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Scotland Tourist Info >
Highlands >
Aviemore & Cairngorms > Nature
Reserves
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Nature reserves and parks in
Aviemore, Cairngorms, Strathspey & Badenoch areas
The Cairngorms boasts 3,800sq.km of habitat and species
restoration within the National Park. High plateau, wide straths,
winding rivers and mile upon mile of wild land. See
capercaillie, red squirrel, pine martens, red deer and so much more.
Try to catch sight of the rare Ptarmigan and Mountain Hare who
change colour from brown in summer to snow-white in winter.
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| Abernethy
Forest is the largest native Scots pinewood in Britain. It offers a
unique mix of woodland and northern bog with a great variety of
homes for breeding birds such as capercaillie, crossbill and crested
tit, osprey and goldeneye.
Abernethy Forest Osprey Centre. Direct views of the osprey nest
and live video images at the centre. The reserve has 3 nature trails
in rare Caledonian pinewoods with guided walks and events in the
summer. Capercaillie watch April to mid May 5.30 - 8pm.
Reserve open at all times. Centre Spring - late summer.
10 miles/16 km east of Aviemore between the villages of Boat of
Garten and Nethybridge off the B970. Follow the RSPB osprey signs
Tel: 01479 831694
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Alvie Estate
- a traditional Highland Estate
overlooking the Cairngorm hills near the village of Kincraig.
For the
physically active there is walking, climbing, skiing, cycling, horse
riding, shooting, quads, fishing, golf, gliding and watersports
locally.
4 miles south of Aviemore.
Tel:
01540 651 255
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Craigellachie
Nature Reserve. The reserve occupies the hill behind the village of
Aviemore. The lower slopes
of the hill of Craigellachie are cloaked in mature birch woodland.
Scenic trails through the Birchwood provide fine views across
Aviemore and Strathspey. Watch out for the peregrine falcons which
regularly nest on the cliff here.
Leave your car
at the
Tourist Information Centre at the end of Aviemore
and take the track between the Youth Hostel and the Caravan
Park. Access to the reserve
is via the subway under the A9 trunk road
Reserve open all year.
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Creag Meagaidh National Nature
Reserve. Sits by the west edge of Loch Laggan. The magnificent
ice-carved crags of Coire Ardair are just one of the attractions of
this varied reserve stretching from loch shore to mountain top.
Vivid demonstration of how readily native woodland of birch, alder,
willow, rowan and oak recovers when the number of garaging animals
is controlled.
On A86 between Newtonmore and Spean Bridge, 10 miles west of Laggan.
Car park. Sleeper walkway to Coire Lochan.
Open all year (no dogs allowed)
Tel: 01528 544265
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Glenmore Forest Park. They have a
series of way marked trails which help the visitor explore this
wonderful landscape. Not only forest walks but cycling routes, loch
side activities and
ranger service. Some species to be seen are osprey, crested tits,
Capercaillie, pine martens, red squirrels and mountain hares. Visitor centre open all year.
Seven miles from Aviemore - take the Cairngorm signs on the south
side of Aviemore
Open all year
Tel: 01479 861220
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Highland Wildlife Park. Kincraig.
Drive around the Main Reserve in your own car and then investigate
the walk-round area by foot.
They have a mass of animals -
highland cattle, red deer, bison, pine martens, pole cats, wolves,
otters, snowy owl, golden eagle, badger, red fox but to name but a
few.
On B9152 seven miles south of Aviemore
Open Apl - Oct
Tel: 01540 651270
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Insh
Marshes
- By Kingussie. One of the most important wetlands in Europe. Spring brings
nesting lapwings, redshanks and curlews and in winter the marshes
flood, providing roosting and feeding for flocks of whooper swans
and greylag geese. The RSPB reserve has 3 nature trails and 2
birdwatching hides.
Open - all times
Species - lapwings, redshank, curlews, whooper swans, greylag geese.
Tel: 01540 661518
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Revack Highland Estate. Visitor
centre with gardens and trails. Children's play area.
B970 Between Grantown and Nethy Bridge
Open All year
Tel: 01479 872234
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Rothiemurchus Highland Estate.
Bags of activities - walking, fishing, clay pigeon shooting,
off-road driving, quad biking.
A951 two miles south of Aviemore.
Open: all year
Tel: 01479 812345
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