What we do -
Cairngorm Ranger Service provide stewardship for the Highlands & Islands Enterprise Cairngorm Estate. The estate covers 1400 hectares from the edge of Glenmore Forest Park up to the high plateau and neighbours R.S.P.B Abernethy Reserve & Rothiemurchus Estate.
Cairngorm Ranger Base is at the front of the Funicular Base Station and opening hours are 8:30am till around 5pm. Information can be found in the Ranger Base or by speaking to some of the staff.
Weather Information -
Daily weather forecasts are posted and in winter, the avalanche forecast is also available. The weather forecast is provided by Mountain Weather Information Service (http://www.mwis.org.uk/mountain/EH.pdf) which covers the Cairngorms National Park and Monaliath mountain range.
Birds & wildlife -
A summery is available on our display board what's around and what's been seen. Visitors are encouraged to report an wildlife that they have seen in our wildlife record book (in the base).
Where to walk -
Many paths and trails start at the Coire Cas Car Park. Within Coire Cas, there are a number of waymarked trails with marker posts and interpretation. These are the Coire Cas Mountain Trail, Lower Coire Cas Loop, Aonach Trail & Mountain Garden. A trail map for these routes is available from the Ranger Base & the Mountain Shop.
Other Paths that start at the Car Park go out further afield have NO waymarkers or directional signs. You are expected to be self sufficient in navigating in the mountains in any given weather. There are no trail maps for beyond the ski area and the best option is to get an Ordnance Survey or Harveys map.
For more information on route choice and any other information, the Rangers will be happy to assist you, there is nothing better than local knowledge. You would be amazed what we get asked some days!
Footpaths -
The footpath network on the Cairngorm Estate is managed by the Ranger Service. The path network on the estate needs planty of tender loving care, due to the large number of people that use the paths but also the ever changeable and sometime severe weather. regular maintenance is carried out on the paths which can be anything from clearing out drains to rebuilding, for which external contractors would be brought in.
Guided walks & Events -
Throughout the summer months, a programme of events are available. This will be available in the Spring.
Please note that the Ranger Base contact phone number has changed. It is now (01479) 861327.
