Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is a national park in Scotland. It spans the mountains between Scottish Highlands|Highlands region and Aberdeenshire, plus smaller areas of Angus, Perth and Kinross and Moray. The park takes its name from the Cairn Gorm or "Blue Mountain" and surrounding peaks and plateaux, but it also includes the Monadhliath & Grampian ranges to the east and the Angus Glens and the upper valleys of the Spey, Dee and Tay. The park has no entry fees or gates. Permits may be required for activities such as fishing and there are various commercially-run activities such as skiing and pony-trekking. But most of what the park has to offer is free, not least the scenery. Most lodging, eating and similar facilities are in the small towns listed below, especially Aviemore. This page describes facilities that range across the park, or that aren't close to any settlement.

Cairngorms National Park Halal Travel Guide

Cairngorms 01 - The Cairngorms The Cairngorms are crucially a huge block of granite. During the Ice Age and the ice sat on top but didn't move. Elsewhere in Britain (e.g. in the English Lake District) it carved out U-shaped valleys and other distinctive glacial features; here, with the exception of a few narrow valleys such as Lairig Ghru, it just polished the block into a series of rounded tops of similar height. So what was left behind was a plateau at 1000-1200 m altitude, with the peaks of Ben Macdui (1309 m), Braeriach (1296 m), Cairn Toul (1291 m) and Cairn Gorm (1244 m). This creates a habitat for hardy plants and animals that are common in sub-arctic countries but rare in Britain. It's too cold, stony and steep for agriculture and the Caledonian forests in the valleys represent the last stand of the primeval forest that once cloaked Scotland. Modern times have seen encroachment by sheep-farming, game hunting and forestry and climate change has become appreciated as a threat. The area was therefore protected in 2003 by designation as a national park. It's a remarkable wilderness, interspersed by lochs, rivers, woodland and moors. Wildlife includes crossbills, ospreys, capercaillie, golden eagles, red deer, red squirrels, otters and mountain hare. Highlights include:

• the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber), with some 500 inhabiting the Tay valley; likeliest sightings are May-Aug at Loch of the Lowes above Dunkeld.
• a free-roaming herd of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), about 150 between Cairngorm and Glenlivet; just a distant smudge on the moor, but they may come snuffling up for hand-outs.
• you will be very lucky to spot the Scottish wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris), or be sure that it's not just a burly domestic cat - they interbreed enthusiastically and there may be only a few dozen "pure" wildcats out there.

Room for any more? As the UK's largest park, with an area of 4,528 km² (1,748 sq mi) and the Cairngorms may be suitable for re-introduction of long-extinct species such as lynx, wolves and even bears. But this has to be balanced against its IUCN designation as a "Category 5" area, where farming and commercial activity are permitted and tourism is encouraged, within sustainable limits. The family picnic remains safe for now.

Towns

The main service town and access point for the western, larger side of the park is Aviemore GPS 57.200,-3.828, which straggles into Coylumbridge. Other small settlements along or near the primary street A9 are Blair Atholl GPS 56.767,-3.842, Dalwhinnie, Laggan, Newtonmore, Kingussie GPS 57.081,-4.050 and Carrbridge GPS 57.284,-3.815}}. Going down the Spey Valley east from Aviemore are Boat of Garten, Dulnain Bridge and Grantown on Spey GPS 57.330,-3.610}}. The east side of the park, mostly in Aberdeenshire, is smaller and has fewer facilities and most visitors come on daytrips. Small places along the Dee valley are Ballater and Braemar GPS 57.006,-3.399}}.

How to travel to Cairngorms National Park

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Fly to Cairngorms National Park

Inverness and Aberdeen are the closest airports, with connections across Europe and the UK. Edinburgh is a longer drive but has more flights and is west of the city so you drive straight out onto M90 then A9.

