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Sugarbowl

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Latest forest information

  • Do not light fires or BBQs. If you need to cook, use a gas stove.
  • Park responsibly in designated bays and do not block access for emergency vehicles.
  • 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.

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

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

Public toilets are available 24 hours at Loch Morlich Beach car park (Easter- 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

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
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?

Phone
0300 067 6100 (option 1)
More contact information

Nearby forests

Drooping conifer branch

A wonderful mix of tall pine, heather and blueberry

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Picnic area
Picnic area
Distance from 'Allt Mor': 1.02 miles
Drooping conifer branch

Ancient pine trees, dragonflies and wood ants

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Picnic area
Picnic area
Distance from 'Hayfield': 1.1 miles
Drooping conifer branch

The essential starting point for your visit to Glenmore

Facilities and activities
Mountain access
Mountain access
Cycling
Cycling
Walking
Walking
Toilets
Toilets
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Visitor centre
Visitor centre
Easy-access facilities
Easy-access facilities
Cafe or refreshments
Cafe or refreshments
Distance from 'Glenmore Visitor Centre': 1.57 miles