Cairngorm Ski Area — Coire Cas Car Park and High Plateau Trailhead

Coire Cas sits at the end of the Cairngorm ski road out of Glenmore and is as high as any public road takes you in Scotland. Park here and you’re on the doorstep of genuine arctic-alpine terrain — Cairn Gorm summit is a 45-minute slog above, and the descent into the Loch Avon basin is one of the most dramatic in Britain. The car park is large, surfaced, and used year-round by walkers, ski tourers, and MTB riders. It gets busy on fine summer weekends; arrive early or you’ll be stacking with day trippers.

The ski road is paved and suitable for any vehicle but can be snow-covered or icy October through May — check Cairngorm Mountain road conditions before heading up. No wild camping in the car park itself; staging here is for day use. Nearest full resupply is Aviemore, about 12 km back down the valley.

Scotland's highest drive-up trailhead.