Cairngorm Herd | Aviemore | Scotland | United Kingdom

Cairngorm Herd

Sightseeing attraction | Aviemore | Scotland | United Kingdom

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is the only freely roaming reindeer herd in the United Kingdom, located in the Cairngorm Mountains near Aviemore in Scotland. The herd was introduced in 1952 by Swedish reindeer herder Mikel Utsi and his wife Dr. Ethel Lindgren, who recognized that the subarctic environment of the Cairngorms was ideal for reindeer. Since then, the herd has grown to about 150 animals, grazing in the mountains and on the Glenlivet Estate.

Visitors have the opportunity to experience the reindeer in their natural habitat. Guided Hill Trips lead participants on a 25- to 30-minute walk to the herds, where they can observe the animals up close, feed them, and learn more about their way of life. These trips last about 1.5 to 2 hours in total and require adequate physical fitness as well as appropriate footwear and weatherproof clothing, as the terrain is often uneven and weather conditions can be unpredictable.

For those who are unable or unwilling to undertake a mountain hike, the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre in Glenmore offers the opportunity to visit a small group of reindeer in enclosures. Here, visitors can also learn more about the animals and their history.

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is not only a tourist attraction but also plays an important role in the region's ecosystem. The reindeer contribute to the preservation of the natural landscape and are a living example of successful conservation efforts. A visit to the herd therefore offers not only a unique experience but also valuable insights into the importance of conservation in the Scottish Highlands.
Cairngorm Herd Aviemore

Contact details

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Address
Reindeer House, Glenmore
PH22 1QU Aviemore

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Reviews

1920 Reviews

Michael Malick
26.01.2025

The hill walk was a highlight of our trip to Scotland. Seeing so many reindeer and getting to feed them was a breathtaking experience.
Steve Marsden
16.01.2025

Great experience
Richard Christie
05.01.2025

Visited the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre on Saturday - what an absolutely fab day out! Arrived at the centre to collect tickets, drive on to the smallish size Sugarbowl Carpark and met the two fantastic guides. They explained the days events and could not have been more professional and enthusiastic about their job. There is a very easy hike through the forest leading eventually to the hillside above the tree line. It had been snowing but the weather was perfect - the herd were called down and you have the opportunity to hand feed them. To be able to experience the herd this close was amazing. You get to stay up on the hill for as long as you want, there was no rush at all. Whether on your own or with family it is a great day out and worth every penny. Highly recommended if you want to do something really different and educational. The views were fantastic. Thank you to the two guides - 5 stars from me - and to the herd for putting up with all the ooo’s and aaahhh’s and being so patient getting their photos taken 🥰
Dion J
05.01.2025

This was a wonderfully unique and magical experience!! I would do it again for sure! A full dusting of snow turned the forest into a majestic walk and the reindeer looked right at home. Cam & Cass (?) were terrific guides, clear and concise instructions and then available for all the questions. To be in and around the reindeer was truly amazing. Do it if you have the chance.
David Ford
03.01.2025

2nd time of visiting the herd, it’s a fantastic visit and staff and centre are excellent. Would highly recommend this outing
Jane Hazzard
01.01.2025

My Daughter has adopted a reindeer for the past 8 years after our 1st visit. We came back in 2023 and did a herd trip and it was fantastic. We came again on Monday and were lucky enough to see her reindeer again. The team are so kind and friendly I would recommend the trip to anyone.
Flora van der Erve
31.12.2024

Our visit to the reindeer herd was amazing! The reindeer are very friendly - we were allowed to hand-feed them (there is a no petting policy, however). The herders were happy to answer any questions we had and the panels around the paddock were very informative, so we learned a lot! Incredible animals and a great experience!
Hannah Cote
14.08.2023

My boyfriend surprised me with us visiting the reindeer herd. I honestly was not sure what to expect but let me tell you, it was easily was of the best things I experienced on our trip to Scotland. It was a 20 min walk to this open field on the side of the mountain. It was a very easy walk and the sites along the way were beautiful. We learned the history of the reindeer and how they're cared for. We got to feed and interact with the reindeer as long as we liked. Just how close we were able to get to these majestic creatures was something out of a book. Hannah and Emily-Kate, our tour guides were amazing. Emily-Kate snapped the best photo my boyfriend and I have ever taken. This experience was magical!
Anthony Jones
30.12.2024

Excellent
Nicola Niven
29.12.2024

What an experience... an amazing trip to see the reindeers who came running down the mountain to meet us. The 2 ladies were so informative and friendly and made it a fun trip. We were able to hand feed them which was a treat. A once in a lifetime experience we will remember for an long long time.
Darren MacRae
29.12.2024

Excellent place, excited to see the new build centre once it's completed, too 🦌
Kobus Beytell
29.12.2024

Did not go up the hull but saw the ones at the centre was informative
Connor O'Neill
29.12.2024

