Posts for June, 2022

There is no better way to discover the natural beauty of the Cairngorm Mountains than by embarking on a guided walk. We offer guided experiences here at Cairngorm Mountain which are ideal for first time visitors and experienced hill-walkers alike. Explore the breath-taking Northern Corries on one of our summer/autumn ranger guided walks. This full-day guided experience journeys from the base of the resort across constructed footpaths and rough open ground into the heart of Coire an t-Sneachda.

You will hear stories of how the landscape was formed, learning of its vibrant history, the creatures that inhabit it and the flora and fauna that are an integral part of its eco-system all from our experienced rangers.

Our ‘Exploring the Northern Corries’ walk runs every Thursday until October, weather permitting. This full day experience will take you into Coire an t- Sneachda via constructed footpaths then onto more rugged open ground in search of the wildlife that thrives and survives in the mountain environment, returning to the car park by traversing onto the Fiacaill a’ Choire Chais then descending through the ski area.

Your guide will greet you outside the Day Lodge at approximately 10.15am. Please have your QR code tickets to hand and ready for scanning upon arrival. Your group will set off onto the mountain between 10.30 and 10.45am and return at approximately 3pm.

We can also provide packed lunches with 24 hours notice. Just ask for details on info@cairngormmountain.co.uk

Come on a tour, behind the scenes, in our collections store in Am Fasgadh. See over 10,000 objects illustrating a unique Highland way of life, brought to life by our store tour guides. Please book ahead to avoid disappointment on 01349 781650 or in person at the museum.

Journey through the history of the valley from Iron Age roundhouses to the Canadian Forestry Corp’s Railway. Hear stories from local folk tales and the history of the Kincardine and Glenmore.
Walk is about 10km long and includes breaks. Moderate fitness required, some hilly sections.

Returning this summer, we will be opening the gates here at Highland Wildlife Park after hours for you to enjoy the early evening atmosphere!

For four evenings only, wander through the park, drive through the reserve and enjoy the long summer evenings with traditional music and entertainment. With food and drink kiosks available, you can relax to the sound of acoustic music, hear from our keepers about our inhabitants or simply soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.

Don’t forget to capture a lasting summer memory at one of the photo opportunities located around the park!

Gates open at 6.30pm. Please note last entry is 8pm and the event will close at 9.30pm.

Explore the fascinating world of moths and discover why they are so important!

Take a daytime walk through any natural habitat and you’ll be surrounded by a large number of moths, but you probably won’t see any of them because they are so good at hiding. However, by running a light trap overnight, we can catch these nocturnal fliers and take an up-close look at them in the morning.

If you haven’t attended a moth-trapping session before, we can guarantee that you will be amazed by the beauty and diversity of moths. As well as going through the night’s catch, we will talk about rare moths at Insh Marshes, such as Dark Bordered Beauty and Cousin German, and how Cairngorms Connect are monitoring moth communities at a landscape scale.

Some areas may be rough underfoot. The route is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, and we recommend sturdy footwear.

Children over 12 welcome, under 18s with an accompanying adult.

Come and celebrate National Meadows Day with us on a walk to enjoy the beauty of summer wildflowers!

We will walk the Invertromie Trail and see lots of different flowers, from the common – such as bird’s-foot trefoil, bedstraws and stitchworts – to the uncommon – such as rockrose and petty whin. The highlight of the walk will be gorgeous Tromie orchid meadow where we will hope to see five species of orchid, including heath fragrant orchid and small white orchid.

Some areas may be rough underfoot. This 5k/3mile route is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, and we recommend sturdy footwear.

Journey down the Speyside Way from the wonderfully restored Grantown East station, learning about history of the Speyside Line.
At the mouth of the Auchernack burn view the magnificent River Spey and hear how local clearances lead to a crofter curse which came true at the railway bridge over the Burn. Journey to the farm of Auchernack to see the Stones of Strength and hear the many legends of the area.
We will then follow the route back to Grantown East, stopping briefly at the Old Spey Bridge.

Why not visit the unique Carriage Restaurant at the station for lunch after the walk and sample one of their incredible Pizzas or daily specials.

Come for a Wildlife Wander with someone from our knowledgeable team to see some of the amazing wildlife that Summer brings to Insh Marshes.

The breeding season for birds is coming to an end, however there is still plenty of other life to be seen on the marshes and in the meadow. The heather should be in full flower and field gentian may be coming into bloom. Wild flowers like knapweed and scabious provide nectar for butterflies.

We will lookout for the nationally scarce scotch argus butterfly which breeds on the reserve and can be the most common butterfly to be seen in August. Dragonflies like black darter and the impressively large golden ringed may also be seen.

Some areas may be rough underfoot. It is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, and we recommend sturdy footwear.

Come for a Wildlife Wander with someone from our knowledgeable team to see some of the amazing wildlife that Summer brings to Insh Marshes.

The breeding season for birds is coming to an end, however there is still plenty of other life to be seen on the marshes and in the meadow.

Colourful wild flowers include sweetly scented orchids, which attract beautiful butterflies and dragonflies. We will lookout for the scarce scotch argus butterfly which feeds on flowers like sunshine-yellow rock rose.

Some areas may be rough underfoot. It is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, and we recommend sturdy footwear.

Come for a Wildlife Wander with someone from our knowledgeable team to see some of the amazing wildlife that Summer brings to Insh Marshes.

On this leisurely walk, the breeding season is well underway so young birds and other creatures like roe deer will be keeping their parents busy. Lapwing chicks will be feeding, running and hiding while relying on their camouflage and their parents to defend them. The marshes and trail are full of life and colourful, scented flowers, including orchids.

Some areas may be rough underfoot. It is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, and we recommend sturdy footwear.