Glenmore Visitor Centre

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.

Glenmore Forest Park route card (PDF)

Glenmore Forest Park Visitor Centre on Facebook

Walking trails (1)

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, don't forget to pick up one of our Forest Park activity sheets from the visitor centre.

Orienteering

From spring through to autumn temporary orienteering markers are established around the National Orienteering Centre in Glenmore Forest Park, offering a great introduction to this fun and adventurous sport. Visit the National Orienteering Centre website to find out how to obtain a map.

Facilities and access

Walking

Toilets

Cycling

Parking (charge)

Easy-access facilities

Cafe or refreshments

Visitor centre

Mountain access

Orienteering or wayfaring

Opening hours

• Glenmore Visitor Centre: Currently closed.
• Glenmore Forest Café by Cobbs: Open 9:30am-3:30pm, seven days a week.
• Car parks and trails: Open seven days a week.

When the cafe is closed, the nearest public toilets are in Aviemore. Please check the Highland Council website for details and opening times.

Car parking information

The charges to park at Glenmore Visitor Centre are:

• £1 for up to 1 hour
• £1.50 for up to 3 hours
• £2 for all day
• £8 for minibus or coach all day 
• Your ticket can be used at our other car parks in Glenmore before the expiry time.

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:

• £40 car, £100 mini-bus/coach (valid for 12 months)
• Available in advance by downloading the application form and emailing/posting to the Regional Office.
• Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions before applying.
• Valid at the following sites: Glenmore Visitor Centre, Glenmore Beach, Loch Morlich, Lochside, Sugarbowl, Allt Mor, Allt Ban, Hayfield

Blue badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.

More parking info

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 directions

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