I often ask myself why the Cairngorms National Park is so special. Is it the mountains and lochs, the adrenalin fuelled activities or the plethora of wildlife unique to the area? As the UK’s largest National Park it has so many special places to enjoy across its well cared for landscape; ancient pine forests, some of the highest mountain ranges and a selection of rare and unique wildlife species.
Muckrach Country House Hotel sits in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, enjoying views of the spectacular Cairngorm mountains and the Cromdale Hills. The hotel stands proudly between 2 of the 3 ski resorts in the Cairngorms National Park; the Lecht and the Cairngorm Mountain. Close to the ancient pine forests of Abernethy and Rothiemurchus, which are brimming with heather, juniper bushes (a plus for the gin drinkers amongst us) and aged pine trees. Within this delightful setting dwindling species of wildlife such as the red squirrel and capercaillie thrive. We were lucky enough to be given guided tours by the lovely folk at Speyside Wildlife, whom specialise in guided day tours and dusk watches from their hide.
We spent the day with our guide; Duncan, a naturalist with years of ranger experience. Duncan picked us up from the hotel in their mini bus and chatted about what we were hoping to get out the day, whether there was anywhere or anything we particularly wanted to see. For us, a new team in the Highlands an overview of the stunning landscape and a briefing of the wildlife that enjoys the habitat in the Cairngorms National Park prevailed. Duncan took us to Dorbach, Abernethy and Insh Marshes, locations of natural beauty and wildlife (although the osprey, capercaillie, golden eagles and red squirrels weren’t performing for us that day, or at least hadn’t returned from their migration!) The following evening we went to their hide and spent 2 hours hoping that the wildlife would be enticed by the peanut butter, nuts and eggs. We were not disappointed a male and a female pine marten came along after 90 minutes and entertained us for a while.
The guided day was flexible to our needs, Duncan was friendly and informative. If we wished to change the location or see a particular species then they would move on to the next place, at all times checking our expectations were being met. Muckrach Country House Hotel can help to arrange a bespoke tour for you, if you are keen to see the best of the area or a specific species of wildlife then we can work with Speyside Wildlife to meet your needs.
The Cairngorms National Park is so special because it offers so many different things to so many people. Muckrach Country House Hotel, our 4 star luxury hotel with Coffee Shop & Restaurant, neighbours with a plethora of quality businesses offering unique opportunities to indulge in the Cairngorms National Park. Why not stay with us, or eat with us whilst experiencing the Cairngorms National Park?
