Thursday, 31 Oct 2024
Did you know that Scotland is home to ten of the 17 bat species living and breeding in the UK? …
Find out more about Glenmore Forest Park at our visitor centre, where you can consider the range of trails and activities whilst relaxing in our café. You can begin a walk to a magical lochan from here, or jump over the road to Loch Morlich Beach for watersports and cycling trails.
Just outside the Visitor Centre you'll encounter a memorial to a company of Norwegian resistance fighters who were based in Glenmore during the Second World War. They trained in the forest and on the shores of Loch Morlich for daring raids against the Nazi forces occupying Norway.
Glenmore Forest Park route card (PDF)
There is currently construction work at the Reindeer Centre, affecting a short section of the Ryvoan Trail. Please take care when passing this and follow onsite signage.
Visit the enchanting An Lochan Uaine (The Green Lochan) and enjoy the splendour of the ancient pine and birch forest all around. You can also park at the Allt Mor car park for access to Ryvoan Pass and An Lochan Uaine.
Mostly smooth gravel track with some moderate slopes. Some short fairly steep slopes. One road crossing and short roadside section
Allow 2 ½ hours
On your quest to the lochan, listen out for red squirrels scampering in the branches or cracking open pine cones overhead.
If you want a real workout, there's a great hill route from the visitor centre up to Meall a' Bhuachaille – the hill of the shepherd. The path is a stiff climb from the car park to the summit at 2600 ft (810 metres). It's well worth it for the view from the top towards the rolling Cairngorm plateau and the wide strath of the Spey. There's a clear, easy to follow path to the summit. The path starts at the rear of the visitor centre, marked by a wooden signpost, but there are no further markers along the route. You'll need proper hill walking equipment for this trip. Find out more about the route at WalkHighlands.
If you have children with you, why not follow one of the seasonal self-led trails often put out by the ranger service? Look for the start of the trail at the visitor centre.
Toilets are available at the Visitor Centre during cafe opening hours. Public toilets are available 24 hours at Loch Morlich Beach car park (Easter-October) and in Glenmore village (year round).
No camping is allowed within the car park area. Fires and barbecues are not permitted. For more information on best practice in the outdoors, visit the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Car parking information
The only 'pay via card' car park ticket machine is located near the front door of the Glenmore Visitor Centre. Tickets bought at any machine in the Glenmore Forest Park are valid in all our other car parks in Glenmore. The charges to park at Glenmore Visitor Centre are:
We recommend you bring both coins and cards with you, just in case. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our local forest list without the £ symbol.
Available in advance by downloading the relevant application form and emailing to the Regional Office. Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions before applying.
Valid at Glenmore Visitor Centre, Loch Morlich Beach, Loch Morlich, Lochside, Sugarbowl, Allt Mor, Allt Ban, Hayfield.
Valid at all Forestry and Land Scotland car parks except Tentsmuir.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the Visitor Centre and café. Please keep them on a short lead. The dog-friendly area of the café is at the far end, on the left when you enter. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the building.
From the roundabout at the south end of Aviemore follow the signs for 'The Cairngorms' for 6 miles. Glenmore Visitor Centre is easy to spot on the left-hand side of the road, just beyond Loch Morlich
You can cycle here from Aviemore on the Old Logging Way; a superb, safe bike route that runs for 6 miles from Aviemore to the Visitor Centre.
PH22 1QU is the nearest postcode.
Buses between Aviemore and the Cairngorm Mountain Railway pass the visitor centre. You'll find details at Traveline Scotland.
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Watersports and walking at the highest beach in Britain
Ancient pine trees, dragonflies and wood ants
A wonderful mix of tall pine, heather and blueberry