Such a good experience, def wear your wellies
Hillery Cecil
28.12.2024

My family gifted me a Reindeer adoption for Christmas. Then they booked a hike and called ahead to make sure my Reindeer was in the enclosure, which she was. The hike was AMAZING!! Our guides were SO patient and answered all the questions. They made sure I found my Reindeer and got to feed her AND her baby! The whole experience was one of the best in my life! It is a must do!
Rachna jhankal
28.12.2024

This was very memorable experience meeting reindeers and learning interesting facts. Each staff is very friendly and helpful and enthusiastic with all the stories they tell us about. Would love to do the trek again to see reindeers, such beautiful creatures.
Roshane Amaranayake
26.12.2024

Once in a lifetime experience, super friendly staff
Leah James
21.12.2024

Lovely knowledgeable reindeer visit, they were in the middle of building a new visitor centre but it didn't spoil the experience. Well worth the small entry fee that goes directly to the welfare of the herd. Be aware that a sat nav will send you up the left lane, however parking is along the road.
Allan Saunders
20.12.2024

Just got back from Aviemore again and while there went on our second reindeer trip. Last time was in the spring so a winter visit this time. Beautiful cold clear day made the trip even better. We were just below the snow line on the mountain so that added to the experience. Thoroughly enjoyed it again, worth every penny. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and ensure a hands on experience when you get to hand feed the deer. Great value for money and it all supports a great cause. We will definitely go again.
Heather Lawrie
19.12.2024

Attending a charity fundraiser for 'Spud' our local celebrity and resident Cairngorm Hotel piper, wonderful food, brilliant staff which helped create a warm atmosphere. Brilliant place for a Christmas Night out or fundraiser.
David
17.12.2024

Could not fault this experience, we both enjoyed it very much, thank you both!
Emma Wood
07.12.2024

Done the hill walk up to see the reindeer. Walk not hard, but there are some steep bits. Guides are really informative and really friendly too. It was nice to see the reindeer up close and watch them interact for a while.
Al DarB
07.12.2024

Unfortunately due to bad weather we were unable to do the hill walk however we did get to see the Reindeer paddock and learn about the herd from the very knowledgeable and welcoming staff. We will visit again and hopefully have better weather to visit the herd on the hill
Leena Pandit
05.12.2024

This is probably one of the best experiences I’ve had. I would advise people to make sure they adhere to the clothing guidelines they give. The short walk to the fields where the reindeers are roaming was lovely; helped by the fact that it had snowed and looked very beautiful. The reindeer herders were knowledgeable and the reindeers themselves were really sweet. It was great fun watching them and feeding them. I just wanted to cuddle and kiss them all but they don’t like to be touched so I had to restrain myself. At the time of writing this, the visitor centre and paddock was still being built but there is a cafe/bar about 5 minutes walk away should you like a spot of lunch afterwards. Once the visitor centre has finished being built, that will also house a cafe I believe. Great day out. I have adopted the reindeer herd and I would recommend others to do it as it is worth the money I feel.
Chintan Shah
05.12.2024

Awesome experience. Excellent reindeer herders Ben and Lucette. Perfect instructions and preparatory emails were sent so we were aware of what to wear and prepared with regards to what to expect. The reindeers themselves were the star of the show. Lovely gentle creatures walking beautifully alongside. The feeding the reindeers was another lovely experience where one could observe these lovely creatures. A lot of interesting Information was given to us by the guides about their day to day life and reindeer facts. The gift shop at the Base was also lovely. There are public loos not far away from the gift shop and a cafe - pinemartin not far away which does lovely food which caters to everyone. We have adopted the herd.
Sophia Milton
03.12.2024

This was our second visit, I always really enjoy this trip, really good chat and informative staff.
Dane Sherwin
03.12.2024

Turned up and it was shut but they were doing some sled training so got to watch that
Kate Kidwell
28.11.2024

The hill walk was great. It's about a 15-20 minute walk each way. Then an additional 5 minutes through the enclosures. Then you'll see dozens of reindeer getting up and starting to walk towards you. You'll get to feed the reindeer but will be asked not to touch them. Highly recommend, especially in the winter months. The reindeer seemed to be thriving :)
Bibi Cameron
16.11.2024

If you want to see the reindeer you have to book this plan and guided visit. We love it !! Is a beautiful wall and a nice experience. Highly recommend . Pss the reindeer knows the guide . We tried to feed them away from the group and they didn’t come.
Ailsa Watt
16.11.2024

Sheena and Maisie were brilliant, really accessible and special experience for everyone. We went in November and saw lovely wee calves! Make sure you wrap up warm too.
Wendy Hope
16.11.2024

We did the hill top walk with a very knowledgeable and passionate guide and what a fantastic experience it was. Seeing these amazing creatures in there natural environment is amazing. It was nice being able to spend some time with them and see their different personalities, and learning more about the reindeer and there heritage in the cairngorms. A beautiful walk with amazing views and surrounded with reindeer it was just a perfect afternoon and we would definitely like to do it again when we are in the area.
Nate Chertack
11.11.2024

Any opportunity to see a baby reindeer, or to feed a reindeer, earns 5 stars without question. So glad we visited, the area is unbelievably pretty and it was such a unique experience to see the wild herd of reindeer!!!

 

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