Glenmore Forest Park lies in the heart of Cairngorms National Park. The park has ancient forests; Glenmore Forest Park is also part of the largest continuous area of native woodland in Britain. It is one of the best places in Scotland to spot Scottish crossbills, whose presence can vary seasonally. For planning purposes, forest trails, circular routes around Loch Morlich and seasonal birdwatching offer different options to explore.

Forest trails and circular routes around Loch Morlich

The Loch Morlich Trail is a two-hour circular route through the forest, with lovely views of the mountains. Its stated duration makes it a clearly defined option if you want to fit a walk into your day. Check the latest FLS notices before setting out.

The Glenmore Beach Trail has a different focus: this easy, yellow-marked circular route leads to Loch Morlich and its inland beach. It is suitable for wheelchairs, scooters and pushchairs. Check the current conditions before your visit, as trail and beach conditions can change. The starting point depends on whether you hire a motor scooter: if you hire one at the Glenmore Forest Park Visitor Centre, the trail starts there; otherwise, it starts at the Beach Car Park.

The Ryvoan (Green Lochan) Trail is a relatively flat out-and-back route on firm paths or forest tracks. Its total length is 3.5 miles (5.6 km). By comparison, the Loch Morlich Trail is listed as taking two hours. The routes therefore have different planning details: one gives the distance and describes an out-and-back route, while the other gives the duration and describes a circular route. Trail conditions and signage can change; check both before setting out.

The Old Logging Way runs for six miles between Aviemore and the Glenmore Forest Park Visitor Centre. The route is traffic-free and follows a well-maintained, firm path with mostly gentle gradients. Here, the two endpoints and the route profile are the main details; for the routes around Loch Morlich, the key details are their circular layout, duration or accessibility.

Water, getting there and history

You can canoe on Loch Morlich; visitors may use non-motorised watercraft there. Check the local operating conditions before taking part. Buses between Aviemore and the Cairngorm Mountain Ski Centre pass Loch Morlich Beach. If you plan to use this bus service, check the latest timetable.

Accessible public toilets are available at Glenmore Visitor Centre. As visitor facilities can change, it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit.

Glenmore’s history offers another point of interest: the remains of the settlement of Beglan are located in Glenmore, and the settlement is thought to date from around 1740. The history of the settlement adds a historical dimension to the nature-related activities, without requiring a particular circular route to be the main focus. This allows you to choose between forests, trails, water activities and the remains of Beglan.

Discover more destinations: Helmsdale, Alness, John o' Groats, Whitefield, Talmine, Halkirk, Ardgay, Camusbane

For the regional travel overview: Highland.