Situated in the Scottish Highlands, the Cairngorms National Park is twice the size of the Lake District and home to some of Britain’s finest wildlife including the charismatic red squirrel.
Established in 2003, this national park protects the Cairngorms range of mountains and it is the largest park in the United Kingdom, covering an area of just over 4,500 square kilometres. Habitats within the park vary greatly, ranging from the bare mountain peaks, plateau and alpine environments, to forests of native pine trees and picturesque glens. The climate here can be harsh, particularly in winter (the lowest temperature and strongest wind on the British Isles have both been recorded here), although the resident wildlfe is well adapted to cope with the unforgiving weather conditions.
Mountain hare, capercaillie, snow bunting, pine marten, golden eagle and wildcat are just some of the spectacular wildlife that you can see here. One of the stars of the Cairngorms is the red squirrel. These energetic and appealing furry mammals certainly capture the imagination and there are few places better to see and photograph them in the United Kingdom than the Cairngorms. The endangered wildcat is especially elusive to spot in wild, but Cairngorms National Park is more than likely your best bet, as the majority of Scotland’s population resides here.
The Scottish Highlands are at their most dramatic in autumn with mist lingering in the glens and red deer stags roaring in the hills. Migrating waders and geese are heading south from their Arctic breeding grounds, while golden eagles soar over mountain tops and red grouse call on moors. Find out more about Autumn in the Scottish Highlands
From a wonderful base in Grantown-on-Spey, this small-group tour devotes a week to exploring the Scottish Highlands during the magical months of Spring. In the company of expert naturalist Mike Dilger, we hope to encounter iconic species such as crested tit, Scottish crossbill, red squirrel and red deer. Find out more about Early Spring in the Scottish Highlands
On this tour to Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park, we aim to photograph some of Britain’s iconic wildlife, including mountain hares, red deer and red squirrels, at the height of winter. The Scottish Highlands in winter are inspiring whilst also providing incredible opportunities for wildlife photography. Find out more about Scotland Winter Wildlife Photography
Early summer is a fabulous time to visit the Scottish Highlands as the forests, moors, coastline and glens come alive with an incredible diversity of wildlife ranging from Caledonian butterflies and marine mammals to raptors and iconic passerines and land mammals. Find out more about Z) Early Summer in the Scottish Highlands
Located on a private estate amongst open woodland in Cairngorms National Park, this rustic yet modern lodge is perfect for exploring this corner of the Scottish Highlands and viewing its wonderful native wildlife. Close to specialist hides, the lodge is an ideal base for photographing red squirrels. Find Out More about Ballintean Mountain Lodge
