Cairngorm Mountains
Chair lifts lead to observation point, short distance from top of Cairn Gorm -- mountain
from which range gets its name. Paths along range take energetic walkers through
moss, campions and creeping rhododendrons. Golden eagles, capercaillies, deer, ptarmi-gan
and wildcats. Awe-inspiring Ben Macdui is highest mountain in range, rising 4294ft.
Craigellachie
Nature reserve to north-west of Aviemore is mainly birch forest on lower slopes.
Plants and wildlife include rowans, wych elms, bog myrtles, red grouse, spotted fly-catchers.
Among rare moths is Kentish Glory (flies March-May). Breeding peregrine falcons nest
on imposing granite cliff above Aviemore; kestrels and jackdaws also favour cliffs
for nesting.
Gleann Einich
Loch lies at foot of glacial hollow. Reached by good hike from Glen-more Forest Park
along tracks once used by cattle thieves.
Glenlivet Estate
Working Highland estate seen from guided tours in Land Rover, focusing on history,
landscape, wildlife and land use.
Glenmore Forest Park
Walking routes lead through pine, spruce and Douglas fir, but one-fifth of park is
mountainside above tree line. Wildlife includes roe deer, red squirrels, wildcats,
foxes, badgers, golden eagles, whooper swans, ducks, grouse, woodpeckers and Britain's
only herd of reindeer.
Glenmuick and Lochnagar Wildlife Reserve
Walks and trails -- some easy, others needing proper equipment -- lead through azaleas,
red campions, and cranberry and bilberry bushes. Wildlife includes red deer, mountain
hares and adders.
Glenshee Chairlift
Ascends Cairnwell mountain from summit of Britain's highest main-road pass, 3,061ft.
Loch Garten
Hide and closed-circuit TV allow viewings of pairs of nesting ospreys, for a long
time extinct in Scotland. Reserve, much of which is Caledonian pine forest, home
to roe deer, red deer, wildcats, red squirrels and crossbills.
