The Cairngorms National Park, Highland : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
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- 18 Jun, 2023
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The Cairngorms National Park is Scotland’s largest national park, covering an area of 1,743 square miles of spectacular mountains, glens, rivers, lochs, forests, grasslands and much more. Located mostly in the Highlands, with its centre in the Aviemore area, the Cairngorms National Park is a real treat for outdoor enthusiasts, offering year-round attractions such as walking, wildlife-spotting, skiing, mountaineering and even biking. This guide will provide all the information you need to make the most out of your visit, as well as some interesting facts for the curious reader. Get ready to explore one of the most amazing and beautiful natural places in Scotland!
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About The Cairngorms National Park, Highland
1. The Cairngorms National Park is the UK’s largest national park, covering an area of 1,748 square miles.
2. The park is home to mountain hares, red deer, golden eagles, black grouse, ospreys and red squirrels.
3. It has over 70 peaks and more than 60 lochs, including the deepest lake in the UK at 250ft deep.
4. The park was founded in 2003 to conserve, protect and enhance its natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage.
5. The park is home to Scotland’s only mountain funicular railway, which takes visitors to the top of Cairngorm Mountain.
6. There are numerous ancient sites and monuments within the park, including stone circles, standing stones and the remains of Iron Age and Pictish settlements.
7. The famous Strathspey Steam Railway takes visitors on a scenic journey along the length of the park.
8. The park is home to some of the highest mountains in Scotland, including Ben Macdui, which stands at 4,295ft.
9. The Cairngorms are home to five out of six of Scotland’s ski resorts.
10. In 2018, the Cairngorms was home to the UK’s first reindeer herd since Christmas 2011.
History & Information About The Cairngorms National Park, Highland
The Cairngorms National Park is one of the two national parks in Scotland and is the largest national park in the United Kingdom. It covers an area of 4,528 square kilometres in the highlands of Scotland, extending from Donside in the south to Braemar in the northeast and Strathdon in the northwest. The National Park was established in 2003 and is made up of an extensive range of mountains, moorland, forests, rivers, lochs and glens.
The Cairngorms mountain range was formed over 400 million years ago and is renowned for providing some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the British Isles. The highest mountain in the Cairngorms is Ben Macdui, standing at a height of 1,309 metres. There are five other main mountains in the range, these are Cairn Gorm (1,245m), Braeriach (1,296m), Ben Avon (1,269m), Cairn Toul (1,291m) and Sgor an Lochain Uaine (1,258m).
The National Park is home to a huge array of wildlife and habitats, including iconic species such as red squirrels, wildcats, golden eagles and ospreys. It is also home to some of the best walking and climbing opportunities in the country. There are over 90 well-marked routes throughout the National Park, including long-distance routes such as the Speyside Way and the Cairngorms Loop.
The Cairngorms National Park is an oasis of unspoiled wilderness with its dramatic landscapes, stunning wildlife and abundant opportunities for recreation. It truly is a treasure of Scotland’s natural wonders.
Travel Guide For Visiting The Cairngorms National Park, Highland
Scotland
Introduction
The Cairngorms National Park located in the Highlands of Scotland is a stunning area of outstanding natural beauty and a paradise for outdoor explorers. With it’s expansive mountains, snow-topped peaks, crystal clear lochs, picturesque villages and captivating wildlife, it’s a must-visit holiday destination. Visiting the Cairngorms National Park is the ideal way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the beauty of nature at its best.
Getting There
The Cairngorms National Park is accessible by air, train or car.
By air: Inverness Airport is the closest airport to the Cairngorms National Park. You can take a taxi, bus or hire a car to get there.
By train: The closest railway station to the Cairngorms National Park is Aviemore. You can take a train from a variety of locations in Scotland.
By car: The Cairngorms is easily accessible by car from most major cities in Scotland.
When to Visit
The best time to visit the Cairngorms National Park is during the summer months (May-September) when temperatures are warmer and days are longer. This means you can enjoy more time outdoors exploring all that the park has to offer. You can also enjoy winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding from December to April.
What To Do
The Cairngorms National Park provides a host of activities to enjoy while you are there.
Hill Walking & Climbing: The Cairngorms is a fantastic area to enjoy hill walking and climb the imposing mountains. There are various routes to explore, ranging from low-level to strenuous hikes to more challenging mountaineering routes.
Wildlife Viewing: The Cairngorms is home to a variety of wildlife, from golden eagles, red deer and black grouse to the charming red squirrels. Take a boat tour to spot the local seal population or look out for otters and ospreys at local nature reserves.
Skiing & Snowboarding: The Cairngorm Mountain ski resort is a popular winter destination. With its wide range of slopes for all abilities, it’s a great spot to try your hand at skiing or snowboarding.
Where to Stay
The Cairngorms National Park has a range of accommodation available to suit any budget. From camping and caravan sites, self-catering cottages and bunkhouses to luxury hotels and lodges. You can even choose to stay in a traditional Scottish family homestead. Alternatively, if you are travelling by motorhome, there are plenty of campsites within the park.
Where to Eat
The Cairngorms National Park has a great selection of restaurants to suit all tastes, from traditional pubs and cafés to family-friendly restaurants and fine dining. For the more adventurous diner, there is an array of local produce on offer, ranging from game, seafood and artisan cheeses to homemade ice cream.
Conclusion
Visiting the Cairngorms National Park is an incredible way to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of one of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes. With its array of activities, accommodation and eateries, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular destination.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Cairngorms National Park, Highland
Scotland
Q1: What activities can I do in The Cairngorms National Park?
A1: There are many activities that you can do in the National Park, including walking and cycling, fishing, skiing, wildlife watching, kayaking and sailing, and camping. You can also take part in arts and crafts, music and cultural events.
Q2: What is the highest point in The Cairngorms National Park?
A2: The highest point in The Cairngorms National Park is 4,296 feet (1,305m) at the summit of Cairn Gorm.
Q3: Does The Cairngorms National Park have any mountains?
A3: Yes, The Cairngorms National Park is home to a range of spectacular mountains, including Ben Macdui, Braeriach, Cairn Toul and Carn a’ Mhaim.
Q4: Are there any activities suitable for children?
A4: Yes, the National Park offers a range of family-friendly activities, such as wildlife watching, cycling, horse-riding and adventure activities such as the Treezone Aerial Adventure.