Cairngorm Mountain reopens following wildfire closure

Cairngorm Mountain reopened to visitors on Friday 7 August 2026, following confirmation from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service that the access restrictions introduced during the recent wildfire in the Glenmore area have been lifted.

The resort and neighbouring businesses in Glenmore have been closed since 15 July while emergency services, RSPB, Forestry and Land Scotland, local gamekeepers, estate workers, and volunteers have responded to one of the largest wildfires to affect the Cairngorms National Park. Cairngorm Mountain’s own team have been supporting efforts wherever possible, utilising equipment and resource to assist the agencies managing the incident. While the fire has had a significant impact on the local community and many cherished parts of the surrounding landscape, the experience at Cairngorm Mountain remains unchanged, and we are ready to welcome visitors once again.

From Friday 7 August, the Cairngorm Mountain Railway and activities including Mountain Biking, Mountain Carting, Tubing Slides and the Adventure Play Park are operating as normal. All cafés, retail outlets and other attractions are also open, giving visitors the opportunity to experience everything the destination has to offer.

To allow firefighting operations to continue over the coming days, we have agreed with Forestry and Land Scotland and SFRS to relocate their helicopter compound to the Coire na Ciste car park while air support for water bombing remains on scene. As a result, the motorhome stopover facilities and walkers’ car park at the Ciste will be closed until Monday 10 August at the earliest.

The wildfire came at the height of the summer season, resulting in a significant loss of trade for businesses across the Glenmore area. Although no businesses were physically damaged by the fire, they had been forced to close for an extended period due to access restrictions, with the economic impact felt throughout the local community.

As visitors return, Cairngorm Mountain is encouraging everyone to continue supporting local businesses and to enjoy the area responsibly.

Mike Gifford, CEO of Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd, said:

"We are delighted to be welcoming visitors back to Cairngorm Mountain following what has been an incredibly difficult period for our people and community.

"I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the incredible efforts of everyone who has been working to tackle the wildfire since it first broke out. Having seen first-hand how difficult it is to contain the spread and ensure hotspots are extinguished across such complex terrain, we have a huge appreciation for the dedication and resilience of everyone involved. Working through long days and nights in challenging conditions, their commitment to preventing further damage has been remarkable."

"Alongside our praise for these responders, I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of our own team members, who have gone above and beyond to ensure Cairngorm Mountain remained secure over the last few weeks, and answered calls for support providing both equipment and feet on the ground. Their willingness to contribute to the response has been amazing to see and I am proud of everything they have done.”

"While some areas of Glenmore Forest will remain closed to allow the incident response to continue, the Highland scenery and many of the special places people come to the Cairngorms to enjoy remain as beautiful as ever. As the area reopens, every visit will help support local jobs, local businesses and the wider community as we look towards recovery."

Visitors are encouraged to check ahead before travelling and to respect any remaining access restrictions or closures within the wider Glenmore area. By following local guidance and enjoying the landscape responsibly, visitors can play an important role in supporting the area’s recovery and the local economy.

Cairngorm Mountain looks forward to welcoming visitors back aboard the UK’s highest mountain railway, to enjoy panoramic views, family-friendly activities and unforgettable experiences in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.