Visit the reindeer in Cairngorms National Park for a unique and magical experience in Scotland. The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is the only free-ranging reindeer herd in the UK, and they have been part of the landscape since 1952. It was one of my favourite days in Scotland, as we got to get up close and feed the herd! Here’s what you need to know for visiting the reindeer:
Visiting the Reindeer:
- Guided Hill Trips: To see the reindeer in the wild, you must join a guided trip. These trips allow you to walk up into the hills with a knowledgeable guide who will lead you to the herd. The hike is relatively easy, but it can be a bit slippy at times.
- Duration: The hill trip typically lasts 1.5-2 hours.
- Seasonal Access: These trips run year-round. The exact meeting point may vary between the Glenmore base or nearby spots depending on where the herd is grazing at the time.
- Cost: There is a fee for the guided tours, but it is generally affordable and goes towards the care of the reindeer.
- Clothing: You MUST wear hiking boots. You will not be allowed to go visit the herd wearing standard trainers. This is for your own safety as the land tends to be very wet. Considering the trip takes around 2hours, the staff do not want you to get sick by wearing wet shoes for that long. I also highly recommend wearing waterproof trousers over your clothes, and a jacket. I wore mine and thank goodness I did because it rained HARD.
Visit the Reindeer at Cairngorms National Park
- Paddocks at the Centre: If you prefer not to hike, you can visit the reindeer paddocks located at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre. Here, a small group of reindeer is kept year-round for visitors to see up close. This is a great option for families with young children or those who are unable to join the hill trip.
- Paddock Visits: These visits are shorter and allow you to learn about the reindeer while seeing them in a more accessible setting.
- Advance Booking: It is highly recommend to book in advance online. This is becoming a popular tour in Scotland and the availability is limited. If you are planning to visit during peak times (holidays and weekends) you absolutely need to book in well in advance!
The Reindeer Herd at Cairngorms National Park:
- Location: The herd roams freely across the Cairngorm mountains in the Scottish Highlands. The base of operations for visitors is in Glenmore, where the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre is located.
- Free-roaming: While it says that the herd are free-roaming, the Cairngorm reindeer herd is not entirely free to roam wherever they please across the whole of the Cairngorms. The herd’s movement is managed to ensure their well-being and to keep them within a specific range of land. The herders guide them between different grazing areas depending on the season, weather conditions, and food availability. This is to ensure that the reindeer do not overgraze any one area and remain healthy.
- The reindeer live in their natural environment and exhibit wild behaviors. They forage for their food, breed naturally, and engage in the seasonal migratory patterns typical of reindeer herds. So, while their movements are monitored and guided by the herders, they do experience a relatively natural and autonomous lifestyle in the wild.
- Number of Reindeer: The herd consists of around 150 reindeer, which are well-suited to the cold, subarctic climate of the Cairngorms. The reindeer have been carefully managed, and they live in a semi-wild state, grazing in the mountains.
- Reindeer History: Originally introduced by a Swedish reindeer herder named Mikel Utsi, reindeer are native to Scotland but disappeared thousands of years ago. Thanks to conservation efforts, they now thrive in the Cairngorms.
Best Time to Visit the Reindeer at Cairngorms National Park:
- Autumn and Winter: Visiting during autumn or winter can be particularly special, as the Cairngorms are often snow-covered, and the reindeer are in their element. You might even see them with full antlers!
- Spring and Summer: In warmer months, the landscape is lush and green, and the reindeer are often grazing on the higher slopes.
What to Expect:
- Close Encounters: The reindeer are used to human presence and are very approachable. You may get the chance to feed and interact with them during the guided tours.
- Spectacular Scenery: The Cairngorms provide a breathtaking backdrop, with expansive views, rugged mountains, and vast skies. Visiting in autumn gives you the bonus of stunning autumnal colours.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Weather Conditions: Weather in the Cairngorms can be unpredictable, so dress warmly and be prepared for potentially cold and wet conditions, especially in autumn and winter.
- Fitness Level: While the hill walk is not strenuous, a reasonable level of fitness is required as it involves walking on uneven terrain.
Practical Information:
- Getting There: The Reindeer Centre is located near Glenmore, about 20 minutes’ drive from Aviemore. Public transport is available, but driving offers more flexibility.
- Accessibility: The paddock visits are accessible to all, but the hill trips require the ability to walk on uneven and sometimes steep ground.
You can find more detailed information and book your visit through the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre website.
Visiting the reindeer is an unforgettable experience that combines the beauty of the Cairngorms with the rare chance to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
Other Activities Nearby:
- Aviemore: The town of Aviemore is a popular base for visitors to the Cairngorms, offering a range of accommodation, dining, and outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and wildlife tours.
- Loch Morlich: A beautiful nearby loch where you can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply take in the scenery.
- Cairngorm Mountain Funicular: Ride up Cairn Gorm Mountain for incredible views and access to more hiking routes.