A major expansion of the Glenmore Beach car park is set to welcome visitors in time for Easter, with new spaces opening as part of a wider effort to improve access and safety in the area.
Forestry and Land Scotland has confirmed that the upper section of the site, including 30 additional parking spaces, will be ready ahead of the holiday period.
Further work on the lower section will continue through the summer, delivering safer traffic flow, dedicated cycle parking and improved provision for disabled visitors.
The redesigned layout has been developed by Forestry and Land Scotland’s own landscape team, with funding support from the Scottish Government’s Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund, alongside contributions from the Cairngorm National Park Authority and Forestry and Land Scotland itself.
The project is being delivered by Forestry and Land Scotland’s Civil Engineering team, with a focus on balancing increased visitor demand with environmental responsibility.
Carol MacKintosh, Area Visitor Services Manager, said:
“Work is on schedule and we will plant trees to replace the trees that had to be felled to give the space for the expansion, so all in all we’re pretty pleased with progress.
“Careful consideration was given to the planning and layout of the site to minimise tree felling, which was an unavoidable aspect of increasing the car parking offer.
“All of the work received the appropriate permissions from The Highland Council and Nature Scot.”
Once complete, the expanded car park will offer around 130 spaces positioned closer to the beach, helping reduce pressure on surrounding roads and improving access for visitors.
It will sit alongside upgraded facilities at Loch Morlich and Allt Ban, as well as existing parking at the Glenmore Visitor Centre and roadside provision managed by the council.
The investment of just over £200,000 reflects the growing popularity of Glenmore as a destination, particularly during peak holiday periods when visitor numbers place strain on local infrastructure.
Carol added:
“This is part of a planned approach to enable responsible parking in Glenmore to overcome the issues that presented in the past because of unsafe, roadside parking.
“It’s been a partnership effort and a partnership approach that we hope will make it easier for visitors to enjoy their time here and to be more considerate of local residents, businesses and other visitors.”
The expansion aims to address long standing concerns around congestion and safety, while making it easier for people to access one of the Highlands’ most popular natural spaces.
With Easter approaching, the timing offers a welcome boost for both visitors and the local community as the area prepares for another busy season.
Glenmore’s upgraded beach car park is set to ease pressure on local roads and improve access for visitors, with new spaces opening for Easter as part of a wider investment in safe, sustainable tourism in the Highlands.
