Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park

Scotland’s largest national park is centred on the Cairngorms – Scotland’s highest mountain range (except for the very top of Ben Nevis, which is Scotland’s highest peak). Nearly half of all the land in the National Park is considered wild, and it contains 9 distinct National Nature Reserves.

There are two main population centres in the national park, each lying along one of Scotland’s most famous rivers; The River Spey in the north and west, and the River Dee in the east. Speyside and Deeside, as they are called, are each home to a series of small towns and villages. Speyside is famous for its local whisky production, with more than 50 distilleries. Deeside in the east is the location of Balmoral – the Highland retreat of the royal family for many generations.

Wild Land and Wild Life

The Cairngorms National Park is particularly famous for the quality of its natural scenery. The area boasts a surprising diversity of habitat, extending from deep freshwater lochs and gently flowing rivers; through the tangles of the old growth pines of the Caledonian Forest; to the high montane tundra of the Cairngorm Plateau.

Consequently, the Cairngorms are a superb area to spot wildlife. Some of the rare species that can be found here include the endangered Capercaillie, Red Squirrels, as well as mountain dwellers such as Mountain Hares, and Ptarmigan. Seasonal winged visitors include the Osprey, Waxwing and Pink Footed Goose.

Large parts of the national park are undergoing active Rewilding efforts, including the Cairngorms Connect Project – an ambitious 200 year scheme to enhance the ecosystem across a huge swathe of the northern Cairngorms.

Outdoor pursuits are tremendously popular both among locals and visitors. The Cairngorms National Park is well served by a variety of both maintained trails and informal paths, making the area a magnet for hikers, walkers and mountain bikers. Paddlesports are popular on the many local lochs and rivers. Activity providers offer a wide range of family friendly adventure activities. Traditional sports such as fishing and deer stalking also remain popular.

Local Culture

Speyside and Deeside resound to the stamp of feet, with a thriving folk music scene that keeps alive the passion and energy of traditional Highland music. Regular gigs, open mic nights and local performances are a staple in local pubs and village halls, maintaining a suitably informal atmosphere that brings people together to celebrate, tell stories and raise the roof at the slightest excuse.

A vibrant local art scene of photographers, painter,s and makers find their inspiration in the dramatic local landscapes and ancient legends of the past. Local art and crafts can be found on display in many local galleries and workshops.

A rich literary and spoken tradition is kept going by many local writers, poets and storytellers, often focusing on stories that bring alive the rich folklore and myths of the local landscape, and capture the complex emotions these dramatic hills and glens awaken in the unsuspecting heart.