Where?
The park is located in the central Highlands, between the cities of Perth and Inverness.
Size & status
The Cairngorms National Park stretches 4,528 sq km (1,748 sq miles). It officially became a National Park in 2003 and was later extended to include the area of Blair Atholl in 2008.
Key towns
Aviemore, Kingussie, Grantown-on-Spey and Ballater.
Inverness is the closest city to the north of the park, roughly 30 minutes away, and Aberdeen is only an hour away from the east side. The park stretches across a number of regions including parts of Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highlands, Angus, and Perthshire.
Updates
The Glenmore area has reopened so you can visit Glenmore, Aviemore and Nethy Bridge again. The July wildfire is still ongoing, but you can check the Cairngorm interactive map for details of any closures to paths and car parks.
Show your support to the local communities by spending time amongst these glorious landscapes from the silver birches of Craigellachie to the wildlife around Boat of Garten, before stopping in for delicious food in friendly cafés. Find more ideas on where to visit in the Cairngorms right now.
Fire safety advice
Fire can ignite easily, spread fast and burn with high intensity. From 1 April until 30 September, fires and barbecues are banned across the Cairngorms National Park, with a maximum fine of £500.
