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.
Alert
Featured
The new fire byelaw
How the Cairngorms National Park Authority and its partners are tackling the threat of wildfires, including details on the recreational fire management byelaw, in place from 1 April to 30 September each year.
Wildlife
The Cairngorms National Park is home to a quarter of the UK’s rare and endangered species. Its rich habitats are a haven for an array of wildlife, from iconic birds to elusive plants and flowers.
What we do
From pioneering conservation projects to community engagement and active travel, find out more about the range of work happening across the National Park.
Relevant alerts
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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a wildfire warning impacting areas of the National Park on Friday 29 May until Monday 1 June. If you are out and about in the Cairngorms National Park please observe the following guidance:
- Do not light any fire or barbecue, in line with the new fire byelaw
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly - most wildfires are caused by human activity
- Stay alert - with dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely
- If you see a wildfire, dial 999
For further updates on wildfire risk across Scotland, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website. To find out more about the fire byelaw, and to see your questions answered, visit our fire byelaw page here.