This post was originally published on A Globe Well Travelled in 2018. The content has been revised and updated with fresh information.
Before my road trip through the Scottish Highlands, I had no idea reindeer existed there.
Like most people, I associated reindeer with the Arctic regions of Northern Europe—not the UK. But while I was planning my Scotland itinerary, I discovered that you can actually visit a free-roaming reindeer herd in Cairngorms National Park. My excitement went through the roof!
It seemed like a perfect opportunity for me to meet a reindeer for the first time. I love wildlife experiences when I travel, but I’m careful about the ones I choose. Whenever possible, I prefer seeing animals in the wild or in environments that prioritise their welfare over tourism. Learning that Scotland’s reindeer herd roams freely across the Cairngorm mountains in a setting that closely resembles their natural habitat., rather than being confined to a traditional zoo or wildlife park, made this experience even more appealing.
If you’re planning a trip through the Scottish Highlands and wondering where to see reindeer in Scotland, this guide covers everything you need to know. I’ll share what it’s actually like to visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, how the hill trip works, and why I think it’s well worth adding to your itinerary.
Quick summary:
Did you know that you can see reindeer in Scotland? This guide covers how to visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, including what the hill trip is like, when to go, what to wear and why meeting these gentle animals became one of my favourite wildlife experiences.
Recommended tickets:
🎟️ Cairngorm Reindeer Herd Hill Trip – Book the official guided experience to meet Scotland’s free-ranging reindeer herd.
Where to stay nearby:
🏰 Atholl Arms Hotel near Pitlochry – Stay in a traditional Scottish manor for a memorable Highlands experience.
🛏️ Search hotels in Aviemore – The most convenient base for visiting the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd and exploring the national park.
Can you really see reindeer in Scotland?
Before my trip to the UK, I had no idea that reindeer lived in Scotland, and I suspect many travellers aren’t aware of their existence either.
Surprisingly, reindeer were once native to Scotland and roamed the alpine areas of the Highlands. Unfortunately, they were hunted to extinction around 800 years ago. In 1952, they were reintroduced by a Swedish reindeer herder who was determined to return these iconic animals to the landscape they once called home.
Today, the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is the only free-ranging herd in the UK. While the reindeer aren’t completely wild, their environment is pretty close. Some members of the herd roam freely across the Cairngorm Mountains and can wander wherever they please, occasionally surprising visitors by turning up in car parks and campsites. Others spend their time in large enclosed areas covering thousands of acres, where they graze, breed and raise their young. These are the reindeer you can meet on the guided hill trips.
What is it like to visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd?
When the time finally came around for my reindeer adventure, I was beyond excited. On the drive between Inverness and Edinburgh, my husband and I pulled off the highway towards Cairngorms National Park and made our way to the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre at Glenmore.
Guided hill trips to meet the reindeer herd begin at the visitor centre, followed by a short drive to the nearby meeting point. We grabbed lunch at the café while we waited for our tour to begin.
The experience started with a short walk through a scenic valley, with a few stops along the way to learn about the history of the herd and the surrounding landscape. Before long, a few sets of antlers appeared on the hillside ahead of us. I felt another wave of excitement as the reindeer acknowledged our arrival and began making their way towards our group.
Knowing a feed was coming, they happily tagged along as we continued across the grassy plain. I was overjoyed to have one walking right beside me—it was so close that I could hear the distinctive clicking of its feet with every step. By the time we stopped, there were around 20 reindeer gathered around our small group in anticipation.
We were each given a handful of lichen-based feed. As soon as I held out my hands, the nearest reindeer wandered over and gently helped itself to a few mouthfuls. Feeling the tickle of its furry nose in my palms was such a curious sensation. I’d expected it to be a little rough, but I was amazed that such a large animal—complete with an impressive set of antlers—could be so gentle.
Once my hands were empty, I spent a few moments watching the reindeer sniff around for any leftover food that had fallen to the ground. It seemed completely unbothered by my company. Knowing this was a moment I’d want to remember forever, I knelt down on the muddy ground nearby to capture the perfect reindeer selfie.
Is the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd worth visiting?
Without a doubt. Of all the wildlife experiences I’ve had while travelling, this remains one of my favourites.
Growing up in sunny Australia, where most of us spend our lives around warm beaches, reindeer felt like something I’d only ever see in Christmas movies. I never imagined I’d have the chance to get so close to a whole herd of them—let alone in the Scottish Highlands.
What made the experience so memorable wasn’t just seeing the reindeer, but the setting itself. Walking through the Cairngorm landscape with the herd wandering freely around us felt a world away from a typical animal attraction. The guides were knowledgeable, the reindeer were incredibly gentle, and the whole experience felt respectful of the animals and their environment.
