Sugarbowl

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

Mountain access

Walking

Parking (charge)

Picnic area

Public toilets are available 24 hours at Loch Morlich Beach car park (1st April- 31 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

Tickets bought at any FLS machine in the Glenmore Forest Park are valid in all our other car parks in Glenmore (not Glenmore Visitor Centre).

The charges to park at Sugarbowl are:

• £2 for up to 1 hour
• £3 for up to 3 hours
• £4 for all day
• £12 for minibus or coach all day 

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

Payment can be made using coin or card. 

Annual parking passes are available for this site, visit our parking page for more information.

Whilst overnight parking is not permitted in most FLS car parks, overnight parking is permitted at this car park for mountain access. Remember, no camping or sleeping in vehicles at the car park. Please pay for each day. You can pay up to 72 hours later, when you pay by RingGo.

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 Forest Search.

More about parking

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