Cairngorms - Wilson Neil, John Brooks, Peter D. Koch-Osborne

The Cairngorms cover 300 sq miles, making it the most mountainous area in Britain, with an equally wide range of wildlife. The native pine forest, one of the final retreats of the red squirrel, supports small, uncommon birds like crested tits, redwings and crossbills. Loch Garten is the RSPB osprey breeding site where in summer the birds fly over a considerable tract of country in search of food. In scenic contrast, there is also an ascent to the summit of Carn Daimh, part of the Speyside Way, with its splendid panorama of the countryside surrounding Glenlivet.