Cairngorms

Cairngorms, mountain group, part of the Grampian Mountains, about 55 km (34 mi) south-east of Inverness, Scotland. Named after one of its peaks, Cairn Gorm (1,245 m/4,084 ft), they run north-east to south-west forming part of the Grampian region of central Scotland. The Cairngorms contain four out of five of Britain's highest mountains, rising to 1,309 m (4,296 ft) on Ben Macdui. Recreational activities include skiing, climbing, hiking, and pony-trekking. Scotland's biggest winter-sports centre is based there at the town of Aviemore. Wildlife in the Cairngorms includes deer, golden eagles, and ptarmigan. The name Cairngorm is given to a yellow-coloured quartz that is found there. The associated Cairngorm National Nature Reserve (established in 1953), the largest reserve in Britain, contains many rare plants and animals. A draft designation order for the Cairngorms National Park: Pàirce Nàiseanta Mhonaidh Ruaidh was issued in May 2002 and the park was officially opened in September 2003.