The area is well known to travellers on the A9 or train to Inverness as it includes the western part of the famous Drumochter Pass.
There are various land designations covering parts of the site. The northern part of the area falls into the Cairngorms National Park. The Drumochter Hills are designated under SSSI, SAC and SPA status reflecting the unique range of species, habitats and landforms present. There are also numerous other smaller designated sites and much of the area is categorised as ‘wildland’.
The area is popular for outdoor recreation and includes five Munros and a number of popular Corbetts. The Drumochter Hills ridge walk is particularly popular.