Loch Morlich, seen from the col on Meall a'Bhuachaille

Cairngorms

Walking in the Cairngorms National Park, which was formed in 2003 to protect the unique aspects of the area, offers some of the great walks of Scotland. It is the UK's largest national park with a large mountain range at its heart with diverse communities around it. The habitat offers a secure haven for many of Britain's rarest bird, animal and plant species. Forests include remnants of the original Caledonian pine forest which contrast with large areas of heather moorland to foster ecological diversity. Of particular interest to hill walkers is that four of Scotland's five highest peaks can be found in this National Park where the arctic wilderness is the largest example of arctic mountain landscape in the British Isles. More Information