Wild land and wildness

The Cairngorms National Park includes some large areas with wildness qualities, valued by both residents and visitors. The most extensive areas of high wildness are recognised as Wild Land Areas.

The words ‘wildness’ or ‘wild land’ may evoke different images in different people’s minds. For many, it might include extensive native woodland, rocky mountain tops, peat bogs or open water. Although these places may vary in appearance, they can possess similar qualities of wildness which people value.

In Scotland, wildness and Wild Land Areas were identified following a rigorous scientific method, based on computer mapping and site assessment of eight distinct attributes:

Physical attributes

Perceived naturalness
Rugged or otherwise challenging landform
Remoteness and / or inaccessibility
Absence of modern human artefacts, or evidence of contemporary land use

Perceptual attributes

Sense of sanctuary or solitude
Risk or, for some, a sense of anxiety
Perceived awe, arresting or inspiring qualities
Fulfilment from physical challenge

These attributes were assessed following NatureScot’s policy statement ‘Wildness in Scotland’s Countryside’.

The Cairngorms National Park includes parts of five Wild Land Areas:

Wild Land Areas are recognised in Scotland as being of national importance. This means that, although they are not a statutory designation, their attributes and qualities should be considered when developing proposals for landscape change. NatureScot has produced technical guidance to assist with this process: Assessing Impacts on Wild Land Areas.