The Cairngorm reindeer herd is Britain’s only free-ranging reindeer herd, found in Scotland’s Cairngorm mountains. They were a joy to see! Here is my experience of a visit to the Cairngorm reindeer herd with a 7-year-old.
It’s become a tradition for me, my partner, and my son to travel to the Scottish Highlands during the school half term in February. We embrace the weather, park our campervan in a different spot each night, hike, and experience the most incredible views. The area has a magic that keeps pulling us back! We decided to explore part of the Cairngorms National Park. Here’s my experience visiting the Cairngorm reindeer herd with a 7-year-old.
How many reindeer are in the Cairngorm reindeer herd?
Currently, they have roughly 150 reindeer in the herd, with most of them on the Cairngorm Mountains and the remainder on the Glenlivet Estate, some 30 miles apart.
Our experience of the hill trip to see the Cairngorm reindeer herd
The Reindeer Centre in Glenmore is open daily (except from January to early February), and there are daily guided hill trips to see the reindeer. During the Winter, the trip is weather-permitting and may also depend on whether they can find the herd.
Before our hill trip, we visited the Reindeer Centre to check in with the team. You must arrive at the centre with at least 20 minutes to collect your tickets before driving to the meeting location. They have a few souvenirs you can take home to remind you of your trip.
Reindeer House, Glenmore, Aviemore PH22 1QU
We were a little early, so we walked down to the Glenmore Forest Park Visitor Centre, a short walk away, to use the toilets and pick up some of the children’s activity worksheets. You can take so many beautiful walks from this visitor centre, and a cafe is onsite, but that had to be another day for us. We had a herd of reindeer to hike too!
We drove to the meeting place/car park further up the road to meet our guides
The Hill Trip experience begins with a brief drive along the main road to a car park. You use your own vehicle, and there is a small parking fee. The guides meet you here, give you a little prior information, and then you follow a 40-minute guided walk up to the reindeer. The guides were so lovely and engaging! They gave us some safety advice, and we were on our way. Our group was small, and overall, there were around 10 people. Groups during the summer may be bigger.
Are children able to take part in the hill trip?
From February to April, the walk is usually steeper and more challenging than the rest of the year, and the conditions can be adverse, with rugged terrain and harsh weather. For this reason, they do not allow children under the age of 4 (in carriers or on foot) from February to April.
Families with children under 12 may find it better to visit from May to December when the conditions are more favourable. It is important to note that adults should be confident walking on rough terrain and have a good fitness level.
Before booking the hill trip, we researched and called the Reindeer Centre to get advice on whether this trip would be safe and suitable for my 7-year-old at this time of year. We advised the staff that he had all the required clothing and was well used to hiking for a few hours. The weather conditions were good for February, and they were happy to include us in the walk. He was very excited!
The walk is steep, and you do have to keep up with a guide, so consider this and take all advice before booking and taking younger children.
We loved the hill trip to see the Cairngorm reindeer herd
One thing I can say is the walk is so beautiful! The scenery is out of this world, making the entire experience just so special. The guides stopped a couple of times during the hike to give us further information about the herd’s history and answer any questions we had about the area.
Once you’re with the reindeer, you will be in the middle of the herd, within a metre of them, and they like to get very close to you! The guides will provide you with a lot of information, and you’ll have the opportunity to take photos.
Can you hand feed the Cairngorm reindeer herd?
There is a chance for a brief hand-feeding session (one feed per person), but the reindeer have a hands-off policy other than feeding. So no stroking, etc. Just admire them in their habitat!
The reindeer were gentle, and the guides gave us feeding tips. It was a dream come true for my 7-year-old. One of the volunteers, Emm, was so lovely. She spent so much time with my son naming each reindeer for him and answering his questions! She is very knowledgeable and a real credit to the team.
The trip generally lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. Once finished, we followed the route back to the car park, taking photos of the scenery along the way.
What should I wear to visit the Cairngorm reindeer herd?
Having the proper clothing and footwear for the Cairngorm reindeer hill trip is incredibly important all year round.
The hillside can be highly exposed, and temperatures can drop below freezing for much of the year. Even in mid-summer, temperatures can regularly be below 10 degrees.
It is crucial to bring the correct footwear and a waterproof jacket during summer. In winter, you must also bring waterproof over-trousers, a hat, and gloves. Over-trousers may not always be required, but depending on the weather, they can be mandatory. You risk being turned away if you don’t have them.
Footwear
You’ll be walking over rough and extreme terrain, and having good tread/grip on your shoes is essential to prevent slips and falls. It rains a lot in the Highlands, and the ground crossed is usually boggy and wet, even when the sun’s shining. Waterproof footwear ensures you stay dry. Finally, your shoes must have a closed-toe design. Sandals and flip-flops aren’t allowed, even on a hot summer day.
If you arrive ill-prepared for the weather, they may have to turn you away, and refunds are not offered in such situations.
