jpoyner
Well-known member
I've never met anyone who saw one from the furnicular. I've always found you have to WALK up Cairngorm, usually quite early in the morning as it starts to resemble a busy street after about 10am, with all the hill walkers. This isn't as hard as it sounds, as there is a track designed for landrovers belonging to the ski staff which runs as far as the to furnicular station. In bad weather they can be little more than half way up the track. In good weather you might have to head out onto the plateau.
For cresties, I find the car park for the Loch Mallachie loop path is the best. I've only ever seen them in the car park itself, in the trees above the car. Look for something that acts like a goldcrest on amphetamines.
I don't believe you will hoodies in this area. Try driving over to Ullapool. It only takes 2-3 hours.
Yes it's pretty rare to see a "true" Hoodie in Stathspey...unless you hang about Aviemore on a Friday night that is
Majority of them are just scruffy looking hybrid things (crows that is).