Ryvoan Bothy Wildfire: Cairngorms Evacuations & Safety Advice

A large-scale wildfire that ignited in heathland at Ryvoan Bothy, near Nethy Bridge, late on Wednesday morning has forced evacuations and closed popular hiking and camping areas in the Cairngorms National Park. By evening, the fire had spread to over two kilometres wide, driven by high winds across dry land. Firefighters battled through the night, with four fire engines still at the scene on Thursday morning. No casualties have been reported.

Where the Fire Started and How It Spread

The flames took hold at Ryvoan Bothy at approximately 11:50 on Wednesday. High winds caused the fire to spread rapidly across areas of trees and woodland, covering more than two miles (3.5 km) of dry land by evening. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) described it as a “large-scale” wildfire and has been working with landowners to contain the incident and create fire breaks.

Deputy assistant chief officer Ian McMeekin told BBC Radio Scotland’s Breakfast programme that it was “far too early” to identify the cause of the fire. He reminded the public to be responsible when enjoying the outdoors, advising people to take picnics instead of disposable barbecues, not leave litter—especially glass—and dispose of cigarettes fully.

Evacuations and Closures

Numerous properties and businesses, including campsites and ski resorts within the Glenmore Forest Park area, were closed and evacuated as a precautionary measure. Police told residents to “leave your pets and go.” Glenmore resident Duncan Ferguson said police came to his house in the afternoon to urge him to evacuate. Cairngorm Mountain was also evacuated and closed.

The C7 road, known locally as Ski Road, has been closed. Members of the public are urged to avoid Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich as firefighting continues. Residents in Aviemore, Glenmore, and surrounding communities have been advised to keep doors and windows closed due to smoke.

Safety Advice for Hikers and Travelers

Group commander Raymond King said: “While we want people to enjoy the good weather, we ask that anyone in the Cairngorms National Park near to Aviemore and Glenmore avoid the area. This part of the Cairngorms National Park is popular with hillwalkers, and we ask that people remain vigilant while active firefighting continues.”

A ‘very high’ wildfire risk warning is in effect for the central Highlands, southern and eastern Scotland. The SFRS has issued the following guidance for anyone planning outdoor activities in the region:

• Avoid Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich entirely.
• Do not use disposable barbecues in the area.
• Dispose of litter and cigarettes properly.
• Keep doors and windows closed if you are in Aviemore, Glenmore, or nearby communities.
• Let family or friends know your route and expected return time if walking in the Cairngorms.

Police have said that anyone walking in the Cairngorms should avoid the area and let family or friends know their plans. The fire remains an ongoing incident, and firefighters expect to be on scene for the remainder of the day.

What This Means for Your Trip

If you have plans to visit the Cairngorms National Park in the coming days, check for updates from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Cairngorms National Park Authority before setting out. The ‘very high’ wildfire warning is expected to last for the next five days in parts of the Highlands, so conditions remain dangerous.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority said: “The ongoing incident near Ryvoan Bothy is deeply concerning, and we are grateful to all those who are working to tackle the fire. We would echo the advice of SFRS to avoid the area while firefighters and partners work to bring this blaze under control.”

Stay safe, stay informed, and respect the closures—they are in place for your safety and the safety of the firefighters on the ground.