Thursday, 21 Nov 2024
Glasgow may be the most densely populated city in Scotland but there are plenty of places to explore…
Glenmore Visitor Centre
Glenmore Visitor Centre
Where we are
Latest forest information
- Civil engineering works are ongoing along the two forest roads north-east of the Visitor Centre, encompassing a section of the upper route to An Lochan Uaine. Temporary partial closures may be in effect; please follow onsite signage and use alternative routes if required. The lochan remains fully accessible along the Ryvoan Trail via Glenmore Lodge, or from the Allt Mor car park.
- There is a partial closure of the Loch Morlich Beach Trail (Waymarked yellow) to carry out essential path restoration works. Access from the main road down to the riverside is not possible. The section of trail around Loch Morlich Beach, the footbridge and Pine Knoll Trail (White waymarked route) are all unaffected. Closure will remain in place for 2 weeks.
- Harvesting work with extensive timber haulage is taking place above the Glenmore Visitor Centre and east of Badaguish. The forest road above Beglan is closed for these works to take place safely. Please exercise caution and follow all on-site safety signage. Access to Beglan Township and Meall a’ Bhuachaille are not affected.
- Glenmore Visitor Centre and Café are now owned and managed by Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust. For more information, please see the 'Facilities and access' section.
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 the visitor centre (now owned and managed by Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust), where you can consider the range of trails and activities whilst relaxing in the 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
A trail notice is in effect
There is currently construction work at the Reindeer Centre, affecting a short section of the Ryvoan Trail. Please take care when passing this and follow onsite signage.
Visit the enchanting An Lochan Uaine (The Green Lochan) and enjoy the splendour of the ancient pine and birch forest all around. You can also park at the Allt Mor car park for access to Ryvoan Pass and An Lochan Uaine.
Mostly smooth gravel track with some moderate slopes. Some short fairly steep slopes. One road crossing and short roadside section
3 ½ miles / 5.8 km
Allow 2 ½ 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
Work is being undertaken to repair and upgrade the paths up Meall a’Bhuachaille from Glenmore and from the Ryvoan track. Works are planned to commence on 19 November 2024 and expected to be completed by the end of January 2025.
The route will remain open, but users should take extra care and follow any signs and instructions. Please note it is likely you may be required to leave the path and divert around active work sites. At no time should anyone enter the work sites, even when contractors are not present. There will be temporary closures required for helicopter drops of materials – these are planned for 25 and 26 November however this is weather dependent.
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, but there are no further markers along the route. 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 and Café are now owned and managed by Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust. Please see their website for more information.
- Toilets: while the café is closed, the nearest available toilets are 1 minute walk from the Visitor Centre, near the bus stop in Glenmore Village.
- Car parks and trails: Open 7 days a week.
Toilets are available at the Visitor Centre during café opening hours. Public toilets are available 24 hours at Loch Morlich Beach car park (Easter-October) and in Glenmore village (year round) at the Highland Council block near the car park entrance.
No camping is allowed within the car park area. Please park responsibly in designated bays and do not block access for emergency vehicles.
Fires and barbecues are not permitted in Glenmore Forest Park. If you need to cook, use a gas stove. For more information on best practice in the outdoors, visit the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Car parking information
The Visitor Centre car park is now owned and managed by Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust. Please see their website for more information. As of 1 November 2024, Forestry and Land Scotland parking tickets and passes are no longer valid in this car park.
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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Watersports and walking at the highest beach in Britain
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Distance from 'Loch Morlich Beach': 0.31 miles
Ancient pine trees, dragonflies and wood ants
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A wonderful mix of tall pine, heather and blueberry
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