04/09/2026
The Cairn Gorm Summit Access Trial is now available to book!
This is a small-scale, carefully controlled trial to help us understand whether access to the Cairn Gorm summit from the Ptarmigan Top Station can be managed responsibly.
Places are strictly limited, with a maximum of 20 tracking devices available per day initially, 10 in the morning and 10 in the afternoon. This low number allows our Mountain Ranger Service to closely monitor participation and gather accurate data on how the access arrangements are being used.
Visitors taking part will receive guidance from the Mountain Ranger Service before leaving the Ptarmigan Top Station, this includes assessing whether participants are suitably equipped for the conditions.
Access is limited to established routes to and from the summit, with no permitted access across the wider Cairngorm plateau or into designated European sites. We will have Rangers out on the hill every day the trial is running to ensure everyone is kept safe.
The trial will be closely monitored, including through tracking technology, with the findings used to assess the practical, environmental and safety implications of summit access.
Importantly, this is a trial to gather evidence - it is not the opening of unrestricted access to the plateau, and no decisions have been made about future access arrangements.
If you are booking to take part, please ensure you are suitably prepared for the prevailing mountain conditions and that the walk is within your own fitness and ability.
Head over to our website to book: https://cairngormmountain.skiperformance.com/en/store #/en/buy?skugroup_id=6155
