Cairngorms

The Cairngorms refer to a group of mountains in the eastern Scottish Highlands and to the surrounding upland area that forms the core of the Cairngorms National Park. The range is part of the Grampian Mountains and includes some of Scotland’s most prominent peaks, such as Ben Macdui (1,309 m), Braeriach (1,296 m), and Cairn Gorm (1,245 m). The landscape is defined by a high granite plateau and glacially carved valleys, with large expanses of treeless uplands known for their stark, rugged beauty.

Cairngorms National Park, established in 2003, is the largest national park in the United Kingdom, covering about 4,528 square kilometers. It spans parts of Aberdeenshire, Moray, and Highland, with portions extending into Perth and Kinross. The park is managed by the Cairngorms National Park Authority and protects a diverse range of habitats, including alpine plateaus, Caledonian pine forests, rivers, and lochs. It supports a variety of wildlife such as red deer, ptarmigan, golden eagles, and water voles, along with rare upland species and habitats protected under national and international designations.

Geology and climate shape the area’s character: ancient granite, sculpted by past glaciations, yields corries, ridges, and high-altitude wetlands. The climate is maritime and markedly variable, with cold, windy winters and periodic heavy snow, making the Cairngorms a year-round destination for outdoor activities.

Human use centers on conservation, tourism, and recreation. The region is renowned for hiking, climbing, wildlife watching, and skiing, with communities such as Aviemore serving as gateways to the range.