Analysis: The variety of activities and attractions is second to none

WE MOVED up to the Cairngorms National Park in 2006 after being keen visitors to the area for a number of years. It is such a special part of the world, with an openness and wildness that has to be experienced to be believed.

The landscapes have a "take your breathe away" quality that never fail to surprise us after five years, so to see the reaction from visitors when they are at the top of the mountain looking down over one of the many lochs or when they spot a red squirrel scamper up a pine tree in the Caledonian pine forest is priceless.

We feel very fortunate to live and work in the UK's largest national park. The people that live here are incredibly friendly and welcoming, the variety of year-round activities and attractions is second to none and the accessibility of the area for UK and international visitors is brilliant, considering how remote you can feel at times.

• Patrick Harrison lives in Cromdale with his young family and wife Abby, where they run a health and activity business Beallich, which specialises in walking, mountaineering, snowshoeing and yoga holidays