This spring we are trialling visits to meet part of our reindeer herd at our second site, on the beautiful Glenlivet Estate. Based 6 miles north of Tomintoul (45-minute drive from Aviemore), our working farm provides hill grazing for some of our reindeer through the milder months, and this is your opportunity to meet them, and possibly see some of our farm animals too.
Your group will meet in the farmyard before a guided 20-minute walk up onto the hill ground where the reindeer herd will be waiting. There are stunning views across the rolling countryside, and you may spot other animals including red deer, Belted Galloway cattle and Soay sheep. Your experienced guide will tell you all about the herd (we know every reindeer by name) and their history. Once up on the hill, you will be right in amongst the herd, within a metre of the reindeer, with plenty of information given by the herder and the opportunity to take photos. There is an opportunity for a short hand-feeding session, but we are otherwise hands-off with the reindeer, focusing on enjoying spending time in the presence of these patient tame creatures.
The whole trip usually lasts around 1.5 hours, depending on the reindeer and the weather! The walk is steeply uphill ALL the way (downhill on the way back!) and the ground can be muddy, wet, snowy or icy, so wellies or hiking boots are ESSENTIAL (please click to see), as is a waterproof jacket and warm clothing. We also recommend waterproof over-trousers – we can experience four seasons in a day here in the Highlands! Participants should be confident walking on rough hilly terrain and have a good level of fitness. If you have mobility issues, please contact us directly via email for possible options. Children of all ages are welcome.
Do note that this visit is to a working farm, with associated sights, smells and large machinery around, and it’s important that no dogs are brought onto site. Directions to the farm will be provided upon booking – please be aware that it is not on a bus route and due to the remote location you will require your own vehicle (or otherwise be a keen cyclist!).
Availability
Tours run on selected days, start at 10.30am (arrive 10.15am) and last approx. 90 minutes. Tickets are released 30 days in advance of tours (to the exact hour). At the moment we are only planning on running these tours during the Easter holidays so no further dates will be added for now – but do check back in case we decide to offer tours in other holiday seasons in the future !
Prices
Adults: £25
Children (3-16): £18
0-2 year olds: Free of charge
Tickets are released 30 days in advance, to the exact hour.