Monday, 29 May 2023
Our Forest Drives are once again open for vehicle access. These facilities are a great way to get into the forest and see some stunning sights from across the country. ...
Sugarbowl
Where we are
Latest forest information
- Please take care during periods of low temperatures as untreated surfaces may be liable to icing. We advise visitors to exercise extreme caution around frozen loch surfaces and rivers.
- Please plan ahead and book accommodation or campsites for overnight stays. Overnight parking is not permitted within our car parks.
- The nearest toilets are at the Glenmore Visitor Centre and available 10am - 3.30pm.
- Please park responsibly and ensure access is maintained for residents and emergency services vehicles. There are 8 car parks available within Glenmore. Please see below for further information.
About
The starting point for many a mountain walk
The Sugarbowl is a great starting point for getting out into the hills. The Chalamain Gap is a popular route from here – a ravine filled with a jumble of boulders that makes a spectacular destination on its own, or as part of a journey to climb Braeriach. Further on, the Lairig Ghru pass is a classic long distance hike to Braemar, on the other side of the Cairngorms.
Activities
The Sugarbowl is near to Cairngorm mountain with ski and visitor facilities.
Facilities and access
There are public toilets and a café at the Glenmore Forest Park Visitor Centre. Facilities are also available a couple of miles beyond Sugarbowl at Cairngorm Ski Centre.
No camping is allowed within the car park area.
Car parking information
Payment options: coin or RingGo
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 Sugarbowl are:
- £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
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.
The nearest 'pay by card' car park ticket machine is located near the front door of the Glenmore Visitor Centre. Car Parking tickets bought at any machine are valid in all Forestry and Land Scotland Car Parks in Glenmore Forest Park.
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.
Getting here
From Aviemore follow the signs for 'The Cairngorms' for 8 miles, remaining on the road as it climbs steeply towards the ski centre. Sugarbowl car park is on the left, on the inside of a switchback bend.
Using SatNav?
PH22 1RB is the postcode for the Cairngorm ski centre, a few miles beyond Sugarbowl car park.
Public transport
Buses between Aviemore and the Cairngorm ski centre pass the entrance to Sugarbowl. If waiting on a return bus, be sure to choose a safe place away from the switchback bend. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Phone
0300 067 6100 (option 1)
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