Cairngorms, Mountain range in Eastern Highlands, Scotland.
The Cairngorms form a granite mountain range with wide plateaux lying between 1000 and 1200 meters (3300 and 3900 feet). Steep rock faces alternate with expansive arctic-alpine landscapes that occur farther south here than almost anywhere else in Europe.
The mountains formed through volcanic eruptions over 400 million years ago, when molten magma solidified and was later exposed through erosion. During the last ice age, glaciers shaped the present landscape with its valleys and plateaux.
The name Cairngorms comes from the Gaelic word for the distinctive stones found on the summits. These mountains remain among the few places in Britain where true wilderness can be experienced.
The best time for walking is between May and September, when paths are free of snow and daylight lasts longer. Weather changes can happen very quickly, so warm and waterproof clothing is necessary even in summer.
Rare plants such as dwarf birch grow on the plateaux, species usually found only in the Arctic. In winter, the northern lights can sometimes be seen in the sky, especially on clear moonless nights.
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