The Cairngorms is Britain’s largest national park, with a unique range of landscapes, wildlife and habitats. Its 2,400 square miles has five of Scotland’s highest peaks and the largest area of arctic mountain landscape in the British Isles. Deep, high valleys lead down to huge tracts of ancient, untouched woodland and the rivers Spey, Dee and Don. The park’s vast array of wildlife includes golden eagle and osprey, pine marten, red squirrel and wildcat.
The lochs and rivers offer great boating, rafting, fishing and gorge walking. Walkers can enjoy many miles of local pathways, along with the East Highland Way and the Speyside Way and cyclists and mountain bikers are well catered for. The National Cycle Network crosses the area. Winter sports enthusiasts can base themselves around three Scottish Ski Centres, including Aviemore.
History in the park is told by remains of prehistoric, Celtic and Pictish times, castle ruins and the aftermath of the Jacobite uprising. Follow the Victorian Heritage Trail, visit the Queen’s holiday home, Balmoral Castle, explore Corgarff Castle…and look in on the many distilleries.