Travel by train to Cairngorms National Park

The railway line on the west (Tay & Spey) side of the park has trains between Edinburgh & Glasgow via Perth to Inverness every hour or two, plus the Highland Sleeper running overnight from London Euston to Inverness. Stations along the way (with not all trains stopping) are Dunkeld & Birnam, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl, Dalwhinnie, Newtonmore, Kingussie, Aviemore and Carrbridge. The railway to the east hugs the coast from Dundee to Aberdeen and is always at least 30 miles from the park boundaries. Trains also run from Aberdeen to Elgin, Nairn and Inverness, but it's even less convenient to access the park from that direction.

Take a bus to Cairngorms National Park

The Edinburgh-Inverness route operated by Scottish CityLink goes through the park along the A9.

Rent a Car or Limousine in Cairngorms National Park

The A9 from Perth to Inverness enters the park in the south and follows along the Western side of it to the north east of the park. Follow the A93 from Aberdeen to enter the park from the east.

How to get around in Cairngorms National Park

Travel on a Bus in Cairngorms National Park

Stagecoach operates a few local buses. It is best to plan your journey in advance with Traveline Scotland.

Travel by bicycle in Cairngorms National Park

The 7 National Route 7 passes through the national park roughly following along the A9.

What to see in Cairngorms National Park

Balmoral Castle 2 - Balmoral Castle

• Balmoral Castle Balmoral Estates, Ballater AB35 5T 57.039722, -3.231389 off A93 midway between Ballater and Braemar - Opening Hours: April-July daily 10:00-17:00, occasional guided tours in winter. Adult £11.50 Balmoral Castle - Balmoral Castle Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, bought this land and built a grandiloquent pile of a castle and the prototype of the "Scottish Baronial" style, all mock-turrets and stags heads looming over the stairways. Completed in 1856, it remains the Royal Family's summer holiday home. You can only visit one room within the castle and the ballroom, plus an exhibition in the stables and the gardens. The queen is resident in Aug & Sept, so there is no access then. See website for dates of guided tours in winter.
• Dalwhinnie Distillery 56.940128, -4.238061 - Opening Hours: Open all year Dalwhinnie distillery The highest distillery in Scotland. You can visit the distillery by tour.
• RZSS Highland Wildlife Park 57.1111, -3.97472 ☎ +44 1540 651270 Highland Wildlife Park - Safari park and zoo.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Cairngorms National Park

Mountain biking, canoeing, climbing, walking, horse-riding, sailing, skiing, snowboarding, golf, clay pigeon shooting, canyoning, gorge walking, orienteering, yoga, shinty, wildlife and birdwatching, tennis, swimming, white water rafting, river tubing, archery, fishing.

• Cateran Trail - Cateran Trail Stile on Cateran Trail - - 246951 - kilometers 103 circular hiking route.
• Abernethy Forest 57.243, -3.660 - Abernethy Forest - A large forest (4,000 hectares) originating from the ancient Caledonian Forest. The forest is part of a larger National Nature Reserve and is great for wildlife spotting. The main entrance points are near Loch Garten in the west and near Nethy Bridge in the north.
• Laggan Wolftrax 57.00075, -4.31689 about 35km south west from Aviemore; on the A86, between Spean Bridge and Newtonmore ☎ +44 1479 861220 - A network of purpose-built mountain bike trails, with a café, shop and bike hire.
• Skiing: there are three downhill skiing facilities within the park:
• Cairngorm Mountain PH22 1RB 57.13372, -3.67028 15 miles east of Aviemore, Stagecoach Bus 31 runs every 30 mins ☎ +44 1479 861261 Opening Hours: Closed Cairngorm Mountain Railway - Cairn gorm funicular A skiing area on the slopes of Cairngorm. Main access is by funicular railway up to the "Ptarmigan" and the top station at 1097 meters. This runs all year, but (apart from occasional guided walks), only skiers / snowboarders may leave the top station. So you can't ride up and walk down, but you may walk up and ride down. An adult day-ticket is £13.50, which only covers the funicular. Skiers need the Snowsport Pass covering all the lifts (funicular plus 6 Pomas & 4 T-bars), adult day-ticket £37. The main runs from Ptarmigan to Mid Station are White Lady and Coire Cas - these can get horribly congested and below Mid Station (765 m) there's often insufficient snow. Conditions are often better just east in Coire na Ciste: the top area is gentle and good for novices and then it steepens to a gully popular for free-style - there's a half-pipe when there's enough snow. Cafes and loos at base, mid and top station. No dogs except guide dogs on the funicular.

