Key Highlights:

• Location:
  • Situated in northeastern Scotland, the park spans several regions, including parts of Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland, Angus, and Perth and Kinross.
  • The park encompasses the Cairngorms mountain range, one of the most dramatic and elevated landscapes in the UK, with five of the UK’s six highest peaks, including Ben Macdui, the second-highest mountain in Britain.
• Natural Beauty and Landscapes:
  • Mountains: The park is named after the Cairngorm Mountains, which dominate the landscape with their high granite peaks. These mountains are popular with hikers, climbers, and skiers.
  • Lochs and Rivers: Cairngorms National Park contains many lochs (lakes) and rivers, such as Loch Morlich, a scenic freshwater loch with sandy beaches, and the River Spey, famous for its salmon fishing.
  • Woodlands: The park features some of the last remnants of the ancient Caledonian Forest, home to Scots pine, birch, and juniper, alongside wildlife like red squirrels and capercaillie.
  • Glens and Plateaus: The region also includes expansive valleys (glens) and high plateaus, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
• Wildlife:
  • The park is a biodiversity hotspot, with a wide variety of rare species. Notable wildlife includes golden eagles, ospreys, wildcats, red deer, reindeer (in the only free-ranging herd in the UK), pine martens, and ptarmigans.
  • It is one of the few places in the UK where you can see species like the Scottish wildcat, capercaillie, and red squirrel in their natural habitat.
• Activities:
  • Hiking and Walking: The park offers numerous trails for all levels, from easy woodland walks to challenging mountain hikes, including sections of the famous Speyside Way and Lairig Ghru.
  • Winter Sports: Cairngorm Mountain is a popular ski resort, offering winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
  • Wildlife Watching: The park is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities for birdwatching and guided wildlife safaris.
  • Cycling and Mountain Biking: Cairngorms offers numerous cycling routes, including both road and off-road trails through scenic landscapes.
  • Water Sports: The park’s lochs and rivers offer opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing.
  • Cultural and Historic Sites: There are several historic sites within the park, including Balmoral Castle (a royal residence) and ancient Pictish stones. The park also features charming Highland villages such as Aviemore, Ballater, and Braemar.
• Conservation:
  • Cairngorms National Park is a protected area, managed with a focus on preserving its natural environment, heritage, and wildlife while promoting sustainable tourism and land use.
  • Initiatives are in place to restore and protect habitats, including the regeneration of native forests and the reintroduction of species such as beavers.

Visiting the park:

• The park is open year-round and is accessible by car, train, or bus. The town of Aviemore serves as a central hub for visitors, offering accommodations,