Pitlochry to Inverness (with photos) (Tuesday, Sept. 8)

Another early morning for us -- we were eager to get to Glenmore, just a little south of Inverness and high in the Cairngorm Mountains, to visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre. Fortunately driving Carriageway A9 was a lot faster than the narrow, winding roads we've been on over the last few days, so we made it to Glenmore in time for the 11am trip up to the high meadow to become acquainted with the reindeer.

Visitors follow Andi to the reindeer herd.

We learned a lot about reindeer today, including how they were reintroduced to Scotland after having been absent for about 800 years. (Read more.) Did you know reindeer are usually shorter than caribou, even though both are from the same Genus? Reindeer come in many different color combinations, from pure white to dark, and everywhere in between. They are easily domesticated and seem to do quite well both with people and on their own. Their feet are designed to function well in snow, looking almost like mini-snowshoes, and those feet work well for digging through snow, too. Even though the Cairngorm reindeer herd is fed regularly, they could easily fend for themselves, given their near ideal location and the fact that they require no shelter.

Andi feeding Fergus.

Great feet for snow walking and
digging.

A group of 30 to 40 visitors followed Andi, the herder, over a rough trail to the meadow area where the reindeer gather this time of year. Even though they are free ranging and can come and go as they please, because of the regular feeding times, a number come down to the gated area for their "treats"! We met Fergus, an orphan born in late June who has been raised by the herders after his "mum" died. He is still getting some milk from a bottle, but reindeer young learn to graze like their mom very soon after birth.

These reindeer had impressive racks; both males and females have racks this time of year. The females keep their smaller racks throughout the year; males lose theirs shortly after the rutting season is over. Andi told us today that the herd is growing its winter coat. Soon their coats will be thick enough to easily withstand the many inches of snow and the very cold temperatures on the Cairngorm mountains. And they can smell food even under lots of snow.

Cairngorm reindeer.

Something in that pocket smells good!

It was quite an experience to walk among the reindeer! One of the reindeer was very interested in Smoky.

Because today was another beautiful, warm, blue-sky day, we decided to take the funicular railway to the top of one of the higher peaks in the Cairngorm Mountains. The view from the observation tower was grand. We weren't there at the right time for a tour of the mountain beyond the observation center/restaurant complex, and therefore we had to stay within the confines of the center. This "rule" is in place to protect the fragile ecosystem at the top of the mountain when there is no snow cover. In winter, the train and additional ski lifts take skiers to the top.

Funicular railway in Cairngorm Mountains ski area.

View from observation platform at mountaintop.

We arrived in Inverness late afternoon, checked into our B&B, Dunhallin House, and did a run to the grocery store for dinner and some snacks. We were both too tired for a night out, and it was actually really nice to have dinner in our room.

Tomorrow, we have lots of options around Inverness, so stay tuned to see what happens next! We hope you like these photos. Here's one more of a lovely scene showing the changing weather.

Another lovely Scottish scene!

--Shann