Cairngorms, Grampian | Highlands
The Cairngorms are situated within the Cairngorms National Park. The park was established in 2003 to protect the valuable and delicate countryside of the Cairngorm region. It is Britain's largest National Park and, as well as the mountain range, it has a vast area of tundra-like wilderness at its heart. It includes moorlands, forests, rivers, lochs and glens within its boundaries. The Park covers a vast area from Grantown on Spey to the heads of the Angus Glens, from Ballater to Dalwhinnie and Drumochter. It includes a large part of the Laggan area in the south west and much of the Glenlivet estate . Part of the Strathdon and Glen Buchat area also lies within its boundaries.
Sites designated as of importance to natural heritage take up 39% of the land area, two thirds of these are of Europe-wide importance. It is home to some 16,000 people, although the actual population density is very low. The National Park contains 25% of Britain's threatened birds, animals, and plants. Five of Scotland's six highest mountains are found in the region: Ben Macdhui, Braeriach, Cairn Toul, Sgor an Lochain Uaine and Cairn Gorm itself.
The beautiful valleys of the River Spey and the River Dee are within the park and boast a stunning landscape of Caledonian pinewoods, rich in wildlife. The area's best known resort is Aviemore and other Spey towns include Kingussie , Newtonmore and Grantown-on-Spey. Deeside's main urban area is Ballater but it is also home to the picturesque village of Braemar . The royal seat at Balmoral Castle lies between the two rivers. To the north east lie the remote and rolling hills of Glenlivet, in an area world famous for its whisky distilleries . There is a famous RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) reserve at Abernethy Forest and Loch Garten.
Although there are public roads reaching into the National Park itself, none of these cross the actual area strictly defined as the Cairngorms.
The Cairngorms offer a wealth of activities and attractions. It is home to three of Scotlands five winter sports resorts, the Cairngorm Ski Centre , Glenshee Ski Centre and The Lecht Ski Centre . The mountains are also a magnet for hill-walking, cycling, bird watching, climbing, deer stalking, gliding and fly fishing.
A funicular, or mountain, railway opened in late 2001. It runs for 637 metres ending at the Ptarmigan Centre, situated at 1097 metres, 150 metres from the summit of Cairn Gorm.
More British Natural features?
Other Grampian Naturals
River Spey
Moray Firth
River Don
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