The West Grampian DMG area as a whole has high conservation importance and is very heavily designated. A total of 20,920.5 ha (27.4% of DMG area) is designated as SAC/SSSI and contains a number of high profile sites of national importance. There are 70 designated features within the DMG area.
A total of 10,519 ha falls within Beinn a’ Ghlò and Drumochter Special Areas of Conservation (SAC).
There are 15 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) covering an area of 20,920.5 ha.
Part of the DMG falls within the Cairngorms Massif SPA (an area of 187,504 ha designated for Golden Eagles deemed to be in favourable condition).
The area is very popular with hill walkers, and contains a number of Munros and Corbetts.
