Discover the Cairngorms National Park

Did you know that 100 countries across the world have National Parks? The Cairngorms is part of that international family and is the largest in the UK, at 4528 sq km. It is twice the size of the Lake District National Park and bigger than the whole of Luxembourg!

A Munro is any mountain over 3000ft and with 55 in total across the Park there are plenty of amazing views to witness! The National Park contains the most extensive area of land over 600m above sea level in the UK and here you will find 4 out of the 5 highest mountains in the UK - Ben Macdui (4259ft), Cairn Toul (4236ft), Braeriach (4252ft) and Cairn Gorm (4081ft).

The wildlife in the National Park is spectacular. An astounding 25% of Britain's rare and endangered species, like this pine marten, live in the Park. It also contains one quarter of Scotland’s native forest; more breeding farmland waders than the whole of Wales; the largest population of twinflower in Scotland, and 80% of the UK’s population of capercaille!

There is an incredible 1.67 million visitors to the area every year! And they are never short of things to do as there is a lifetime of outdoor discovery and experience to find including:

• 3 ski centres at Cairngorm, the Lecht and Glenshee (more people come to ski at the Cairngorms than any other resort in the UK)
• 12 golf courses and 9 horse riding centres
• 9 outdoor centres and 4 mountain bike centres
• the Strathspey railway (pictured), art galleries, cycle routes and many, many more!

CairnGorm Mountain is home to Scotland’s only funicular railway. This is a unique visitor experience that allows people of all abilities to reach the Top Station where the Ptarmigan Restaurant is located with panoramic views from over 3,500ft. There is also a viewing terrace, exhibition, shop and the highest post box in the British Isles.

The Cairngorms National Park features a vast array of amazing locations, castles and ruins. The Cairngorms has had an important role to play in much of Scotland's history - from Royal fueds and bloody battles to industrial revolution. There are many sites which tell these stories dotted all around the Cairngorms National Park - at some you may have to use your imagination a little more than at others, but they all delve deep into the history of the area.

Thanks for reading! Your points code is: 2ROM5E6Z.