If you’re planning a road trip through the Scottish Highlands, I’d absolutely recommend making the detour. It’s one of those unique experiences that many visitors don’t even realise exists, and it ended up being a real highlight of my time in Scotland.
Planning your visit to the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
Best time to visit
The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd can only be visited on guided hill trips (which is essentially a guided walk up the hill to visit the herd) from Cairngorm Reindeer Centre.
The hill trips generally operate at 11:00 AM from February until December, with no trips running for a few weeks between early January and into February. From late February until the Easter holidays, trips also operate on selected days rather than daily.
From May to September, there is another daily hill trip at 2:30 PM, and there is an extra trip at 3:30 PM on weekdays in July and August.
If you’re planning your visit during school holidays or peak summer, it’s worth checking the latest tour schedule in advance and booking ahead, as places on the hill trips are limited.
Because the trips take place on an exposed mountainside, they may occasionally be cancelled during extreme winter weather for safety reasons.
How to get to the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre is located in Glenmore, around a 15-minute drive from Aviemore in the heart of Cairngorms National Park. It’s approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Edinburgh or around 45 minutes from Inverness. I visited the reindeer while driving between Inverness and Edinburgh, using a rental car that we’d picked up in Glasgow.
You will need your own vehicle for the hill trip. After collecting your tickets at the Reindeer Centre, everyone drives several miles uphill to the meeting point where the guided walk begins.
Ticket prices & opening hours
Tickets for the guided hill trips are released through the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd website a month in advance, so if your travel dates aren’t yet available, you’ll just need to check the website again closer to your visit.
Ticket prices are £28 per adult and £21 per child (as of 2026). Prices, departure times and seasonal opening hours can change, so I would recommend checking the official website before your visit. During busy periods, hill trips can sell out, so booking ahead is a good idea if you’re travelling during summer or school holidays.
What to wear
The walk to the reindeer isn’t particularly difficult, but it can be muddy—and yes, there is reindeer poo everywhere! I’d definitely recommend wearing sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots. If you don’t have suitable footwear, wellies are available to hire from the visitor centre.
It’s also worth bringing warm, waterproof layers regardless of the season. The weather can change quickly in the Cairngorms, and the exposed hillside often feels much colder than it does down in the car park. I visited in September, and despite it being early autumn, I was glad I’d packed plenty of warm layers. Once you’re up on the hillside, it can be surprisingly cold and windy, even on a sunny day.
Where to stay nearby
When I travelled through Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands, I wanted accommodations that felt like part of the experience rather than just a place to sleep. After some research, I found a traditional highland hotel that fit my criteria perfectly!
🏰 Where I stayed: My husband and I stayed overnight at the Atholl Arms Hotel near Pitlochry. Sleeping in a historic 19th-century Scottish manor, complete with cosy atmosphere and old-world character, was a really unique and memorable experience.
If convenience is your priority, there are a number of hotels in Aviemore that would make a good base for visiting the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd. The town is only around 15 minutes from the visitor centre and has plenty of accommodation options, restaurants and supermarkets, making it an excellent choice if you’re planning to spend a few days exploring Cairngorms National Park.
Frequently asked questions
Can you really see reindeer in Scotland?
Yes! Scotland is home to the UK’s only free-ranging reindeer herd, which lives in Cairngorms National Park. Visitors can meet the herd by joining one of the guided hill trips operated by the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre.
Are the reindeer wild?
Not completely. Some of the herd roam freely across the Cairngorm Mountains, while others spend time in large hill enclosures covering thousands of acres. The guided hill trips take you into their mountain habitat rather than a traditional zoo enclosure, making the experience feel much more natural.
Can you pat the reindeer?
The reindeer centre has a hands-off policy to give the animals personal space, so visitors today can admire and photograph them, but not touch them.
How long does the hill trip take?
Allow around 1.5–2 hours for the experience. This includes the guided walk to the herd, learning about the reindeer from the guides and spending time feeding and photographing them.
Is the walk difficult?
The difficulty varies depending on the time of year. From May to January, expect around a 20-minute walk each way along uneven mountain paths with some rocky steps. Between February and April, the walk can be much steeper and may involve snow or ice, making it more challenging.
Can children visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd?
Yes, kids are welcome on the hill trips. However, from February to April, children under four years old aren’t permitted because of the more difficult terrain, and the centre recommends visiting with children under 12 between May and December when walking conditions are much easier. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Do I need to book in advance?
I’d definitely recommend it, especially if you’re visiting during school holidays or summer. Tickets are released 30 days in advance and popular hill trips can sell out quickly.
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