Glenmore Forest Mountain Bike Trails

Glenmore Forest Park sits in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, around 6 miles east of Aviemore along the B970. Loch Morlich is at its centre, surrounded by ancient Caledonian pinewoods, and the forest offers a range of natural mountain bike trails from easy lochside loops to long technical routes into the high Cairngorms. The visitor centre is now owned and managed by the Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust. Trails are not waymarked — come with a map or GPX file loaded.

The Trails

• Glenmore Forest has 20 trails listed on Trailforks, ranging from green to black. The network includes natural singletrack, forest roads, and high-mountain routes linking into the wider Cairngorms. Check the Glenmore region on Trailforks for current trail status before visiting — some trails carry seasonal Caution status due to Capercaillie breeding activity (see below).
• Canadian Trail (black): One of the most popular trails in the forest. Natural black singletrack, downhill only.
• Badaguish Trail (green): A shorter, easier option suited to beginners and families, running through the plantation near Badaguish.
• For longer routes, the Lairig Ghru Circuit (32 miles, very hard) and Glenmore to Braemar (26 miles, very hard) are the classic multi-hour epics starting from the forest. The Glenmore and Rothiemurchus route (23.5 miles) is technically easier and a good introduction to the area.
• In September 2024, Glenmore Lodge opened Phase 1 of a new singletrack trail in the Aviemore area, nicknamed the Fluffy Gobbler, with 500m of flowing singletrack with berms and roll-able rock features. Phase 2 is underway, which will extend it to approximately 1km. Glenmore Lodge also offer guided MTB riding, coaching and bike hire.

Capercaillie Sensitivity

• Glenmore Forest is home to Capercaillie, a critically endangered woodland bird. Riders are asked to be especially mindful of disturbance during the breeding season from April to mid-August. Some trails carry seasonal Caution status on Trailforks during this period. Follow any signage on the ground and avoid leaving marked routes. The Cairngorms National Park Authority has guidance on responsible access.

Facilities

• The Glenmore Visitor Centre has been recently refurbished and is now run by the community trust. The on-site Allt Mor Cafe serves coffee, cake, breakfast rolls and lunches, open 7 days. There is dedicated bike parking, an eBike charging point, a bike tool station, and local route information available at the centre.
• Toilets are available when the cafe is open. Year-round public toilets are located near the bus stop in Glenmore village.
• Parking at the visitor centre car park is managed by the community trust. FLS annual passes are no longer valid here. Annual (£25) and fortnightly (£10) season passes are available from the centre. Additional car parking is available at Loch Morlich Beach car park (seasonal toilets open April to October).
• Able2 Adventures offers adaptive cycles and off-road wheelchair hire and guided rides, based at Glenmore Lodge.

Getting Here

• Glenmore Visitor Centre, Glenmore Cairngorm Road, Glenmore, Aviemore, PH22 1QU. From Aviemore, take the B970 east through Coylumbridge and follow signs for Glenmore and the Cairngorm Mountain Railway. The visitor centre is approximately 6 miles from Aviemore town centre.
• By bike: the Old Logging Way is a purpose-built 6-mile off-road route between Aviemore and the visitor centre, suitable for most abilities. A gradual climb on the way up, rewarding descent on the way back.
• By bus: Stagecoach Highland buses between Aviemore and the Cairngorm Mountain Railway stop at the visitor centre. Check Traveline Scotland for timetables.

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