Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms for Wildlife and Nature Groups

The ancient Caledonian pinewoods of Abernethy, Rothiemurchus and Glen Affric are the largest remaining fragments of the great forest that once covered much of Scotland. These remnant forests support the most important populations of red squirrel, crested tit, crossbill, Scottish wildcat and capercaillie in Britain. RSPB Loch Garten, within the Abernethy Forest Reserve, has been famous for its breeding ospreys since they returned to Scotland in 1954 — the viewpoint overlooking the nest is one of the most popular wildlife watching destinations in Scotland.

The Cairngorm plateau itself, accessible by the funicular railway from the Coire Cas car park, provides a unique high-altitude environment experience. The Mountain Weather Information Service and the Cairngorm ranger service provide excellent interpretation for groups. On clear days, the views from the summit area extend across much of Scotland — from the Firth of Forth to the Moray Firth, from Ben Lomond in the south to the hills of Caithness in the north.

Speyside: The Whisky Capital of the World

The Spey Valley and its tributaries produce more single malt Scotch whisky than any comparable area in the world. Over half of all Scotland's malt whisky distilleries are concentrated in this relatively small area of Moray and Speyside. Glenfiddich distillery at Dufftown, open daily for group tours and tastings, is the world's most visited whisky distillery and provides an excellent introduction to the craft. The Macallan Estate at Craigellachie, with its extraordinary new visitor centre opened in 2018, is the most architecturally impressive distillery experience in Scotland.