  The funicular and therefore the whole resort, is closed since Oct 2018 because of damage to the track supports and the managing company went bust. It's been taken over by HIE, which is making repairs to the T-bar and Poma tows and skiing may again be feasible from January 2022. But this will be very limited uplift compared to the funicular and no date has been announced for full re-opening.

• Glenshee Ski Centre Cairnwell, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5XU 56.88680, -3.41569 on the A93, 15km south of Braemar ☎ +44 13397 41320
• The Lecht 2090 Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, AB36 8YP 57.20106, -3.24798 on the A939, 30 kilometers northeast of Ballater ☎ +44 1975 651440

Halal Restaurants & Food in Cairngorms National Park

And see individual towns listed above.

• Gordon's Tearoom and Restaurant Mar Road, Braemar , +44 1339 741611
• Goodbrand & Ross tea room Corgarff, Strathdon 57.162395, -3.185195 +44 1975 651433 -

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Cairngorms National Park, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Cairngorms National Park. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Cairngorms National Park and its surrounding regions. With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Cairngorms National Park. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values. The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Cairngorms National Park. Key components include: Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Cairngorms National Park: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Cairngorms National Park. Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Cairngorms National Park: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Cairngorms National Park, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Cairngorms National Park. Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Cairngorms National Park, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations. Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Cairngorms National Park, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values. Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Cairngorms National Park and beyond. Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Cairngorms National Park, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Cairngorms National Park, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Cairngorms National Park without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients." The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Cairngorms National Park is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Cairngorms National Park. About eHalal Travel Group: eHalal Travel Group Cairngorms National Park is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values. For Halal business inquiries in Cairngorms National Park, please contact: eHalal Travel Group Cairngorms National Park Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Cairngorms National Park

eHalal Group Cairngorms National Park is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Cairngorms National Park. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Cairngorms National Park. At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Cairngorms National Park ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property. For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Cairngorms National Park. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living. If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Cairngorms National Park, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values. For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Cairngorms National Park are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan 2024 Celebrations in Cairngorms National Park

Ramadan 2025 in Cairngorms National Park

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Cairngorms National Park

And see individual towns listed above. There are plenty of hotels, self-catering cottages and hotels throughout the park and a couple of Caravan & Camping parks.

• Glen Clova Hotel Glenclova 56.844388, -3.104161 ☎ +44 1575 550350 Average prices are £20 per person per day for bunkhouse stays, £110 per day for hotel rooms, £550 for a few nights stay in a luxury lodge - Offers dog-friendly hotel rooms, lodges and shared sleeping spaces (bunkhouses). The bunkhouse has washrooms and a full kitchen; bring your own towels and soap. Some lodging packages include breakfast, use the website's check availability feature to see what packages are available. Also has a restaurant that has a cat friendly section. You can get a packed lunch here.

Go camping in Cairngorms National Park

• Spey Bridge Caravan & Camping Park Perth Road, Newtonmore 57.056784, -4.129997 ☎ +44 1540 673275

Backcountry

You can camp out in the wilderness if you are in a small group for a couple of nights, although you must stay away from houses and not disturb any livestock.

Stay Safe

Check the cottish-forecast/EH/ Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS)] for Scotland before going hiking in the mountains.

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Cairngorms National Park

• Rannoch Moor
• Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park — Scotland's first National Park

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