Thursday, 23 November 2023
In November 1923, only four years after the establishment of the Forestry Commission, Glenmore was purchased from the Duke of Gordon. 2023 marks 100 ye...
Glenmore Visitor Centre
Glenmore Visitor Centre
Where we are
Latest forest information
- Harvesting operations are taking place in the vicinity of the Visitor Centre. Please follow all site signage to ensure your safety.
- Loch Morlich Beach toilets are closed for winter. Toilets are available at the Visitor Centre during normal operating hours or at the newly opened public toilet block situated on the roadside beside the entrance to the Visitor Centre.
- The Glenmore Visitor Centre and Glenmore Forest Cafe will be closed on Thursday 7th of December due to a planned electricity outage. This will affect many buildings in Glenmore so we recommend checking local opening times if visiting Glenmore on this date.
Open water
- This destination contains areas of open water which can be hazardous if you are not suitably prepared. Follow our water safety advice and take care.
About
The essential starting point for your visit to Glenmore
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.
Walking trails
Glenmore Forest Park route card (PDF)
Walking
Ryvoan Trail
Visit the enchanting An Lochan Uaine (The Green Lochan) watched over by An Sidhean (The Fairies' Hill), then wind back through the ancient pine and birch forest above. Walk starts at the front of the visitor centre.
Smooth gravel track with moderate slopes up to lochan. Rough, narrow gravel and earth section beyond, with exposed tree roots. Long steep slopes with long sets of rough rocky steps.
3 ½ miles / 5.8 km
Allow 2½ hours
More information
On your quest to the lochan, listen out for red squirrels scampering in the branches or cracking open pine cones overhead.
Activities
Meall a' Bhuachaille hill path
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. You'll need proper hill walking equipment for this trip. Find out more about the route at WalkHighlands.
Children's activities
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.
Facilities and access
Opening hours
- Glenmore Visitor Centre: Open Monday - Friday: 10am - 3.30pm, Saturday - Sunday: 9.30am - 4pm.
- Glenmore Forest Café by Cobbs: Open Monday - Friday: 10am - 3.30pm, Saturday - Sunday: 9.30am - 4pm (takeaway only 45 minutes before closing).
- Car parks and trails: Open 7 days a week.
Toilets are available at the Visitor Centre during opening hours. The Loch Morlich Beach toilets are closed for winter. Please check the Highland Council website for details and opening times of additional toilet facilities.
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:
Payment options: coin, card or RingGo
- £2 for up to 1 hour
- £3 for up to 3 hours
- £4 for all day (vehicles up to 7 seats)
- £12 for minibus or coach all day
- Blue Badge holders park for free. Please display your badge clearly
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.
Annual parking pass available:
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.
Glenmore Car Park Pass - £40 per car and £100 per mini-bus or coach
Valid at Glenmore Visitor Centre, Loch Morlich Beach, Loch Morlich, Lochside, Sugarbowl, Allt Mor, Allt Ban, Hayfield.
FLS National Car Park Pass - £100 per car and £150 per mini bus or coach
Valid at all Forestry and Land Scotland car parks except Tentsmuir.
Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the visitor centre and café. Water and tie-up points are available outside.
Getting here
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.
Using SatNav?
PH22 1QU is the nearest postcode.
Public transport
Buses between Aviemore and the Cairngorm Mountain Railway pass the visitor centre. You'll find details at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Phone
0300 067 6100 (option 1)
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