Loch Morlich - Loch an Eilein - Loch Morlich
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 18 kms | 03:30 (hrs:mins) | 50 metres | Explorer 403: Cairngorm & Aviemore |
Description
The walk begins at the car park at the Aviemore end of Loch Morlich. It follows broad paths to reach the Cairngorm Club Footbridge (known as The Iron Bridge) after 3 miles, and the small Visitor Centre at Loch an Eilein after a further 3 miles [toilet].
There are many picturesque picnic sites alongside Loch an Eilein, notably near the castle (rems. of) on the island. (Loch an Eilein =Loch of the Island).The castle dates to the 14th century and provided a place of refuge for the local people when raiding clans appeared. After walking round the loch the return is by the same paths to Loch Morlich, with good views to Cairn Gorm and the Lairig Ghru.
Most of the walk is across open
moorland dotted with mature Scots Pines. Forestry plans are to fell the other conifers in Glenmore Forest to enable regeneration of pines.
Access Info
Take the ski road from Aviemore. The car park is at the west (Aviemore) end of Loch Morlich, at the lochside, where there are picnic tables. Scotrail and Scottish Citylink operate services going north and south to Aviemore. There is a local bus service.
Additional Info
Nearest tourist information centre is in Aviemore, tel: 01479 810930.
As well as the small Visitor Centre at Loch an Eilean, the Forestry Commission run a visitor centre, shop and restaurant near the opposite end of Loch Morlich and Rothiemurchus Estate have a larger visitor centre, shop and restaurant between Aviemore and the walk's start.
There are great viewpoints around Loch Morlich including some to Cairngorm which is home to Britain's highest mountain railway.
More Info
For further information visit the walkingworld weblink below.
