Cairngorms facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cairngorms |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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Cairn Gorm view over Coire an t-Sneachda, a glacial cirque
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 Cairngorms
Location in Scotland
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| Location | Highland, Aberdeenshire and Moray, Scotland |
| Nearest city | Inverness, Aberdeen |
| Area | 292 km2 (113 sq mi) |
| Established | 1987 |
| Governing body | Scottish Natural Heritage |
The Cairngorms (in Scottish Gaelic: Am Monadh Ruadh) are a famous group of mountains in the eastern Scottish Highlands in Scotland. They are often connected with the mountain called Cairn Gorm. This area became Scotland's second national park on September 1, 2003. It was also considered for a UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
The Cairngorms National Park includes the Cairngorms mountains, the Angus Glens, the Monadhliath hills, and lower areas around Strathspey.
Contents
What are the Cairngorms like?
The Cairngorms are mostly high, flat areas called plateaus. These plateaus are about 1,000 to 1,200 meters (3,300 to 3,900 feet) above sea level. They have domed summits (mountain tops) that are around 1,300 meters (4,300 feet) high. Many of these summits have tors. Tors are tall, free-standing rock formations that stand out on the rocky landscape.
The edges of the plateaus have narrow cliffs made of granite. These cliffs are great for skiing, rock climbing, and ice climbing.
Animals of the Cairngorms
The Cairngorms are home to many interesting animals. You can find birds like the ptarmigan, dotterel, snow bunting, curlew, and red grouse. There are also mammals like the mountain hare.
The plateau is also where Britain's only wild herd of reindeer lives. Near the main mountain area, you can find parts of the ancient Caledonian forest. These forests are very special because they support many species that are not found anywhere else in the United Kingdom. These include red squirrels, pine marten, wood ants, Scottish crossbill, capercaillie, and crested tit.
Fun Activities in the Cairngorms
Even though there are no glaciers in the Cairngorms today, snow can fall in any month of the year. Sometimes, you can even find snow all summer long! This makes it a perfect place for ice climbing in Britain.
The mountains are also very popular for hill-walking (hiking), ski touring, and climbing. There are three alpine ski centers in the area: Cairn Gorm, The Lecht, and Glenshee.
The Cairngorms mountains are located across several areas in Scotland. These include Aberdeenshire, Moray, and Highland.
What's in a Name?
The original Gaelic name for this area is Am Monadh Ruadh. This means "the red hills." It is different from Am Monadh Liath, which means "the grey hills" and is located to the west of the River Spey.
One expert, Adam Watson, explained that if you look from Aviemore on a clear evening, the granite rocks of Lairig Ghru and Braeriach glow a warm red in the sun. He said that the name Am Monadh Ruadh is still used by the oldest people in Strath Spey. However, over time, visitors started calling the area "the Cairngorms" on maps and in guide books.
The English name "Cairngorms" comes from the mountain Cairn Gorm. This mountain is very noticeable when you look at the mountains from the Speyside area. The name "Cairngorms" was first used in history around 1786 by a visitor named Colonel T. Thornton.
The name Cairn Gorm means "Blue Cairn." A "cairn" is a pile of stones. However, the Gaelic word gorm can also mean green or "greening," especially when talking about growing grass.
Gallery
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Cairn Lochan (1215 m).
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View north-west from the summit of Beinn Bhreac (931 m).
Images for kids
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Sketch map showing villages, mountains, lochs, and rivers of The Cairngorms.
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Braeriach (1296 m), Sgor an Lochain Uaine (1258 m) and Cairn Toul (1293 m) from the Moine Mhor.
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Scotland's most durable snow patch, Garbh Choire Mòr, Braeriach, 8 August 2008
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An adult male snow bunting in the Cairngorms.
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Corrour Bothy in October 2009
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The funicular track in summer
See also
In Spanish: Cairngorms para niños
