Cairn Gorm

One of the most spectacular high-level footpaths runs from the mountain peaks - accessible all the year round by chairlift - via Cairn Gorm to Glenmore Lodge (6.5mi/10.4km from Aviemore). Cairn Gorm has lent its name to the whole region but, at 4,084ft/1,245m, it is only the fourth-highest peak after Ben Macdui, Braeriach (4,248ft/1,295m) and Cairn Toul (4,241ft/1,293m).

The easiest route to the summits is by the White Lady chairlift. Several lochs including Loch Avon and Loch-an-Eilean lie between the pinky red granite mountains which emerged during the Ice Age. The summits of Braeriach, Cairn Toul and The Devil's Point probably offer the most impressive views. Heather moorland, partly wooded with birch trees, provides good breeding grounds for some rare bird species such as ospreys, ptarmigan, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, dotterel, snow bunting and merlins. Mammals such as the pine marten and reindeer, introduced from Swedish Lapland in 1952, can sometimes be seen in Glen More Forest.