Mountain
and forest magic |
Cairngorms National Park has the largest area of arctic mountain landscape
in the UK. It includes moorlands, forests, rivers, lochs and glens.
The
Cairngorms are Britain's premier mountain range in scale, altitude and sheer wilderness. | | Cairngorm reindeer |
The Cairngorms is
harsh an unforgiving environment, with mountains mostly above 4,000 feet. The
National Park stretches from Grantown on Spey to the heads of the Angus Glens,
from Ballater to Dalwhinnie and Drumochter including much of the Laggan area in
the southwest and a large area of the Glen Livet estate and the Strathdon/Glen
Buchat area. The forests of the Cairngorms contain remnants of the original
Caledonian pine forest and includes a rare kind of pinewood found only in Scotland
and Norway. Heather moorland covers much of the National Park. Despite
harsh conditions, look closely and you'll find wildlife aplenty from birds to
larger animals and small mammals.  Bird
watching heaven
The Cairngorms is home to the Scottish Crossbill,
the only bird unique to Britain.
Golden Eagle, Osprey, Dotterell, Capercaillie,
and Crested Tit are also found here. Also look out for the grey coloured
Ptarmigan and the elusive Snow Bunting, recognisable from its white head and underbelly
and distinctive bird song. The National Park is home to Pine Martens, Red
Squirrels, Badgers, Wildcats, Water Vole, and Otters. From fish to plants The
rivers are home to a rising population of the freshwater pearl mussel, as well
as salmon, trout, and rare lampreys. Also look out for the British Crayfish,
which is very distinct from its American cousin, but remember that these creatures
are protected in law. The extensive Cairngorms mountains support tundra
and arctic alpine plant and animal communities over a larger continuous area than
anywhere else in Britain. | 
