Glenmore reopens, but key trails stay closed after wildfire

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-12 18:18 3 min read

A dark, scorched mountain landscape after a wildfire under a cloudy overcast sky.

Glenmore businesses can reopen from 8am on Friday, 7 August, after a multi-agency assessment of the Cairngorms wildfire area. The cordon is being lifted more than three weeks after the fire began on 15 July, but visitors are being urged to follow access signs as firefighting and safety work continue.

Most of Glenmore Forest Park will be accessible again, offering a route back for visitors and trade for local businesses affected by the closure. The reopening follows an earlier period when access across Glenmore and Loch Morlich was closed as crews tackled the fire.

Open areas and routes from Friday morning

Loch Morlich, Lochside and Loch Morlich beach will be open, along with Hayfield and Sugarbowl car parks. The beach toilets will also reopen.

Visitors will be able to use the Beach Trail, Loch Morlich Trail and Pine Knoll Trail. Meall a’ Bhuachaille can be reached from the west via Glenmore Visitor Centre, with walkers asked to return by the same route. Hill access through Sugarbowl car park and the Chalamain Gap will also be possible.

The C7 Ski Road is due to fully reopen at 8am on Friday. People travelling through the area should still check for current road information, as closures remain near Abernethy Forest where firefighting activity is continuing.

Closed paths and continuing safety work

Some Forestry and Land Scotland-managed areas will stay out of bounds while fire damage is assessed and made safe. The Allt Ban and Allt Mor car parks, Ryvoan Trail, Lodge Trail and Green Lochan will remain closed.

Forestry and Land Scotland said the continuing risks include remaining hotspots, fire-damaged trees and unstable ground. Signs will identify accessible and restricted areas, including forest paths, bike trails and roads. Visitors have also been asked not to enter closed ground or fly drones near ongoing operations.

Paul Hibberd, Forestry and Land Scotland’s Regional Visitor Services Manager, said visitors were welcome back but warned that some parts of the forest would need more work before they could safely reopen.

Firefighting shifts towards Abernethy Forest

Around 20 firefighters are continuing to work in the remote Abernethy Forest area, where deep-seated peat fires remain. Specialist equipment includes a high-volume pump, while thermal-imaging drones supplied by Forestry and Land Scotland and the Cairngorms National Park Authority are being used to identify hotspots.

Helicopter support is expected to continue on Thursday but is unlikely to be needed beyond Friday. Smoke from hotspots may still drift across remote areas as weather conditions change, and a residual burning smell is likely.

Road closures will remain on the Forest Lodge access road in Abernethy Forest, Lettoch Road and Dorback. Highland Council is also discussing grant funding support for businesses affected by the wildfire.

Source: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source trail

This report is based on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service update issued on 6 August 2026.

Checks

Confirmed the 8am reopening time for Friday, 7 August.
Checked the named open and closed paths, car parks and visitor facilities.
Checked the continuing firefighting activity and road closures around Abernethy Forest.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service News Search for current Glenmore wildfire updates