History of the Cairngorm reindeer herd
Since 1952, reindeer have lived in Cairngorms National Park, where they can graze freely on more than 10,000 acres of mountainside. The company’s founders visited the area on their honeymoon and immediately recognised it as an ideal habitat for the reindeer.
In 1952, Mikel Utsi and Dr. Ethel Lindgren co-founded the Reindeer Company and brought reindeer back to the Cairngorms. Although reintroducing reindeer may seem like a far-fetched idea, the species is native to the UK.
Mr Utsi discovered that “according to the Orkneyinga saga, red deer and reindeer were hunted together in Caithness by the Earls of Orkney about eight centuries ago.” While the last record of wild British reindeer dates back to around 800 years ago, and there has been significant climate change since then, the Cairngorms offer a unique sub-arctic environment perfect for reindeer. The Cairngorms is the only place in the UK that can support these animals.
In April 1952, Mr Utsi brought a group of his Swedish mountain reindeer to Scotland as an experiment to prove that they could thrive and reproduce in this environment. The first shipment consisted of 2 bulls and 5 cows, who travelled on the Swedish ship S. S. Sarek. After a rough crossing, the reindeer spent 28 days in quarantine at Edinburgh Zoo before finally being released in the Cairngorms.
Over the following years, 18 more reindeer were imported from Sweden to join the Scottish herd. Nowadays, small shipments of Swedish reindeer are still brought in to diversify the gene pool.
Initially, the herd grazed in an area called Moormore to determine whether their grazing affected the growth of conifers. However, by 1954, the Forestry Commission permitted Mr Utsi to use 1,100 acres on Airgod-meall (Silver Mount) on the northern slopes of the Cairngorms. This area remains the primary location for hill visits during the summer months. The reindeer also enjoy 6,000 acres of free-range grazing on the mountain tops.
Daily hill trips began
As the herd grew and thrived, daily hill trips began, initially by appointment only. By the late 1960s, the 11 o’clock hill trip became a regular part of the herders’ daily routine. As it remains to this day.
Over time, Mikel Utsi became less able to go on the hills with his beloved herd. Therefore his herders increasingly managed the centre. After Mr Utsi died in 1979, his wife, Dr Lindgren, oversaw the herd’s management from her home in Cambridge. She was quite particular, and when Alan Smith arrived in the 1980s, she quickly recognised his dedication to the herd’s welfare.
1981 Elizabeth “Tilly” Dansie came to the herd as a summer volunteer and eventually became Mrs. Smith in 1983. Mr. and Mrs. Smith formed a capable team that continued to manage the daily operations of the Reindeer Company for Dr. Lindgren. Following her death in 1988, the Smiths decided to purchase the herd.
In the 1990s, the front room was converted into a shop, and the paddocks and exhibition were created. The adoption scheme was also launched, which has been running for over 25 years and has over 1,000 supporters worldwide.
Since the 1990s, the reindeer herd has been split between the Cairngorms and the Cromdale Hills near Glenlivet, simplifying breeding management and disease prevention.
Where to stay to visit the Cairngorm reindeer herd
We stayed at the Glenmore Campsite, a few minutes from the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre. It was perfect for us. We loved this site. It’s a touring and camping park perfect for tents, motorhomes, touring caravans, campervans and trailer tents. The pitches are well-kept, and the facilities are excellent.
The region is teeming with various wildlife, including deer, otters, ospreys, and even golden eagles, often sighted. With more than 280km of footpaths and trails weaving through its diverse terrain, there is plenty to explore. For those who love water sports, there is the option of canoeing and kayaking on Loch Morlich. Additionally, several mountains offer challenges suitable for all seasons. During winter, skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts can take on some of the UK’s finest runs.
Glenmore Campsite, Glenmore, Aviemore PH22 1QU
Where to eat after visiting the Cairngorm reindeer herd
We loved visiting the Pine Marten Bar and Scran while staying at the nearby Glenmore Campsite. It has a cosy alpine feel, various drinks, live music nights and tasty home-cooked comfort food.
Whether you’re on a family camping holiday, on a solo mission hiking/skiing through the Cairngorm mountains or on a weekend getaway with your friends, they are so welcoming, and the atmosphere is lovely.
We loved the nachos and chicken wings in the evening. Delicious homemade cakes and coffee were also available throughout the day. Kids and dogs are also very welcome.
Pine Marten Bar, Glenmore, Aviemore PH22 1QU
Our visit to the Cairngorm reindeer herd was unforgettable! The sight of the reindeer wandering freely in their natural habitat was special. My 7-year-old was thrilled to be up close with the reindeer. It was heartwarming to see him engage with these gentle animals. The knowledgeable guides added to the experience, sharing interesting facts about the herd and their way of life. Overall, it was a fantastic day out.
Learn more about the Cairngorm reindeer herd here.
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