The Cairngorm Mountains from Craigellachie hill at Aviemore Inverness-shire
The Cairngorms are a mountain range in the eastern Highlands of Scotland closely associated with the mountain of the same name - Cairn Gorm. The range's former name is Am Monadh Ruadh - the red hills distinguishing them from Am Monadh Liath - the grey hills to the west of the River Spey. The Cairngorms was made a National Park in September 2003 because it is a unique and special place that needs to be cared for - both for the wildlife and countryside it contains and for the people that live in it, manage it and visit it. It is Britain's largest national Park. The Cairngorms National Park has the largest area of arctic mountain landscape in the UK at its heart, with diverse communities around it. It is home to 16,000 people and 25% of Britain's threatened birds, animals, and plants. It includes moorlands, forests, rivers, lochs and glens Visitors are attracted to the National Park partly because of the sheer breadth of its leisure choice. Walkers and climbers explore the high tops or the old-established routes across the vast rolling plateau of the Mounth south of the River Dee. Signposting and sheltered trails through pine and birchwood are low-level options, enjoying by cyclists as well. Lochs and rivers attract watersports enthusiasts and anglers. Other activities include three ski centres and numerous golf courses. Just as important, there are friendly towns and villages, mainly along the Don, Dee and Spey, each with its own sense of community, so that visitors can discover not only spectacular wildlife, but also a rich cultural heritage.
Size: 5130px × 3406px
Location: Craigellachie Hill Aviemore Inverness-shire Highland Region Scotland UK
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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