Visitors and outdoor access
People have been visiting the Cairngorms for centuries to appreciate the outstanding landscapes and wildlife of the region, and to experience the huge range of activities available.
Providing first-class facilities and a warm welcome to our two million annual visitors is a key priority for the Park Authority and its partners, as is managing the impact of visitors on the environment and local communities. We work closely with the Cairngorms Tourism Partnership, businesses and a range of other organisations to ensure that the National Park is a sustainable destination. The Cairngorms was the first national park in the UK to be awarded the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas in 2005.
Finding ways to change small things, like the time of year that people visit and the options available to get around the Cairngorms by active and sustainable means, can make a big difference in helping us take care of this special place for generations to come. Some of the Park Authority and partners' work in this area is summarised below.
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
-
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.