The Cairngorms National Park is a popular destination for people looking for day trips and holidays closer to home. Over the summer the Park has seen thousands of visitors, which is a welcome boost to local businesses trying to recover from lockdown.  This weekend is set to be warm and dry again and is expected to be busy, so the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) is urging people to support the local communities by visiting one of the Park’s many villages.

There are dozens of businesses across the National Park who are heavily reliant on tourism to survive, doors are open again and businesses such as shops, campsites, pubs and cafes have been working hard to put guidance in place and ensure that customers are kept safe as they enjoy the National Park.

Pete Crane, Head of Visitor Services at the CNPA explained: “We have some wonderful communities across the Park, not just the well-known Dee and Spey sides, some of the lesser known areas like Killiecrankie & Blair Atholl, Donside, and Tomintoul & Glenlivet have lots to offer the visitor and will make for a more relaxed trip.

“We have over 100 fantastic local walks across the Park, by visiting the Park’s towns and villages, people can really support the local economy which has been impacted badly due to Covid-19. The walks have been chosen so there is something for all abilities and they cover moors, woodlands and riversides.  They are all waiting to be discovered, with some great local places for a refreshment afterwards.”

With more cafes, restaurants and shops opening for business, the Park’s villages and towns are ideally placed to welcome visitors, with car parks and toilets available in most places. There is useful information on what facilities and attractions are open at this time on the Visit Cairngorms website.

Pete continues, “We look forward to welcoming visitors to the Park and ask that people respect the local residents and behave responsibly, don’t light fires or BBQs, dispose of rubbish in a bin and if there isn’t one take it home with you. There have been instances of roads having to be closed because of careless car parking.  Please use carparks and pay attention to ‘no parking’ signs and police traffic cones, if a place is busy please find an alternative location for your day out.”

All the community paths can be found at https://cairngorms.co.uk/discover-explore/things-to-do/walking-trails/community-paths-and-trails/

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