Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
Meet Britain's only free-ranging reindeer herd! Join guided walks in the Cairngorms to feed and learn about these magical creatures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Best chance to see herd
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
Best Time
Best chance to see herd
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Meet Britain's only free-ranging reindeer herd! Join guided walks in the Cairngorms to feed and learn about these magical creatures.
"An amazing experience seeing the reindeer up close and feeding them. Well worth it!"
👟 Wear the Right Footwear
Sturdy walking boots or wellies are a must for hill tours; trainers are not permitted. :athletic_shoe:
🍎 Bring Snacks for Feeding
You can feed the reindeer! Bring lichen or special food provided by the centre. :apple:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Meet the Free-Ranging Reindeer Herd
Cairngorm Mountains
Walk amongst Britain's only free-ranging reindeer herd, feed them, and learn fascinating facts from knowledgeable guides.
Scenic Hill Walk
Glenmore Forest
Enjoy a beautiful, moderate hike through stunning Highland scenery to reach the reindeer's natural habitat.
The Green Loch (An Lochan Uaine)
Glenmore Forest
Discover this enchanting, vividly turquoise loch nestled deep within the forest, a magical spot for a peaceful walk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Reindeer Encounter in Advance
Dress for the Scottish Highlands
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear the Right Footwear
Sturdy walking boots or wellies are a must for hill tours; trainers are not permitted. :athletic_shoe:
🍎 Bring Snacks for Feeding
You can feed the reindeer! Bring lichen or special food provided by the centre. :apple:
📸 Capture the Magic
Plenty of photo opportunities with the reindeer and stunning Highland scenery. :camerawithflash:
☔ Be Prepared for Rain
Scottish weather is unpredictable; pack waterproofs even on sunny days. :umbrella:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear the Right Footwear
Sturdy walking boots or wellies are a must for hill tours; trainers are not permitted. :athletic_shoe:
🍎 Bring Snacks for Feeding
You can feed the reindeer! Bring lichen or special food provided by the centre. :apple:
📸 Capture the Magic
Plenty of photo opportunities with the reindeer and stunning Highland scenery. :camerawithflash:
☔ Be Prepared for Rain
Scottish weather is unpredictable; pack waterproofs even on sunny days. :umbrella:
📅 Book Hill Tours Ahead
Popular tours fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book online to guarantee your spot. :ticket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre for its unique and memorable experience. The opportunity to walk amongst and feed the semi-wild reindeer herd is a major highlight, complemented by the beautiful Highland scenery and the informative, friendly guides. While the walk can be uphill, most agree it's well worth the effort for the close encounters and the chance to learn about these fascinating animals.
"Simply amazing. The hike wasn’t that long or hard, and the scenery was stunning. We got to be up close and personal with a ton of reindeer. My whole group enjoyed feeding them and taking a TON of pictures. Kate and Lottie were informative and answered all of the questions we had about the reindeer. I definitely recommend booking a hill tour hike in advance for your group. It’s an absolute must for a trip through the Cairngorms!"
Kirstin Christmas
"We had a fantastic few hours with the herd, such a brilliant experience. The three herders we had were so informative and answered all of our questions without hesitation. The walk to the herd was fantastic in itself, beautiful scenery, and the 30 second shower of rain we had made the most glorious rainbow. Worth every penny"
Vicky Dunbar
"We had a wonderful morning with the reindeer. The check-in process was quick and easy and the walk up to the reindeer was through some beautiful scenery. We got to spend a good amount of time right in with the herd while learning all about them and having the opportunity to hand feed them too. Our guides were great too. Both informative and friendly. Definitely worth a visit if in the area."
Eden Coward
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre is located in Glenmore, within Cairngorms National Park, near Aviemore. You can drive to the centre, and there's parking available. For hill tours, you'll typically start from a designated car park after checking in at the centre.
Yes, it's well-signposted from Aviemore and the surrounding roads. Follow signs for Glenmore and the Cairngorm Ski Centre.
While a car offers the most flexibility, public transport can get you to Aviemore, from where local taxis or pre-booked transport might be an option. However, reaching the centre and starting points for tours is easiest with your own vehicle.
The nearest major town is Aviemore, which is accessible by train and bus. From Aviemore, you can hire a car or arrange local transport to reach the Reindeer Centre.
While the guided hill tours are the primary way to see the free-ranging herd, the centre also has paddocks where some reindeer are kept, offering a more accessible viewing option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices vary for different experiences. Hill tours typically cost around £22 per adult, with concessions available. Paddock visits might have a separate or included fee. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing.
Yes, booking your hill tour in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, as they are very popular and can sell out.
The centre's opening hours and tour times can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on tour availability and operating hours.
Yes, you can opt for a guided hill trip to see the free-ranging herd in their natural habitat, or visit the paddocks at the centre for a closer look at some of the reindeer.
A hill tour ticket typically includes a guided walk to meet and feed the semi-wild reindeer herd, along with educational information from the guides.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The walk is described as moderate, mostly uphill, and takes about 30-45 minutes. The terrain is generally good, but sturdy footwear is essential. The scenery along the way is beautiful.
While you can feed the reindeer, direct touching is generally discouraged to maintain their semi-wild nature and for visitor safety. However, you can get very close.
Wear sturdy walking boots or wellies, as trainers are not allowed on the hill tours. Dress in layers and bring waterproofs, as the weather can change quickly in the Highlands.
The entire experience, including check-in, the walk, time with the herd, and the return, typically lasts a few hours.
The centre usually has facilities like a visitor centre, gift shop, and restrooms. Check their website for specific amenities.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The combination of majestic reindeer, stunning Highland landscapes, and potentially dramatic weather makes it a photographer's dream.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful. The interaction with the reindeer while feeding them also provides fantastic photo opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted in wildlife areas to avoid disturbing the animals. It's best to check with the centre directly or adhere to local regulations.
Expect close-ups of the reindeer, wide shots of the herd in their natural environment, and scenic views of the Cairngorms.
Be patient, as the reindeer are semi-wild. Focus on capturing their expressions and interactions. The guides can also offer insights into the best viewing spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers & Hikers
📸 Nature Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd: A Unique Wildlife Encounter
The guides at the centre are passionate and knowledgeable, sharing insights into the reindeer's behaviour, their role in the ecosystem, and the history of reindeer in Scotland. The walks themselves are often described as beautiful, taking you through scenic Highland landscapes. It's an experience that combines wildlife observation with an enjoyable outdoor adventure, making it a highlight for many visitors to the Cairngorms.
It's important to remember that these are semi-wild animals. While they are accustomed to human presence on tours and are often very friendly, they are not pets. Visitors are encouraged to follow the guides' instructions carefully to ensure both the safety of the reindeer and the visitors. The centre also offers opportunities to 'adopt' a reindeer, contributing to their care and conservation.
Exploring the Enchanting Green Loch (An Lochan Uaine)
The walk to the Green Loch is generally easy and accessible, often starting from the Glenmore Visitor Centre or Allt Mor Car Park. It's a relatively flat woodland path, making it suitable for most abilities and a lovely stroll for families. The surrounding forest adds to the magical atmosphere, with ancient trees and a sense of seclusion.
While the loch is beautiful to behold, some visitors also mention it as a potential spot for wild swimming, particularly for those who enjoy a bracing dip in cold waters. The vibrant colour and serene setting make the Green Loch a must-visit for anyone exploring the Cairngorms National Park, offering a different kind of natural beauty compared to the reindeer encounters.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit