Craigellachie National Nature Reserve

Craigellachie is noted for one of the largest remaining birch woodlands in Strathspey, but this is not its only strength. A network of trails meander gently amongst the birch and around the lochs, which on summer days host scintillating dragonfly displays. In marked contrast to the nearby pinewoods, the birch of Craigellachie mirrors the mood of the season. At the first hint of spring warmth the birch tree, affectionately called 'the Lady of the Woods', adorns her monochrome winter mantle with the verdant, vibrant green of fresh new leaves, while at her feet spring clusters of wood anemone and dog violet. As the woodland path ascends toward the viewpoint, natural breaks in the birch canopy offer tantalising glimpses of a panorama that gradually unfurls, to reveal a magnificent overview of the Cairngorm plateau encompassing much of the western part of the Cairngorms National Park and Strath Spey. The imposing crag, 'Creag Eileachaidh' for which the Reserve is named, was once a traditional vantage point for Clan Grant, and still provides security for the resident breeding peregrines. Visitors may be rewarded with a spectacular aerial display if they are lucky enough to see the falcons on the wing.