Frequently asked questions

You have the right to responsible access, which gives you a huge amount of freedom to explore most of the land and inland water of this special place, as long as you act responsibly in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and you “leave no trace”.

This means you have the right of access for recreational (non-motorised) activities (like walking, cycling, horse riding, swimming and paddle sports) which you can do across most land and inland water.  

There are some places where access rights don’t apply such as private gardens, farmyards and sports pitches when play is in progress. Wherever you are, you must always follow any reasonable advice or diversions eg when land management operations are taking place.

The Cairngorms is a unique and special place that people have explored for centuries. We welcome people to continue to enjoy the National Park while following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which has three key principles:

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

If we continue to do this, together we can preserve the nature and landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park for future generations to enjoy.  

Check out our ‘need to know’ pages for more information on how to do this.

Please do not light a fire in the National Park. We recommend using a gas stove for cooking. Open fires can be a cause of wildfires, which can be devastating for communities, wildlife and nature in the National Park.  

At times of ‘high fire risk’ do not light any fire or BBQ in the National Park, always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you. It only takes one spark to cause devastation. 

Find everything you need to know on campfires and barbeques here.

The best thing to do is use a campsite or a designated overnight parking area, there are a number of great campsites nestled amongst the valleys and forests of the National Park that have all the facilities you might need, and great local places to eat and drink nearby.  

Plan your visit in your caravan or campervan, and find overnight options here.

There are a whole host of public toilets in the villages and towns of the National Park, but if you’re thinking of going more remote, then you will need to learn what to do when you need to “go” in the outdoors!  

You might think, what’s the harm? You’re just one person! But what happens if everyone thinks that? Don’t risk someone stepping in your waste, or a local ranger having to clear it up. Unless you follow best practice, you could be polluting water courses and causing harm to wildlife.  

The best thing to do is plan ahead and carry a toilet kit (trowel, plastic bags, toilet paper and hand sanitiser). If you need to go to the toilet, go at least 30 metres from lochs, rivers and streams and if you need to poo dig a hole and bury it, and replace the turf. Bag up and take any toilet paper and sanitary items away with you. Job done.  

Mountaineering Scotland have more great advice.

Recreational and personal use of drones is not directly covered by access rights and local restrictions may apply. You should check with the landowner or occupier for permission to use a drone.  

More generally the use of drones is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and their regulations around licensing are a legal requirement for flying any drone.    

The CAA Drone Code must be adhered to, with an emphasis placed on personal responsibility. This includes:  

• Respecting other people, their safety and privacy – there are restrictions (depending on the size of drone) as to how close you can fly to a person, vehicle or building. You should also not fly over crowds.  
• Not flying anywhere where you will disturb or endanger wildlife or animals (including livestock). Restrictions may also exist in areas specifically designated for wildlife such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s), or where protected species are nesting that you might disturb.  

No, products like hoverboards, segways, electric scooters (go-peds), powered unicycles, trolling motors on boats, SUP motors and efoils etc. are classified as powered transport, and these types of electric transports cannot be used in the Cairngorms National Park in any area of countryside or on any public road.

These powered transports are not within access rights and can only be used on private land / water where you have the express permission of the landowner.  

Electric bikes are classed as a type of pedal cycle and can be used in the countryside in the same way that a standard bicycle can. To meet this definition, e-bikes must have pedals to propel it, a limited speed of 15.5 miles per hour, a maximum power output of 250 watts and a plate showing manufacturer and these details.  

Yes, you can pick wild mushrooms and berries for your own consumption, but for your own safety, and to care for the environment, you should always follow the guidance in the Scottish Wild Mushroom Code.

Please note that if you are collecting mushrooms for commercial purposes or for profit then legally you must have the permission of the landowner.   

Pheasant shooting takes place during the autumn and winter in woods and forests and on adjacent open ground.  During this time, it is best to avoid game rearing pens and keep your dog on a lead or at heel when close to a pen.  

Grouse shooting takes place on moorland areas, the season runs from 12 August to 10 December, with most shoots taking place during the early part of the season. 

It’s helpful to be aware when shooting might be taking place and look for advice on alternative routes. Where possible, avoid crossing land where a shoot is taking place.  

It might be necessary to seek landowner permission for an event that you are planning to run, especially if it’s a large or significant event.  

We have a guidance document that has been written to help event organisers and land managers in the planning and management of organised outdoor events in the National Park. It may also provide helpful tips for many other people, including community groups, businesses and public agencies - anyone who is interested in outdoor events -and how they are managed.  

Download the outdoor access event guidance.

VisitCairngorms have also produced a helpful Event Planners Guide which will help you find locations and venues, plan transport links and connect with communities, suppliers and local businesses.  

The Cairngorms National Park is a great place for getting outdoors but like the rest of Scotland, you should protect yourself from the tiny biting parasites known as ticks.  

Top tips for preventing a tick bite are:

• Stick to paths and avoid long grass, bracken, and heather.  
• Cover exposed skin if you are walking through long grass, bracken, and heather.  
• Use a recommended insect repellent.  
• Most importantly check yourself for ticks at regular intervals, including in the days after getting outdoors. 

For advice on removing ticks, the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease and when to see a doctor, visit this NHS Inform page for guidance.