Dog walking
Dogs are very welcome guests in the National Park, and by following a few simple steps their humans can make sure that they leave no trace and minimise disturbance to our rare and endangered species of wildlife.
We ask that you:
- Walk your dog on a short lead or close to heel when enjoying a walk, particularly between April and August in areas with ground-nesting birds or livestock.
- Follow all signage, paying particular attention to signs in sensitive areas like woodlands with capercaillie, on the high tops with ptarmigan, in farmland with waders and put your dog on the lead where requested. When animals are disturbed, they can use up valuable energy stores, and / or leave any eggs or chicks vulnerable to being eaten.
- Do not enter fields with young animals in lambing season and keep your dogs on the lead when near any livestock. Keep as far away from animals as possible.
- In busy recreational areas and public places please keep your dog on a lead or close at heel to avoid causing concern to others.
- Clean up after your dog and put any waste in a bin. In more remote areas take it away with you, or remove it off the path.
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.
Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Find out more on responsible dog ownership
Relevant alerts
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There is an ongoing wildfire situation in Glenmore and Strath Nethy within the Cairngorms National Park, albeit the situation continues to improve and the majority of the National Park is unaffected (with Glenmore, Aviemore and Nethy Bridge all open to the public). Click here for all the latest. We would encourage members of the public to follow current guidance and be aware that the situation may change.
Various paths and trails remain closed. Check out our path closures page for all the latest updates.