Glenmore, near Aviemore, in the Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorm Reindeer Herd

experience · Wildlife watching

Place photograph

8.0

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Paid

Cost

Wild

Feel

Remote countrysideHillsWildlife loversPhotographersFamilies

Why it's Wildland

8.0

Join a herder on the Cairngorm mountainside and meet Scotland’s free-ranging reindeer herd at close quarters, with a short hand-feeding session and time to learn about the animals.

This is a distinctive wildlife encounter shaped by its mountain setting: rather than viewing reindeer from behind a barrier, visitors walk up with a herder and spend time among the herd. The approach crosses rough ground, and the weather and footing can be challenging.

Wild · Atmospheric

Find your way

Open map

Glenmore, near Aviemore, in the Cairngorms National Park

Opening map…

Explore around here Get directions

Know this place a little better?

Add photos Add video Add a waypoint Improve information Report a change

The experience

The guided hill trip starts with a short drive in your own vehicle, followed by a 20–40 minute walk over rough terrain to the reindeer. Once with the herd, visitors hear from a herder, take photographs and have a short hand-feeding session. The full trip usually takes around 1.5–2 hours, depending on weather and the animals. This is a hands-off encounter apart from the brief feeding session: visitors are not allowed to pet or stroke the reindeer.

Things to do

Walk up to the reindeer with a herder

Follow the guided route over rough ground to reach the herd on the mountainside. The walk takes around 20–40 minutes, depending on the time of year.

20–40 minutes each way

Observe the herd at close quarters

Spend time among the reindeer while the herder shares information about them. Visitors can take photographs; the experience is otherwise hands-off.

Take part in the short hand-feeding session

The guided trip includes a brief opportunity to feed the reindeer. Petting and stroking are not allowed.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Around 1.5–2 hours

Meet the herd on a guided hill trip

01
Book a hill trip in advance, particularly during holiday periods.
02
Drive your own vehicle along the main road as directed by the operator; a small parking fee applies.
03
Join the herder for a 20–40 minute walk over rough terrain to the reindeer.
04
Spend time among the herd, hear about the animals and take photographs.
05
Take part in the short hand-feeding session; do not pet or stroke the reindeer.

When to go

· Check current trip availability and conditions with the operator.

The operator says guided hill trips generally run from the February half term through the Christmas holidays. It warns that conditions from February to April can be more extreme and recommends May onwards for younger children.

The operator says the ground can be muddy, wet, snowy or icy. Wellies or hiking boots, a waterproof jacket and warm clothing are essential; visitors without suitable clothing may not be able to join the trip.

What to look for

Notice how the herd moves and behaves in its mountain setting, and listen to the herder’s explanations of the reindeer. Keep the encounter hands-off except for the guided feeding session.

The story

Reindeer in the Cairngorms

Best time to go

Hill trips generally run from the February half term through the Christmas holidays. The operator advises that conditions from February to April can be more extreme and recommends May onwards for younger children.

The operator runs hill trips most days during its published season and recommends booking ahead, especially during holiday periods. Check current availability and conditions when planning.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Families

Practical information

Opening & access

The guided hill trip is a bookable, paid experience. It includes a short drive in your own vehicle and a guided walk over rough terrain; pre-booking is highly recommended.

Parking

The trip includes a short drive along the main road in your own vehicle; a small parking fee applies. Check current arrangements before travelling.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The hill trip involves a 20–40 minute guided walk over rough terrain and requires a good level of fitness. Check with the operator about access needs before booking.

Check before visiting

Cost

Paid