Gravel Riding In Glenmore Forest Park | Cairngorms National Park, Scotland Sixers - Knicks [JdeJbF2h81f]

Glenmore Forest Park | Gravel Riding in the Highlands of Scotland

Scenic gravel cycling in the Cairngorms National Park, featuring Loch Morlich, forest trails, the magical Green Loch, and great views of the Cairngorms.

Glenmore Forest Park, at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, is a fantastic place for gravel cycling. This ancient Caledonian forest has extensive trails and offers stunning views of the Cairngorm Mountains. I rode it on an early, sunny morning after some spring snow showers, but its a beautiful route at any time of year.

This ride starts from the car park on the west/north-west side of Loch Morlich, a stunning freshwater loch surrounded by pine trees. It begins by heading towards the Sluggan Pass. Just before the main ascent of the pass, a couple of right turns take you towards the Badaguish Outdoor Centre. From there, the route continues through another section of the Queens Forest before descending to Glenmore, with superb views of Loch Morlich and the Cairngorms.

Theres one main spot for a caf and cake stop on this routethe cycle-friendly Glenmore Visitor Centre and Caf, complete with a bike tool station and e-bike charging. Youll pass it three times, so you can stop whenever suits you best. A visit to the nearby Cairngorm Reindeer Centre paddock is also well worth it.

Next comes a short detour: a steep climb of just over a kilometre at the foot of Meall a' Bhuachaille. The effort is rewarded with more great views and a splendid descent back down. Then its on to the enchanting An Lochan Uaine, also known as the Green Loch. Legend has it that its green because fairies washed their clothes there at night. Be aware that this path can be busier with walkers heading to the loch.

After about one kilometre on the return from the Green Loch, youll take a right turn. The tracks here are a little rougher until you reach the Glenmore Road. Once across, youll head towards the lovely sandy beach on the northeast side of Loch Morlich, with more magnificent views of the Cairngorm Mountains.

After a section that can be muddy in places, the route continues to a loop on the south side of the loch, exploring more excellent gravel tracks through this beautiful forest before returning to Glenmore (and perhaps another coffee?). From there, its just two kilometres back to the start along the Old Logging Way, which can also be a bit muddy.

This excellent route is only 29 kilometres long but can easily be extended. You could start from Aviemore and ride through the beautiful Rothiemurchus Estatethis route fits perfectly into that, before cruising back down the Old Logging Way to Aviemore. Looking for more of a challenge? You could also add Glen Einich or the Sluggan Pass.

There are a few videos featuring routes through the Rothiemurchus Estate in my Bike Rides from Aviemore playlist if youre looking for inspiration.

Bike Rides From Aviemore

The Cairngorms offer some of the best gravel cycling in Scotland, with quiet estate tracks, remote glens and spectacular mountain scenery that make the area a favourite for bikepacking and adventure riding.

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Route Details

Distance: 29 km / 18 miles

Strava:

Komoot:

Caf Stop

Glenmore Visitor Centre and Caf

with a bike tool station and e-bike charging

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

Bike Shops

Aviemore Bikes - bike hire and shop:

Ride Scotland, Boat of Garten - bike hire and shop:

Bothy Bikes, Kingussie - bike hire and shop:

In Your Element, Rothiemurchus - bike hire:

Cycle-friendly accommodation

Ravenscraig now stock Guest House, Aviemore:

Silverglades Self Catering Holiday Homes, Aviemore:

Go Self Catered Holiday Cottages, Aviemore:

Pine Bank Chalets, Aviemore:

Glencoldon Cottage, Boat of Garten:

My YouTube Channel: Cycling in the Scottish Highlands

All Videos

Timestamps

0:00 Badaguish / 1 KM Climb / Green southampton spygate Loch

5:50 Green Loch to Loch Morlich

7:26 Glenmore Loop

Music

'No More Tears' by The KLF

'Your Silent Face' by New Order

#GravelCycling #GravelRiding #Cairngorms #GlenmoreForestPark #ScottishHighlands #BikeRide