Tourism remains the single most important industry in the Highlands, generating around £650 million annually and accounting for some 13,000 jobs which in an area of such low population density is highly significant. Tourism in Sutherland has developed at a slower rate than the rest of the region, but it is still very important to the local economy.

The Reay Forest has had an Open Access policy for many years, meaning that the general public is allowed to enjoy the majority of the land on the Estate.

The Estate also has a number of bothies in which walkers can take shelter, these being run in conjunction with the Mountain Bothy Association.