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 the largest protected area in Britain (2528 km2). The mountains themselves are stunningly beautiful and the trails and paths are a delight to explore. This is the very heart of Scotland and it will be very difficult to find more concentrated natural beauty anywhere in the world. The area is big enough to spend weeks exploring and still you'll find new treasures every which way you turn.
There is a definite sense of serenity among the towering hills and endless vista's in this gorgeous national park. There are plenty of walks that will allow you to explore the valleys of the Cairngorms. Take the route over to Loch Muick where you’ll be amazed by countryside views along with the herds of red deer that gather for water and the protected capercaillie that can be found in their natural habitat. Explore the winding paths through pine and ancient beech trees at Cambus O’ May forest, as you take in the extensive views of mountains and countryside. Whether it’s hiking, bird watching or castle bagging that you’re after; The Cairngorms National Park delivers on all accounts!
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
- 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