James Martin's Islands to Highlands

James travels to the Cairngorms National Park accompanied by Nick Nairn. In the park they meet a group of friendly reindeer before heading to the River Spey, where they confront its swift rapids and take part in a white‑water rafting session.

The series titled Cairngorms is presented as a programme episode that follows a day‑long adventure in Scotland’s renowned Cairngorms National Park. It is structured as a single instalment within the broader series, offering viewers a glimpse of the park’s landscape and activities. The episode runs for a typical half‑hour slot, allowing enough time to showcase both the natural environment and the activities undertaken. In this episode, the host James sets off for the Cairngorms accompanied by chef Nick Nairn. Together they embark on a visit to the park’s wildlife, beginning with an encounter that brings them close to a herd of reindeer known for their approachable nature. The pair spend time observing the reindeer, noting the animals’ calm demeanour and the surrounding scenery. Their interaction highlights the park’s capacity to host both visitors and wildlife in a shared environment, providing a gentle introduction before moving on to more vigorous pursuits. Following the wildlife segment, James and Nick head to the River Spey where they take part in a white‑water rafting experience. The segment captures them navigating the river’s rapids, showcasing the challenges of the sport while remaining within the bounds of the episode’s focus on outdoor activities. Throughout the rafting segment, the camera follows their progress, giving viewers a clear view of the river’s flow and the teamwork required to manage the rapid sections.