Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is located in the Scottish Highlands, primarily within the region of Aberdeenshire, but also extending into Moray, Highland, Angus, and Perth and Kinross. Nearby cities and towns include Aviemore, Grantown-on-Spey, Braemar, and Ballater, making these ideal bases for exploring the park. Established in 2003, Cairngorms is the largest national park in the UK, known for its rugged mountain landscapes, ancient forests, and rich cultural heritage. The park is named after the Cairngorms mountain range, which includes five of the six highest peaks in the UK. Parking facilities are abundant throughout the park, with designated car parks at popular locations such as the Cairngorm Mountain car park, Glenmore, and Loch Morlich. Most car parks operate on a pay-and-display basis, with fees contributing to the maintenance and conservation of the park. There are also free parking areas in some of the more remote locations. Cairngorms National Park is a haven for wildlife, home to species such as the Scottish wildcat, red deer, golden eagle, and capercaillie. The park also supports one of the last remaining populations of red squirrels in the UK. The flora of the park is equally diverse, with extensive Caledonian pine forests, heather moorlands, and rare arctic-alpine plants found at higher elevations. Notable features within the park include Ben Macdui, the second-highest peak in the UK, and Loch an Eilein, a picturesque loch with a 13th-century castle on an island. The park also boasts numerous rivers, including the River Spey, known for its salmon fishing, and the River Dee, which flows through the royal estate of Balmoral. Public transport to the Cairngorms is well-established, with regular train services to Aviemore and buses connecting visitors to key locations within the park. This accessibility, combined with the park's stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, makes the Cairngorms a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts.