Walking
The stunning landscapes of the Cairngorms are easily enjoyed on foot, whether it’s a soothing loch-side stroll, a woodland wander or for the more experienced, a high mountain hike. A stroll in the National Park will connect with nature and soothe the mind, as much as it stretches the legs.
There are networks of paths that lead out from each community giving easily accessible routes to explore, while discovering the National Park’s rich culture and natural heritage. From Newtonmore you can follow the Wildcat trail, enjoy the stunning Falls of Bruar at Blair Atholl or from Nethy Bridge discover a history of forest logging following the Puggy Line. There are lots of great family friendly routes to explore such as Loch an Eilein at Rothiemurchus or the geological wonder of the Burn o’ Vat near Ballater.
Many of the National Park’s longer walking routes also hint at the area’s rich heritage. The Speyside Way, which starts in Newtonmore, journeys along the mighty river and past Ruthven Barracks echoing with Jacobite history. The Deeside Way from Ballater follows the old railway line once graced by Queen Victoria on her travels to Balmoral.
For the experienced hillwalker and mountaineer, there are more than 50 Munros in the National Park, along with some stunning, but remote, hill tracks. But there are numerous mountain experiences for first time explorers eager to conquer a mini mountain too, such as Creag Beag in Kingussie, Meall a’Buachaille in Glenmore or Creag Choinnich in Braemar.
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Featured
Things to do
The Cairngorms National Park has plenty to inspire adventures for visitors and residents.
Path closures
Paths and trails may need to be closed from time to time for reasons such as being in an unsafe condition following storm damage, flooding, unavoidable maintenance work or land management operations e.g. tree felling.
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.
Walk Highlands
Discover and download routes in the Cairngorms National Park on Walk Highlands
Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Learn what steps you can take to enjoy the outdoors responsibly
Relevant alerts
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Due to the wildfire the Coire na Ciste ridge path from the Coire na Ciste car park to the Ptarmigan station on Cairngorm Mountain is closed. The path may remain closed for some time until safety inspections and repairs can be undertaken to make the area and path safe.
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The path from Meall a’Bhuachaille to the Ryvoan bothy / Green Lochan is closed as a result of the wildfire. The path may remain closed for some time until safety inspections and repairs can be undertaken to make the area and path safe.
Access to the summit of Meall a’Bhuachaille is possible from the Glenmore visitor centre, returning via the same route.
Additional information:
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The route from the Dorback road to Abernethy forest via Eag Mhor and Loch a'Chnuic is closed due to the wildfire incident and ongoing repair and safety works.
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Due to the wildfire the Allt Ban and Allt More car parks remain closed.
The car parks at Loch Morlich, Lochside, Beach, Hayfield and Sugarbowl are open.
Check Forestry and Land Scotland for latest updates.
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Due to the wildfire the Allt Mor path between the Allt Mor car park and the Sugarbowl car park / Utsi’s Bridge is closed.
The path may remain closed for some time until safety inspections and repairs can be undertaken to make the area and path safe.
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Due to the wildfire the Lodge trail from the Allt Mor car park / Glenmore Lodge is closed.
The path may remain closed for some time until safety inspections and repairs can be undertaken to make the area and path safe.
Check Forestry and Land Scotland for latest updates.
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Due to the wildfire the Ryvoan trail from Glenmore to An Lochan Uaine (the Green Lochan) is closed. There is no way to reach the Green Lochan at present.
The path may remain closed for some time until safety inspections and repairs can be undertaken to make the area and path safe.
Check Forestry and Land Scotland for latest updates.
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The Green Lochan is within the wildfire exclusion zone. Currently all the paths to the Green Lochan remain closed and there is no way to reach the Lochan.
Access to the Green Lochan may remain closed for some time until safety inspections and repairs can be undertaken to make the area and paths safe.
Check Forestry and Land Scotland for latest updates.
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Due to the wildfire the Ryvoan pass between Glenmore and Forest Lodge (nr Nethy Bridge) is closed to the public. This includes the Ryvoan path and the Ryvoan bothy.
Consequently, it is not possible to access the Lairig an Laoigh or Bynack More from Ryvoan.
The Ryvoan route may remain closed for some time until safety inspections and repairs can be undertaken to make the area and path safe.
Alternative route – there is not an obvious alternative route. Those planning expeditions or long-distance walks looking for a way from Glenmore to Nethy Bridge could use either Badaguish – An Slugan – B970 – track to Tulloch, or follow the Old Logging way to Aviemore and then the Speyside Way: Aviemore – Boat of Garten – Nethy Bridge.
Additional information:
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The riverside loop on the Seven Bridges Walk, between Bridge of Gairn and the junction near Polhollick Bridge is closed due to a section washing away in flooding. An alternate route is already shown as part of the walk route, please use this alternate high route parallel to the A93 instead.
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The railway level crossing at Dalwhinnie – at the walkers car park NN 633 846 – has been closed by Network Rail. An alternative point to cross the railway is via the underpass to the south at the Ben Alder cottages (NN 634 841). More information.
- Dalwhinnie waymarked walks:
- the Loch Ericht Walk loop is no longer possible due to the level crossing closure
- to reach the start of the Forest Walk and Coachan Wood Viewpoint the above diversion to the railway underpass is required
- Dalwhinnie waymarked walks:
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Significant storm damage and windblown trees from the winter storms – clearance works underway but still many restrictions and path closures.
Check Forest and Land Scotland website for latest updates.
- Glen Doll car park – open
- Waymarked trails – Corrie Fee (Green) trail – open.
- ALL OTHER WAYMARKED TRAILS ARE CLOSED.
South Esk trail (Yellow), White Water Trail (White) Jocks Rd and Dounalt Trail (Blue) are all CLOSED due to windblown trees. - Mountain access routes update – Kilbo path is open, Corrie Fee Path is open, Dounalt Road is open (south side of upper White Water – this is an alternative for Jocks road, which remains closed).
- The Capel Road Track is blocked with trees at OS Grid Ref: NO 2841 7717. This may be bypassed by walking along the forest boundary wall between NO 2834 7763 to NO 2872 7771. Conditions on this alternative route are steep, rocky and rough underfoot.
- Ministers Path – northern branch blocked by fallen trees below Elf Hillock. Alternative to follow southern branch.
Additional information: