CairnGorm Mountain to offer Guided Walks

Commenting on the news that Cairngorm Mountain Limited will offer guided walks from the top of the funicular railway, Chief Officer David Gibson said that MCofS welcomed the opportunity the initiative will bring to people with limited hill walking experience or mobility to enjoy the mountains.

He added:

"We understand that the public will pay for ‘guided walks’ and that these will be organised in groups of 10. It appears that these guided walks will be closely managed to specific areas of the mountain and will not affect the mountain's Natura 2000 habitat.

Whilst we haven’t been consulted on safety matters by Cairngorm Mountain Limited, we would assume that they have undertaken appropriate risk assessments and that walks will be led by qualified or experienced people.

The Cairngorm plateau is a Natura 2000 site and protected by law under European legislation. Cairngorm Mountain Limited is aware of its obligations under this legislation. Clearly we would be concerned if there was any detrimental effect on the mountain as a result of this initiative but there is a well-constructed network of pathways and we assume that the walks will use this network."