birdWatching in the hIghlands
locHs and marshes
There’s a plethora of Nature Reserves and RSPB-protected sites spread across the Cairngorms, where you can spot the local birdlife hunting, feeding, swimming and nesting.
Loch Garten is a large freshwater loch renowned for its population of ospreys, which can be spotted with binoculars and telescopes from RSPB hides on the banks. Or choose one of three nature trails to the reserve at Insh Marshes, home to populations of waders like curlews, lapwings, redshanks and snipes.
Glenmore forest
Glenmore Forest Park is a vast area of forest circling the mountains and part of Britain’s largest area of native woodland. Wander the trails amongst carpets of soft purple heather and look out for birds like the Scottish crossbill and crested tit flitting among the Scots pines.
cairNgorms national Park
The Cairngorms National Park covers 1,748 square miles of towering mountains, sprawling forests and glistening lochs. The Park is home to over a quarter of the rare and endangered species in the UK, including capercaillie, Scottish wildcats, red squirrels, golden eagles and red deer.
The nine National Nature Reserves across the Cairngorms work to protect the wildlife and landscapes and provide plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with the stunning flora and fauna.
planning your experiEnce
We recommend spending the second day of your adventure through Scotland exploring the vast Cairngorms National Park.
Avid and amateur birdwatchers alike can marvel at the rich diversity of birdlife across the park, finding plenty of spots to stop and watch our feathered friends going about their business.
build yoUr uniQue journey
Get the most out of your Celtic Routes journey and build your adventure around the experiences that matter to you. Talk to us about planning your unique trip of a lifetime.
