Bell tents in Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve with hiking

Britain’s largest National Nature Reserve doesn’t do things by halves. On the eastern borders of the wild, wind-lashed Cairngorms, it’s home to four of Scotland’s highest summits, including the often Arctic-like Ben Macdui, and a haven for wildlife such as red deer, red squirrels, golden eagles, and black grouse. Through this landscape of heathery moorland and Caledonian pine flows the Linn of Dee, a beauty spot with waterfalls, low-level trails, and picnic spots favored by Queen Victoria. The estate’s showpiece is 19th-century Mar Lodge, a former sporting manor now home to self-catering apartments, cottages, and a bunkhouse. Area campsites can be found around Aberdeenshire,  by the River Dee, and in Braemar. Most offer plenty of pitches with electric hookups or glamping pods.

• With more than 29,000 hectares of unsurpassed Scottish landscape to explore, wild camping is the top option in the nature reserve. This is a crucial habitat for conservation, so a leave-no-trace ethos is mandatory.
• There are several free mountain huts scattered throughout the nature reserve. Corrour Bothy, a day’s walk from Mar Lodge, has a single room with a fireplace and is ideal for Munro ascents.
• Booking is recommended for all campgrounds and caravan parks in the wider Cairngorms area, particularly in September during the Braemar Gathering, the town’s world-famous Highland games.

Winter is unbeatable for Narnia-like hikes, ice climbs, and ski touring, especially with Glenshee Ski Centre right on the doorstep. Nevertheless, certain campsites only open from spring to autumn—check before travelling that your preferred option is open. There are no less than 24 Munros (Scotland’s highest peaks) in the near vicinity, and these are best tackled during summer when you have the greatest chance of sunshine and clear skies.

• Wild camping is permitted throughout Mar Lodge Estate, but campfires are prohibited ,as the estate is made up of a mixture of peaty grounds and Caledonian pine forests. 
• Should you have any on-the-ground questions, a small information booth is sometimes manned at the Linn of Dee. Otherwise, ask at Mar Lodge for one of the rangers.
• Unless travelling by bike, the nature reserve can only be accessed from one of two car parks: at Quoich or at the Linn of Dee. From these points on, there’s only wild mountain tracks and the great outdoors.