We have a ‘Welcome All’ policy at Cairngorm Reindeer Centre and look forward to welcoming those registered as disabled and their carers.
We are keen to promote access to as many areas as possible and for our guests with disabilities to gain as full an experience as possible within the constraints that the local environment and our type of attractions allow.
Our goal is to provide a truly immersive experience at the Paddocks & Exhibition for those unable to visit the reindeer on the hill. Our rebuild is currently in progress, with more areas of our exhibition being added throughout 2025.
What people love
- We offer concessionary rates for registered disabled adults and accompanying carers.
- Most areas of the Paddocks & Exhibition are accessible by wheelchair. We have a wheelchair lift to access and exit the Reception, Shop and Paddock & Exhibition entrance.
What you should know
Please note that you will need to bring along the required proof of disability and carer status – check the full list of documentation we accept in the FAQs below.
The pathways in the Paddocks & Exhibition are primarily on boardwalk, with some inclines and level platforms. They are suitable for wheelchairs and walking-restricted persons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do those registered disabled access the Paddocks & Exhibition?
We have a designated disabled parking space located in our car park across the road from our main entrance. Visitors should proceed to the main entrance which is wheelchair accessible via our wheelchair lift.
How do those registered disabled access the Hill Trips?
Due to the constraints and very nature of the local environment in which we access and do our Hill Trips, those who are unsteady on their feet or have difficulty with slopes might not be comfortable with the walk. The route is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible, even for off-road style chairs.
The difficulty of the walk varies throughout the year. From May to January the walk involves a 20+ minute walk in each direction along a narrow mountain path, including some rocky steps, down into a valley then back up the other side.
From February to April, the walk can be more extreme, with steeper longer hills, often on snow or ice, and may involve up to 45 minutes of walking in each direction.
A combination of distance, terrain and inclement weather can also add a more extreme element to accessibility on the hill overall.
Please see our page showing examples of different terrain/conditions you may encounter throughout the year.
Use of walking sticks is encouraged for those that feel they require them for support. We have a small number of walking sticks available for use if needed.
For those visitors unfortunately unable to visit the reindeer on the hill, our goal is to provide a truly immersive experience at the Paddocks & Exhibition.
Is there any discount available to disabled visitors or carers?
Those registered as disabled are required to purchase a concessionary ticket, but an accompanying carer will get complimentary entry, if their assistance is required to enable the person with a disability to access our activities. Anyone that wishes to be admitted for free as a carer will need to present proof that the person they are with requires their care. All acceptable forms of proof are explained below. A maximum of one carer is permitted to access our attractions free of charge when accompanying someone with additional needs.
What would you consider as proof of disability or carer?
Acceptable Documentary Proof for visitors with disabilities may include:
- Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independence Payment/Adult Disability Payment
- Access Card (Sometimes referred to as the CredAbility Card or a Nimbus Card)
- Attendance Allowance Letter
- Plus One Card
- One Scotland Card
- Award Letter-War Pension Mobility Supplement
- Blind/Partially Sighted Certificate
- Invalidity Benefit Certificate/Book
- Letter from DVLS (Medical Condition Stated)
- Registration as profoundly or severely deaf
- Social Services Blue Badge
- Letter from a medical professional on NHS headed paper (Medical Condition Stated)
Acceptable Documentary Proof for the requirement of a carer may include:
- Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independence Payment/Adult Disability Payment
- Access Card (Sometimes referred to as the CredAbility Card or a Nimbus Card) carrying the Essential Companion plus one ‘+1’ symbol
- Plus One Card issued to the visitor with a disability
- Attendance Allowance Book belonging to the visitor with a disability
- Carer’s Allowance
- Letter from a medical professional on NHS headed paper for the visitor with a disability stating the need of a helper
Do you allow assistance dogs/emotional support animals into the Paddocks & Exhibition and on the Hill Trips?
Sadly, dogs make reindeer very nervous, as they closely resemble wolves, their natural predator. For this reason, we can’t allow any dogs to join us on the Hill Trip or in the Paddocks and Exhibition, even assistance dogs. If several of you are visiting the Paddocks & Exhibition, you’re welcome to take turns going in whilst someone holds the dog in our shop or out the front of the Centre. The same rule applies to emotional support animals.
Do you have wheelchairs available?
Unfortunately we do not have wheelchairs available.
Do you have an accessible toilet?
We don’t have any public toilet facilities, but there are accessible toilets in Glenmore village, both inside the Glenmore Visitor Centre and outside (24hr) by the bus stop.
Where are the nearest Changing Places Toilets (CPT)?
To use a toilet in safety and comfort you may need to be able to access a Changing Places Toilet (CPT), which has space and the right equipment a high adjustable changing bench, a peninsular toilet and a ceiling hoist. You can find more about the nearby facilities at ww.changing-places.org. The closest facilities to the Cairngorm Reindeer are Aviemore Primary School & Community Centre and Tiso, Aviemore.
Terms and Conditions
All tickets are non-transferrable. You can cancel for a full refund until 48 hours before the start time of your activity.
Persons under the age of 18 must be supervised by an adult (18 + years) at all times.