Loch Morlich

Enjoy peaceful views of open water and the mountains beyond

As you reach Loch Morlich on the road from Aviemore, a stretch of bright water through the trees invites you to stop and admire the view. This is the perfect place to do just that – and to spend some time watching the world go by. The view of the Cairngorms from here is a classic: in still conditions the rounded slopes are mirrored in the water.

Don't forget to pay a visit to the award-winning Loch Morlich Beach too.

Walking trails

Glenmore Forest Park route card (PDF)

Walking

Loch Morlich Trail

A charming circuit round the water, with fine views of the mountains above and a good chance of seeing Goldeneye, red-throated divers and even otters.

Mostly wide, smooth and flat gravel surface. Some uneven gravel sections, with potentially muddy areas. Short moderate slopes and one steep ramp. Includes two road crossings.

3 ½ miles / 5.8 km

Allow
2 hours

More information

Winding through Forestry Commission land, with the loch shining through the trees, this trail gives you a real experience of the great swathe of woodland that washes against the slopes of the Cairngorms. Look out for dippers, wagtails and herons by the burns that feed the loch along the way.

Facilities and access

Walking

Cycling

Parking (charge)

Picnic area

Toilets are available at the Glenmore Visitor Centre (1 mile east of Loch Morlich car park), open 9.30am-4pm, and at Loch Morlich Beach, open 24h.

No camping is allowed within the car park area and fires and barbecues are not permitted. For more information on best practice in the outdoors, visit the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Car parking information

Payment options: coin or RingGo

Tickets bought at any machine in the Glenmore Forest Park are valid in all our other car parks in Glenmore. The charges to park at Loch Morlich are:

• £2 for up to 1 hour
• £3 for up to 3 hours
• £4 for all day (vehicles up to 7 seats)
• £12 for minibus or coach all day 
• Blue Badge holders park for free. Please display your badge clearly

Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our local forest list without the £ symbol. 

The nearest 'pay by card' car park ticket machine is located near the front door of the Glenmore Visitor Centre. Car Parking tickets bought at any machine are valid in all Forestry and Land Scotland Car Parks in Glenmore Forest Park.

Annual parking pass available:

Available in advance by downloading the relevant application form and emailing to the Regional Office. Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions before applying.

More parking info

Getting here

From the roundabout at the south end of Aviemore follow the signs for 'The Cairngorms' for 5 miles. The car park entrance will appear on the right shortly after you first sight the loch through the trees.

You can cycle here from Aviemore on the Old Logging Way; a superb, safe bike route that runs for 6 miles between Aviemore and the Glenmore Forest Park Visitor Centre.

Using SatNav?

PH22 1QU is the nearest postcode. Coming from Aviemore, you'll reach Loch Morlich 1 mile before you get to this destination.

Public transport

Buses between Aviemore and the Cairngorm Mountain ski centre pass Loch Morlich. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions