Cairngorm Herd

Nature preserve · Highland

Cairngorm Herd

Nature preserve · Highland

1

Reindeer House, Glenmore, Aviemore PH22 1QU, United Kingdom

Photos

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Cairngorm Herd by b3725 (Atlas Obscura User)
Cairngorm Herd by Walter Baxter (cc by-sa 2.0)
Cairngorm Herd by Walter Baxter (cc by-sa 2.0)
Cairngorm Herd by Robin McConnell (cc by 2.0)
Cairngorm Herd by Walter Baxter (cc by-sa 2.0)
Cairngorm Herd by null
Cairngorm Herd by null
Cairngorm Herd by null
Cairngorm Herd by null
Cairngorm Herd by null
Cairngorm Herd by null
Cairngorm Herd by null
Cairngorm Herd by null
Cairngorm Herd by null
Cairngorm Herd by null
Cairngorm Herd by null
Cairngorm Herd by null
Cairngorm Herd by null
Cairngorm Herd by null
Cairngorm Herd by null
Cairngorm Herd by null
Cairngorm Herd by null
Cairngorm Herd by null
Cairngorm Herd by null

Highlights

Discover the UK's only wild reindeer herd in the stunning Cairngorm Mountains, where you can hike, feed, and get up close with these charming creatures.  

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Reindeer House, Glenmore, Aviemore PH22 1QU, United Kingdom Get directions

cairngormreindeer.co.uk

Information

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Reindeer House, Glenmore, Aviemore PH22 1QU, United Kingdom Get directions

+44 1479 861228
cairngormreindeer.co.uk
cairngormreindeerherd
𝕏
@ReindeerHerd

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

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@atlasobscura

"Despite what Santa may have led you to believe, you don’t have to head to the North Pole or wait until Christmas to spot reindeer. An entire herd of these charismatic antlered beasts roams within Scotland. In the Cairngorm Mountains, you’ll find the United Kingdom’s only herd of free-range reindeer. Currently, about 150 of the hooved creatures call the rugged mountains home. They aren’t wild by any means—quite a few of them are put to work making public appearances or pulling sleighs during the holiday season—but they are allowed to wander as they wish within a 10,000-acre chunk of land. Reindeer once lived in the U.K., but the last wild ones disappeared about 800 years ago. In 1952, a Lappish man from northern Sweden named Mikel Utsi and his wife Dr. Ethel John Lindgren shipped a small group of reindeer over from Sweden to reintroduce the animals to the country. They chose to establish the herd in the Cairngorms, as the area’s unusual subarctic climate made it the only suitable place in the U.K. Their ecological experiment was a success. The reindeer have thrived in the often windy, dismal climate. They spend their days strolling around the hillsides, pausing to munch on a seemingly endless natural buffet of grass, birch leaves, and lichen (their feed is supplemented with grain, too). Because the reindeer are allowed to cover so much ground, it can actually be a bit hard to track them down at times. But pop in for a visit at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, and you’ll be able to meet a handful of friendly reindeer hanging out in one of the paddocks, waiting to greet curious visitors. The center also houses a tiny shop stuffed with a trove of reindeer-related trinkets." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

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View Postcard for Cairngorm Reindeer Herd

Betsy

Google
Such a unique experience. But PLEASE humans, do NOT touch the reindeer except during the approved feeding time. The staff have these rules for a reason and it is 100% for the safety and quality of life for the reindeer. Don't be selfish and entitled and think "oh one stroke won't hurt anything." Stop being a selfish brat and please follow the rules! Okay soap box over. I 100% recommend this experience. Beautiful setting and it's so cool to learn about the history of the reindeer in the area!

Erin Kershaw

Google
Amazing experience! These reindeer are back in Scotland because of this organization. They have 1200 acres of fenced area and they control the population by separating the males and females each half of the year. They bought back these beautiful animals and keep the herd around 150 by doing this. They are all healthy and sweet, gentle creatures. What an experience to walk with them and see them up close! Feeding them was cool, but the walk was great, especially seeing how they care for them properly and unlike a zoo. We will be back!

Mallory Chung

Google
We went on the Hill Walk to meet the reindeer in early September and it was an incredible experience. Getting to feed the reindeer and spend time among them ended up being the perfect way to end our 11 day cross country road trip. If you have the chance to book this trip don’t hesitate. Glenmore Campsite is also a good place to stay in the area.

Cadrian Aubrae Shortway

Google
Beautiful landscape and adorable reindeer. The guide took us up with a group. Beautiful hike, my husband and 5 year old also loved it! The guides were lovely and knowledgeable. These reindeer are beautiful, well respected and taken care of. We absolutely loved the experience.

Rachael B

Google
An amazing experience definitely worth doing if you're in the area! The Herders are very knowledgeable and know all of the reindeers by name and they really care about their welfare. You get to hand feed them for a bit but mostly you get to walk amongst them taking photos and see them up close which is amazing! The walk up to the herd was not too long, steep in places but for the most part a fairly easy hike.

Nora Gregory

Google
I discovered about the herd a few years ago but it wasn't until our holiday was planned I could purchase tickets for the hillside visit. Booking opens 30 days in advance so I set myself a reminder to be certain I wouldn't miss the opportunity. Having collected our pass we drove to the designated carpark and met with our guide to take the walk up the mountain side to the paddocks. Our time with the reindeer was fantastic. The reindeer appear intimidating due to the size of their antlers but in truth they are very friendly and happily come and softly snuffle the food straight from your hands. Leaving the hillside we walked back down the trail picking will blueberries as we walked through the heather and across the pretty river. Our afternoon with the reindeer, combined with location will be a lasting reminder. It was a truly magnificent afternoon. An extra note is the souvenirs at the Centre are plentiful in choice and offer great value and the money goes straight back to the car of the reindeer

Laura Stirling

Google
Can not rate this highly enough! 😃🥰 Had a wonderful visit here yesterday. All the guides were extremely friendly, highly knowledgeable and kept us all in check and following the rules (mainly the adult humans requiring updates!) We were incredibly lucky to have a large amount of the herd in the pasture and you really are up close and personal with the reindeer. Highly recommend this excursion if you can.

Hema N.

Google
The Hill Walk experience was so amazing. Sign up for the Hill Walk online, there are limits to the number of people and even at the end of September, the days were getting sold out on the morning of, so book at least one day in advance. At Cairngorm Herd Centre (where there's also a gift shop) you pick up your tickets and they'll give you directions to the carpark (continue past the Centre from the direction of Aviemore) to another parking lot. From this lot is where a small 20 min hike starts to the Reindeer area. The hike is not long but does require a short climb (with rock steps). The reindeer were very friendly, wandering around us while waiting for their food. The feeding went very quickly as they love the feed, but just being able to wander around the Reindeer was super fun. Once you're done the feeding you can stay or leave for as long as you'd like. The hike back is at your own pace on your own.