Path to Green Loch in Cairngorms reopened after major wildfire

Path to Green Loch in the Cairngorms reopened after major wildfire Image source, FLS Image caption, An Lochan Uaine is a popular spot in the Cairngorms By Jonathan Dorrat BBC Scotland News Published 8 October 2026 A path to the Cairngorms' well-known An Lochan Uaine - meaning the Green Loch - has been reopened after it was closed by a major wildfire that burned for almost five weeks. The fire started in the Glenmore area, near Aviemore, on 15 July and it burned across about 10 sq miles (25 sq km) of moorland and forestry . Some homes and campsites had to be evacuated, and at the height of the incident more than 500 firefighters were involved in the response. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) said it was possible to reopen the Ryvoan Trail, which An Lochan Uaine is on, following restoration and safety work. More stories from the Highlands and Islands News from the Highlands and Islands on BBC Sounds Attribution Sounds The An Lochan Uaine gets its colour from the Sun reflecting minerals in rocks in and around the lochan. According to folklore, the colour is the result of fairies washing their clothes in the small loch at night. Many trails in the Cairngorms National Park were significantly affected by the wildfire. FLS said fire-damaged trees had been removed from the edges of forest roads and marked walking trails. It said detailed assessments of other trees and surrounding landscapes were carried out as part of work to safely reopen the trails. Image source, FLS Image caption, The wildfire burned across about 10sq miles of forestry and moorland FLS visitor services manager for Strathspey, Laura Nicoll, said: "Due to the ongoing risk of falling trees and branches in some parts of the park, visitors are strongly advised to stay on open forest roads and waymarked routes when within the burned area and follow any on-site signage." The Ryvoan Trail and full Meall a'Bhuachaille circuit are back open. But FLS said the right of way to Nethy Bridge, beyond An Lochan Uaine, remained closed until it could be made safe. Related topics Wildfires Glenmore More on this story Helicopters to be put on standby when wildfire risk is high Published 3 September Deer culls credited with green loch wood recovery Published 7 June 2023