Tread lightly leaflet 2026
Tread Lightly in the National Park
Don’t light a campfire or barbecue
To help prevent wildfires and protect the Cairngorms National Park, its beautiful landscapes and special wildlife, a seasonal fire byelaw is in place.
It is not permitted to light a campfire or use a barbecue between 1 April and 30 September. Limited exemptions apply, details at cairngorms.co.uk/fires.
PROTECT OUR NATIONAL PARK NO FLAME, NO SPARK
Take the lead and be a responsible dog walker
In areas with ground nesting birds, from April to August, please keep your dog on a short lead or close at heel. In areas with protected wildlife, follow all signage and keep your dog on a lead where requested. On farmland, keep your distance from livestock and don’t take your dog into fields with young animals.
When ground nesting birds are disturbed the eggs / chicks are at risk from predators. You can help prevent this by keeping your dog on a lead.
You can help keep the Cairngorms National Park a special place by enjoying the outdoors responsibly, respecting other people and caring for the environment.
SCOTTISH OUTDOOR ACCESS CODE outdooraccess-scotland.scot
Please follow the guidance in this leaflet, any on-site signage and advice from rangers and land managers. Guidance may vary at different sites.
cairngorms.co.uk
Leave no trace when wild camping
Camp well away from buildings, roads, paths and historic sites. Ensure you aren’t disturbing wildlife or other people. Camp in small numbers and move on after two or three nights. Remove all traces of your camp pitch, including litter.
By leaving no trace you can play your part in looking after the Cairngorms for people and nature alike.
Cook with care
Under the fire byelaw it is not permitted to light a campfire even for cooking on (including in a fire pit, fire bowl etc) or to use a charcoal or wood barbecue, between 1 April and 30 September. Details at cairngorms.co.uk/fires.
If you need to cook, always do so on a camping stove that uses a fuel such as gas or liquid fuel, or on a gas barbecue.
When you’ve got to go, go away from water
Use a public toilet if there is one. If not, ‘go’ at least 30 metres away from lochs, rivers and streams and away from buildings and paths. Dig a hole and bury solid waste and take any toilet paper and sanitary items away with you.
The pristine waters and wetlands of the Cairngorms are a haven for wildlife. You can help keep them that way.
Respect other water users
If you are canoeing, paddling or wild swimming please remember lochs and rivers are shared with wildlife and anglers. Give wildlife space and avoid nesting areas, eg islands and bays with vegetation. Follow any local signage about zoned conservation areas or seasonal restrictions.