Need to know

The Cairngorms is a spectacular place to visit, live and work, and by taking care of it we can all help to look after this special place for years to come.

The National Park welcomes around 2 million visitors every year, but it’s also a living, working landscape that is home to vibrant communities and rare wildlife. By planning ahead visitors can have a positive impact on the area, minimising their impact on the environment and making the most of their adventure.

Access rights in Scotland differ from the rest of the UK, so the first thing to do is become familiar with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code before you arrive in the National Park.

The code gives more information on how you can help take care of the great outdoors, and has three key principles:

• Respect the interests of others
• Care for the environment
• Take responsibility for your own actions

While discovering the beauty of the Cairngorms, visitors may come across more unfamiliar or challenging locations, such as working farms, estates and areas protected for their conservation value. Learning more about how to approach these situations means respecting the people and nature of the National Park and preserving these landscapes for current and future generations to enjoy.