The Cairngorms area acquired National Park status in September 2003 because it is unique, special and needs to be cared for. Twenty five percent of Britain’s threatened birds, animals and plants can be found in the park which includes moorlands, forests, river, lochs and glens. At its centre is the largest area of artic mountain landscape.

The Southern Cairngorm search area covers the second highest mountain in Scotland, Ben Macdui (1309m) and stretches to the top of the crags of Coire an t Sneachda.

View across the Cairngorms

Access via the southern side allows for a good day out or a small expedition.  The Ben Macdui horse shoe which includes Derry Cairngorm and Carn a Mhaim is a popular walk.  Spectacular views of the Ben Avon basin can be seen.  Within the shadow of this stunning mountain are Beinn a Bhuird, Ben Avon and many other mountain’s which are keenly ticked off on a day’s munro bagging and form part of the six tops challenge.

From the northern side the area stretches down at the top of Glen Tilt to the Glenshee Ski Centre, revolves round the top of Glen Doll and Jocks Road encompassing Lochnagar on Royal Deeside and MountKeen before following the Dee to Aberdeen.

Use the A93, which runs from Aberdeen to Perth, to access the southern side of the park, car parks are found at the Spittal Of Glenmuick (Lochnagar), Linn of Dee (Braemar) and Glenshee Ski Centre.  There is a regular bus service from Aberdeen to Braemar and a local post bus service.

Search dog Midge playing with his toy after a positive find.

Corrie of Lochnagar

Few people leave the Cairngorms without having a fond memory of their visit.