Soaring High: Where to Spot Eagles in the Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park is one of the best places in the UK to witness the majesty of golden eagles in the wild. With its sweeping glens, rugged mountain landscapes, and vast open skies, the park offers a dramatic backdrop for eagle sightings—and a real sense of wilderness.

A Highland Icon

The golden eagle is a symbol of the Scottish Highlands—powerful, elusive, and deeply woven into local folklore. With a wingspan of over two metres and a graceful, commanding flight, seeing one in the wild is an unforgettable experience. While they’re not rare in the Cairngorms, they are shy and wide-ranging, so a sighting is always special.

When and Where to Look

Golden eagles can be seen year-round, but your best chances are in spring and early summer when they're more active around nesting sites. They prefer high, open moorlands and mountainous terrain—so keep your eyes on the ridgelines and thermals above glens on a clear day.

Top eagle-spotting locations include:

  • Glen Feshie

  • Strathdearn (Findhorn Valley) – often called "Eagle Valley"

  • Glenlivet Estate

  • Glenmore Forest Park

White-Tailed Eagles: A Rarer Sight

While golden eagles are the headline act in the Cairngorms, white-tailed eagles - also known as sea eagles - are occasionally spotted as their population grows across Scotland. With even broader wings and a distinctive white tail, these giants are mainly coastal but sometimes venture inland, with several breeding successes within the highlands during the last few years.

Make the Most of Your Visit

For the best chance of a sighting:

  • Bring binoculars or a spotting scope

  • Head out early morning or late afternoon when eagles are most active

  • Visit with a local wildlife guide who knows the best vantage points

  • Stay quiet and patient - nature works on its own schedule

A Wild Reward

Even if you don’t spot an eagle on your walk, the landscapes they inhabit are worth the trip alone. Peaceful, expansive, and rich with wildlife, the Cairngorms offer a connection to nature that’s rare to find. But if you're lucky enough to see one of these magnificent birds soaring overhead - it’s a moment you’ll never forget.

Plan your stay with us at Love Cairngorms and base yourself right in the heart of eagle country.


*banner photo credit: Phil Robson @philrobson100