From breathtaking scenery to iconic wildlife, there are so many reasons to visit our Loch Garten nature reserve in the Cairngorms. Here are our top five.
Simply put, the views are sensational. With Loch Garten itself framed by the Cairngorm mountains and Caledonian pine woods, this is Scottish scenery at its finest.
Being set amidst some of Scotland's wildest landscapes means you don't need to look far to see incredible wildlife. The feeders at the visitor centre attract Red Squirrels and Crested Tits, while Goldeneye bob on the Loch itself and the woods are home to the UK's only endemic bird, the Scottish Crossbill.
Image credit: Louise Greenhorn
If watching feeders from a few metres away isn't close enough, drop into the visitor centre where you can get hands on with some of the nature found at Loch Garten. Get a feel for an impressive set of antlers or see how you measure up against a White-tailed Eagle,
While you're there, it's definitely worth checking out the shop. There are lots of nature-themed goodies, from books to bird feeders to a fantastic selection of gifts. Grab a snack while you're there and enjoy a picnic on the nearby benches.
And finally, the visitor centre allows unparalleled views of the nature reserve's most famous residents - Ospreys. Take a look through the scopes, or for an even closer look, check out the livestream to see up to the moment action from the nest.
Image credit: Wildlife Windows
One of our volunteers, Will, recently took a trip to the nature reserve to see what it had to offer. See how he got on here.
Header image shows hills reflected in a still Loch Garten through the trees. Credit: Andy Hay.