Leave no trace
The Cairngorms National Park is a uniquely special place and loved by many who visit, work and live here. By pledging to leave no trace, everyone who enjoys this area can make sure that it is protected from pollution and damage, and preserved for generations to come.
It’s important to consider the impact of your visit on the landscape and wildlife in the area. Remember, it’s not just you, the numbers of people in popular spots can lead to a build up of impacts, which is why it’s so important to leave no trace.
To help leave no trace we ask that you:
- Bring a litter bag and take all your rubbish away with you. Better still, ditch the disposables and bring food and drink in reusable containers and bottles.
- Remove all traces of your picnic spot, camping pitch etc including food waste, which if left can attract vermin and spread disease. Treat food waste and fruit peel like litter by bagging it, binning it and taking it away with you.
- Toilet responsibly to prevent pollution. If there are no public toilets around you need to go, make sure you are at least 30 metres away from lochs, rivers and streams and help to preserve our pristine waters. Go to the toilet well away from footpaths and buildings and be discreet! Dig a hole and bury solid waste and take any toilet paper and sanitary items away with you.
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.
More advice about outdoor toileting
Learn more about how to go, when you need to go, outdoors
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.