The Cairngorms National Park in Scotland is the largest and one of the most beautiful parks in the British Isles. The park encompasses the spectacular Cairngorms mountain range and the surrounding hills. The beautiful Rothiemurchus Forest, the last left today of the Caledonian Forest are also a part of the Cairngorms. The park has quaint villages and exotic wildlife which attracts travelers from far and near. It also has three ski centres, making it a popular winter destination!
Cairngorms National Park Facts
Location: Scotland
Area: 4,528 km sq
Established: 2003
Cairngorms National Park Animals: Capercaillie, Crested Tit, Scottish Crossbill, Dotterel, Snow Bunting, Golden Eagle, Lapwing, Pine Marten, Ptarmigan, and Red Squirrel
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Best Time To Visit Cairngorms National Park
Cairngorms is an year round destination but the best time to visit is in between mid February till October as the temperatures are a bit higher than the peak winter months. The Cairngorms National Park weather during the months of November to January is really extreme and the days are shorter, leading to less hours available to explore for the visitors.
Suggested Read: 15 Best Places To Visit In Scotland On Your Next U.K. Trip!
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How To Reach Cairngorms
By Air: Cairngorms receives a regular influx of both direct and connecting flights from around the world at its two magnificent international airports – the Glasgow Airport and Aberdeen International Airport. Other than that, the Inverness Domestic Airport is a mere 1.5 hours flight from London.
By Rail: The park has phenomenal rail services, connecting the park to the nearby cities. Trains run from Aberdeen to Royal Deeside in the east. The Cairngorms National Park train towards the west of the park cross stations of Dalwhinnie, Newtonmore, Kingussie, Aviemore and Carr-Bridge.
By Road: There are express coaches running to the park from London and local buses from the neighbouring cities. Private cars can also be hired to reach the Cairngorms Park.
Suggested Read: 10 Festivals In Scotland To Witness For An Exotic Dip In The Scottish Culture
Cairngorms National Park Map
Things To Do In Cairngorms National Park
Wondering what to do once you’re here? Here are a few Cairngorms National Park activities that you can indulge in with your best friends or family:
1. Visit the Rothiemurchus Forest
This is the only forest that remains today of the once beautiful Caledonian Forest in the Scottish highlands of Cairngorms. Enjoy the Cairngorms National Park walks here at the Rothiemurchus and unwind yourself in the pretty green environs of these exotic woodlands. The Rothiemurchus Forest is home to the osprey, Scottish crossbill, capercaillie, and crested tit.
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2. Explore the Highland Wildlife Park
Situated within Cairngorms, Highland Wildlife Park is a safari park stretching over 260 acres. Getting here is easy as one can drive through the main reserve and explore the remaining zoo on foot. Watch Scottish wildlife and some endangered species as you stroll through the park. The place is home to satyr tragopans and magnificent Eurasian eagle owls.
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3. Traverse the town of Aviemore
Nestled in the Scottish Highlands of the Cairngorms, Aviemore is a pretty famous holiday destination visited by travelers. The pretty mountain trails are picturesque and you can experience the best of Cairngorms National Park hiking in Aviemore. Enjoy walking, climbing, and hiking during the summers and snowsports in the winter months. Amidst wildlife you can spot the Scottish wildcats and capercaillie birds here.
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4. Ride the Cairngorms Funicular
The Cairngorm Mountain Railway runs a 2 km long funicular across the northern slopes of Cairn Gorm. The route of the funicular runs through the park giving one picture-postcard views of the quaint environs. The railway is the highest in the United Kingdom, making it one of the top Cairngorms National Park attractions. Enjoy the ride alongside scintillating Scottish sights.
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5. Camp at the park
If you want the Cairngorms National Park camping experience then the best time to visit is during the late springs until October. The Cairngorms National Park accommodation scenes are hassle free as the park has a couple of beautiful campsites. One of these is the Atholl Estate and camping here comes with its own privileges. The campsite has scenic forest trails for the campers to explore and a reduced fee to the Blair Castle and its gardens. The other camping sites are on Rothiemurchus and Nethy Bridge.
Further Read: Edinburgh Castle: Your Detailed Guide To Scale Historical Heights In Scotland!
Packing your bags already? Start planning your trip to Scotland and enjoy sightseeing, camping, hiking, and the Scottish wildlife at the Cairngorms National Park.
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A writer by choice, a photographer by passion, a seasonal sailor preferably monsoons and a pilot when the wind is just right! When not in the city, I’m often found chasing sunrises in the mountains or sunsets at the beaches!
