Cairngorms
Cairn Gorm / Northern Corries — Parking
Cairngorm Ski Car Park · Grid ref NH 989 060 · PH22 1RB · Paid — Cairngorm Mountain rates (£4–8 depending on season)
Quick facts
- Grid reference
- NH 989 060
- Postcode (satnav)
- PH22 1RB
- Spaces
- ~400
- Cost
- Paid — Cairngorm Mountain rates (£4–8 depending on season)
- Surface
- tarmac
- Drive from Glasgow
- 3h 5m
- Drive from Edinburgh
- 2h 30m
From the car park
The car park sits at the base of the Coire Cas ski area at approximately 635m elevation. The path to Cairn Gorm summit begins at the south end of the car park, following a broad track beside the ski infrastructure. A well-maintained path then climbs the headwall to the plateau and summit (1,245m). The Northern Corries path branches east to Coire an t-Sneachda and Coire an Lochain — world-class winter climbing venues.
The walk
Cairn Gorm (1,245m) is the sixth-highest mountain in the UK and one of the most accessible high summits in Scotland. The summit walk is 9km return with 600m of ascent. The Cairngorm plateau is a vast arctic landscape with reindeer herds, ptarmigan, and in good visibility, views south to Ben Nevis. Combined routes to Ben Macdui (UK's second-highest peak) give a full mountain day of 25–30km.
Facilities
- Ptarmigan restaurant (summit)
- Day Lodge (base)
- Toilets
- Funicular railway (booked separately)
- Ski hire (winter)
Busy times
The car park is large and rarely full outside peak ski season (January–March). Summer weekends see moderate visitor numbers. The path to Cairn Gorm summit is busy on clear summer days but the plateau quickly absorbs walkers. Winter hillwalking requires careful awareness of ski area operations and avalanche conditions.
Getting here without a car
Aviemore is the nearest town (14km) with excellent rail connections — Edinburgh 2h15, Glasgow 2h30 on ScotRail. From Aviemore, the Cairngorm Mountain ski bus (Stagecoach Highland, seasonal) runs to the car park. Check cairngormmountain.org for current schedule.
Winter access
The access road is gritted and maintained during ski season but may be gated in severe conditions. The car park is at 635m and frequently snow-covered. Above the car park, the Cairngorm plateau is one of Scotland's most dangerous winter environments — whiteout conditions, wind chill below -30°C, and severe cornicing occur regularly. SAIS Northern Cairngorms forecast essential.
Overflow parking
Coire Cas overflow car park at base. Do not park on the access road — clamping enforced in season.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:17
- Sunset
- 21:06
- Civil dawn
- 04:29
- Civil dusk
- 21:54
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Can I walk off the Cairngorm funicular?
- No — funicular passengers must return via the funicular and cannot access the mountain from the top station. The funicular is primarily for tourists visiting the Ptarmigan building. Walkers must ascend and descend on foot from the car park.
- Is the Cairngorm car park suitable for campervans?
- Yes — the large Coire Cas car park accommodates motorhomes and campervans, though overnight stays are not permitted.
- What is the walk from Cairngorm to Ben Macdui?
- Ben Macdui (1,309m, UK's second-highest) lies approximately 8km south across the plateau. The return trip from the car park is approximately 26km with 900m of ascent — a full day for experienced walkers. Navigation on the featureless plateau in poor visibility is challenging.
- Is Cairn Gorm safe in winter?
- The plateau experiences wind speeds above 100mph, whiteout conditions, and severe windchill. The Northern Corries are major avalanche terrain. Full winter mountaineering equipment, navigation skills, and awareness of the SAIS avalanche forecast are essential.