Visiting the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd & Quad Bike Trekking in Aviemore, Scotland
The Cairngorms National Park is one of Scotland’s two national park areas and is an absolute adventure paradise. There are so many things to do, most of them focused on some element of nature or wildlife in the area.
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Above photos: Cairngorms National Park
We thoughtfully chose how we wanted to spend our limited time in the Cairngorms from a very long list of options. A couple things we had on our list that didn’t make the final cut included the Highland Folk Museum and the Highland Wildlife Park. There is truly something for everyone depending on your interest and abilities.
An overview of our complete 10-Day Scottish Highlands Road Trip itinerary can be found here.
We decided early on that visiting the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd was our priority. The Hill Hike consists of a short hike out to the herd, but it varies depending on where the herd roams. They are a free-ranging herd that are monitored closely, so the guides always know exactly where to lead you.
Above photos: Cairngorms National Park
Our trip was in early September. The reindeer were starting to shed the velvet on their antlers and grow winter coats as their bodies prepared for cooler weather.
Above photo: Cairngorm Reindeer, Cairngorms National Park
The guides are extremely knowledgable about the herd and also care for them. We learned so much about these wonderful, friendly creatures and their environment in the Cairngorm Mountains.
While we were visiting, we got caught in some pretty heavy rain. Thankfully, we wore the right gear and were prepared so it didn’t affect our plans or deter us from lingering.
Above photos: Cairngorm Reindeer, Cairngorms National Park
We had a short break between our visit with the reindeer and our next activity, which was a Quad Bike trek. We grabbed a quick lunch at a cozy cafe called The Barn, which was conveniently right next to our meeting spot for the Quad Bikes.
Jason & I have ridden ATVs on other trips and knew this would be a fun way to see the Rothiemurchus Estate. We had a quick refresher lesson before our guide took us out to the trail. The Rothiemurchus Estate is a working farm so there is livestock present and other farming activity. Past the farm, the trail goes back into the wooded areas of the estate and through amazing fields of Scottish bell heather, which was in full bloom. We had a blast!
Above photos: Rothiemurchus Estate
About an hour from Aviemore, our next stop was Cawdor Castle in Nairn. We arrived mid-afternoon with sufficient time to explore the castle and gardens. Cawdor was the second property we visited on Scotland’s Historic Houses registry.
We ran into more rain as we arrived at Cawdor, but it blew over quickly and we were left with misty, overcast skies by the time we walked out for our tour through the gardens.
Above photos: Cawdor Castle, Nairn
Cawdor Castle has a stately feel with formal rooms and an impressive tapestry collection. The posted information in each room describes in detail key pieces of furniture, artwork, and clothing.
Above photos: Interiors at Cawdor Castle, Nairn
The gardens had started their progression to autumn. There was something so poetic about the “last hurrah” of the flowers and trees still trying to hold on to their color for a final show. We had the place to ourselves, which we loved.
Above photos: Cawdor Castle and Gardens
Next up: Continue reading about our trip through the Highlands as we journeyed on towards Inverness with stops at Culloden Moor and the stones at Clava Cairns.
To continue to Day 3: Culloden, Clava Cairns, and Inverness of our Scottish Highlands Road Trip, click here.
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