There is a very high risk of wildfire in the south and west of Scotland from 24 to 25 April. Please plan ahead and check online before visiting.

Sugarbowl

Sugarbowl
About Activities Facilities and access Directions Contact Nearby forests
Where we are

Latest forest information

  • Please plan ahead and book accommodation or campsites for overnight stays.
  • Overnight parking is usually not permitted in our car parks, however there are some exceptions (e.g. if you need to park overnight to complete a multi-day trip in the hills). Please email north.vsglenmore@forestryandland.gov.scot for advice. 
  • The nearest toilets are at the Glenmore Visitor Centre, 5 minutes drive back along the road. Available 10am - 3pm. There is also a public toilet operated by Highland Council on the roadside beside the entrance to the visitor centre. This is open 24/7 and free to use. 
  • There are also toilets at Glenmore beach, available 24/7, April to October. These toilets are closed November to March.
  • 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

Walking
Walking
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Mountain access
Mountain access
Picnic area
Picnic area

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.

Glenmore Pass application form

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.

FLS National Pass application form

 

More parking info

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 directions

Get in touch

Have a question or suggestion for improvement?

Email
enquiries.north@forestryandland.gov.scot
Phone
0300 067 6100 (option 1)
More contact information

Nearby forests

Male hiker walks along wooden boardwalk through woodland at Allt Mor, near Aviemore

1
Allt Mor

A wonderful mix of tall pine, heather and blueberry

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Picnic area
Picnic area
Distance from 'Sugarbowl': 1.00 miles
Cones on a twig

2
Hayfield

Ancient pine trees, dragonflies and wood ants

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Picnic area
Picnic area
Distance from 'Sugarbowl': 1.07 miles
Entrance to visit centre with green picnic tables outside in the sunshine

3
Glenmore Visitor Centre

The essential starting point for your visit to Glenmore

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Toilets
Toilets
Cycling
Cycling
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Easy-access facilities
Easy-access facilities
Cafe or refreshments
Cafe or refreshments
Visitor centre
Visitor centre
Mountain access
Mountain access
Distance from 'Sugarbowl': 1.51 miles
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