Mountain Training Scotland

12/08/2026

New petition to fight walking ban at 4 popular Munros

Walkers are being asked to unite to challenge attempts to close Glen Lyon hills this autumn. Ramblers Scotland has today launched a petition to challenge a Perthshire estate's controversial 2-month ban on walkers accessing 4 popular Munros in Glen Lyon.

North Chesthill Estate, owned by Alastair Riddell, last year erected signs stating: "No Walking. We Are Stalking. September to October." The move sparked public outcry, national media coverage and criticism in the Scottish Parliament.

But now, the estate’s website is once again advising people to "walk elsewhere" from 1 September until the end of October. Ramblers Scotland says this is at odds with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Its new petition at ramblers.org.uk/glenlyon is also backed by Walkhighlands and ScotWays.

12/08/2026

07/08/2026

The cordon around the Glenmore area affected by the Cairngorms wildfire has been lifted to allow local businesses to reopen.

We urge all visitors to take extra care as we expect the terrain to be very rough underfoot with paths and tracks churned up and washed out from helicopter drops. Navigation could also be trickier than usual due to obscured or unpleasant path conditions, and you may need to consider alternative routes.

Efforts continue to dampen down any remaining hotspots and some areas remain restricted for safety reasons. Please observe any closure or diversion signs as these are likely in place for safety reasons such as unstable trees. Also be aware that there may still be a residual smell of burning in the area depending on wind direction.

Access Updates:

🔸 Areas that are open include Loch Morlich, Lochside, and the Loch Morlich beach, the Hayfield, Sugarbowl and Coire Cas car parks and all facilities at Cairngorm mountain.

🔸 Access to the summit of Meall a’ Bhuachaille is possible from the west only, starting from Glenmore Visitor Centre (return the same way).

🔸 The Coire na Ciste motorhome stopover area and hillwalkers car park will remain closed to assist the firefighting operations.

🔸 Routes to Bynack Mor via the Ryvoan Pass and from the Ciste Car Park are currently unavailable.

As this remains a dynamic situation, check online for updates in advance of your visit.

03/08/2026

Very positive news.

01/08/2026

Its not over. This appears to have been one of the most complex fire events in Scotland since the Second World War. Our thanks and best wishes to the people still heavily involved, and those supporting them, working hard in bringing this to a safe conclusion.

Wildfire update [Posted 6.25pm on Friday, 31 July]

The multi-agency partnership has been working hard behind the scenes to introduce a phased reopening of the incident cordon, with a view to allowing the Refuel event, planned for 5 August – 9 August at Badaguish to go ahead as planned.

While it was hoped that the cordon at Coylumbridge could be amended today, a dynamic risk assessment of the cordon and forest area has identified that more measures must be taken to protect the public amidst this ongoing and complex incident.

This includes how traffic and footfall is managed around the high-risk area beyond Badaguish, which includes the Glenmore forest and Loch Morlich, which will remain closed to the public. Active firefighting, heavy machinery movement and dangerous trees are still a serious public safety risk in this area.

A further update on the phased reopening and the measures put in place to protect the public will be issued on Monday 3 August.

Please continue to respect the road closures and cordons in place, if you are visiting the area please check all advice before you travel, as some areas are open.

Thank you to the community and local businesses for their continued patience and understanding.

Cairngorms National Park The Highland Council RSPB Scotland Police Scotland Highland & Islands Forestry and Land Scotland

Photo courtesy of Forestry and Land Scotland.

31/07/2026

Yup still loadsa hills to head for. Cairngorm National Park is THE largest national park in the UK and has 55 Munros and five of the six highest mountains in the UK. Though please be mindful of approach routes from the Glenmore / Abernethy side. Stay frosty!

30/07/2026

Some cautiously optimistic news - but the fire is still burning. Update 9pm 30th July 2026.

Mountain Training Mountaineering Scotland Mountain Training Association Ramblers Scotland BMC Association of Mountaineering Instructors British Association of International Mountain Leaders Girlguiding Scotland Scouts Scotland Scout Adventures

29/07/2026

Update 1945, Wednesday 29th July 2026

29/07/2026

Update from Police Scotland re road and path closures in Glenmore area due to on-going fire incident in the area.

Police Scotland continues to support the multi-agency response to the significant wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park.

Efforts to tackle the fire continue today with firefighting activity and ground works to create fire breaks, as well as helicopter activity for water bombing. Due to this ongoing work, localised road and access closures remain in place.

Road closures that remain in place:
• C7 (Ski Road)
• Forest Lodge access road
• Lettoch Road
• Dorback

Walking routes that remain closed:
• Around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Badaguish
• Low level routes including Old Logging Way, routes providing access to Cairngorm Mountain, the Northern Corries, Meall A’ Bhuachaille, the Green Loch (Lochan Uaine), Strath Nethy and Bynack More
• Within Abernethy Forest to the south of Forest Lodge towards Ryvoan Bothy

There are no further planned closures, however this remains under review should fire activity change.

Due to the changing weather conditions, it is possible for the smell of smoke to be detected in other areas, including Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen. Follow NHS Highland for public health advice.

Chief Inspector Ross McCartney said: “This has been a significant incident for the emergency services, landowners and the local community and we understand the concern around this fire as it enters the third week. I am extremely grateful to the community and volunteers for their continued support, at what has been a very difficult time.

“We are aware of the impact road and access closures have on the local community and businesses and want to reassure that we will reopen roads as soon as it is safe to do so. The closures in place are to protect public safety while work continues, particularly with heavy machinery moving around to create further fire breaks. It is expected that the road and access closures will remain in place this week.

“As this incident remains an ongoing emergency response, I would also like to remind drone pilots that the area is a restricted area. Drones should also not be piloted in any areas currently restricted for public access.”