The Natural World

The vast wilderness of Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms is sure to live up to the expectations of any naturalists that visit these parts. With its spectacular mountains, lochs and glens, Royal Deeside is home to more than 100 species of rare and endangered animals and plants.

Golden eagles soar above Loch Muick, ospreys swoop for prey along the River Dee, while magnificent capercaillie forage in pinewoods. The roar of rutting stags can be heard as they clash antlers on higher ground close to the Glenshee Ski Centre and if you’re very lucky you might catch a tune or two from the Scottish crossbill - a bird that is unique to the Cairngorms. Otters, pine martens and even wildcats prowl this diverse landscape, which is also home to the endangered red squirrel.

Much of this wildlife can be seen in its natural habitat on the numerous estates which are dotted across the landscape. Mar Lodge Estate is internationally recognised as the most important nature conservation landscape in the British Isles. The estate contains four of the five highest mountains in the UK. It includes the upper watershed of the River Dee and remnant of Caledonian pine forest of national importance. Glen Tanar Estate with its magnificent native Caledonian pinewood forest has a wide array of plants and wildlife.

Delve deeper into the wildlife experience on offer in Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms by clicking on the links on the left.