Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With towering mountains, ancient forests, and rare wildlife, it showcases Scotland’s natural beauty at its finest.
- Scotland Tours
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A Vast and Varied Landscape
Covering 4,528 square kilometers, the Cairngorms National Park is twice the size of the Lake District. It spans several council areas and includes five of the UK’s six highest mountains, alongside deep glens, rivers, and lochs.
Mountains and Adventure
The Cairngorm Mountains are a paradise for climbers and walkers. In winter, they transform into Scotland’s top skiing and snowboarding destination, with resorts like Cairngorm Mountain and Glenshee.
Wildlife
The park is home to some of the UK’s rarest animals, including:
- Red deer grazing the glens.
- Golden eagles soaring overhead.
- Capercaillie and red squirrels in the ancient Caledonian pine forests.
- Ospreys returning each spring to breed.
Outdoor Activities
- Hiking: From family-friendly trails to challenging summit climbs.
- Cycling: Both road cycling and world-class mountain biking trails.
- Water Sports: Canoeing and kayaking on rivers and lochs.
- Winter Sports: Skiing, snowboarding, and ice climbing.
- Wildlife Watching: Guided tours and hides for spotting elusive species.
Cultural and Historic Sites
The Cairngorms also include historic villages like Braemar and Ballater, close to Balmoral Castle, the royal family’s Scottish residence. Traditional Highland culture thrives in these communities.
Why Visitors Should Go
The Cairngorms offer a year-round playground for adventure and relaxation. Whether scaling a Munro, spotting rare wildlife, or simply enjoying a quiet lochside picnic, visitors experience Scotland’s wild heart in its most expansive form.