Rout of Cromdale / Cromdale
- Battle site of Invernahavon / Newtonmore
- Dun da-Lamh / Laggan
- Balmoral Castle / Crathie
- Braemar Castle / Braemar
- Corgarff Castle / Cock Bridge
- Glenbuchat Castle / Glenkindle
- Kindrochit Castle / Braemar
- Drumin Castle / Glenlivet
- Battle site of Culblean / Dinnet
- Castle Roy / Nethy Bridge
- Loch-an-Eilean Castle / Aviemore
- Landmark Highland Heritage Centre / Carrbridge
- Clan Macpherson House and Museum / Newtonmore
- Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve / Clova
- Glen Tanar National Nature Reserve / Aboyne
- Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve / Braemar
- Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve / Dinnet
- Craigellachie National Nature Reserve / Aviemore
- Glenmore National Nature Reserve / Coylumbridge
- Invereshie and Inshriach National Nature Reserve / Feshiebridge
- Abernethy National Nature Reserve / Nethy Bridge
- Glen Feshie / Feshiebridge
- Rothiemurchus Forest / Aviemore
- Insh Marshes / Insh
- Battle site of Invernahavon / Newtonmore
- Ruthven Barracks / Kingussie
- College of Scalan / Chapeltown
- Drumin Castle / Glenlivet
- Blair Castle / Blair Atholl
- Invermark Castle / Tarfside