Have had the opportunity this summer to take friends to various places in the Cairngorms National Park that I am planning to show you next year. The Cairngorms National Park is the largest park in the UK and was established 11 years ago making it the youngest park in the UK.
The Cairngorm Park Authority has a wealth of information on the nature and wildlife, history and heritage and how to explore it. Some very famous wildlife is found here including the Capercaillie the largest member of the grouse family as well as the only herd of Reindeer in Scotland. The Reindeer happily browse all summer on the lichen way up the mountains and in winter travel around the UK pulling Santa's Sleigh. It is planned that we will visit the paddock's and see some of the Reindeer Herd.
Cairngorm Reindeer Herd It is also planned to visit the RSPB Osprey centre at Boat of Garten where we should be in time to see next years eggs hatch. EJ and Odin the Boat of Garten Ospreys have had a very successful year with 3 chicks fledging. More information about these beautiful birds at:
RSPB Loch Garten There are excellent views of the Cairngorm Mountains on the journey from Loch Garten to Cairngorm Mountain. I love the short 10 minute journey in the Funicular up Cairngorm. It is always interesting whatever the weather and I have been many times in winter when I am fighting for position with the skiers and snowboarders. However my most recent visit was on one of the hottest days in the year with the temperature in the car park at 25 C and up the mountain a still very warm 22 C. The only time I have been standing outside taking photos wearing a short sleeved tee shirt!!!
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| 2 of the Osprey chicks at the nest waiting for food. |
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| Packhorse bridge, Carrbridge with youngster! |
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Funicular at the mid point
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Loch Morlich is on the left
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