Loch Morlich Beach
Where we are
Watersports and walking at the highest beach in Britain
Families play games on the sand, windsurfers tack across the clean water, and when the sun shines you can top up your tan. Close your eyes and you could be at the seaside! Famous for being the highest beach in Britain, this is the only freshwater beach in Scotland to have a Rural Beach Award.
Guide map to Glenmore Forest Park (PDF 2.7MB)
Walking trails
Walking
Loch Morlich Trail
A trail notice is in effect
Please take extra care on the forest road on the western section of this trail as timber lorries may be operating. Please observe any signage.
Round the loch for some fine views, fine forest and fine wildlife.
Firm tracks and earth paths, with some tree roots and stones. Mostly level with a few gentle slopes. Can be boggy in places.
Allow 2 hours
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.
Activities
Fun on the water
If you’d like to try zipping across the waves, you can hire boats, canoes or windsurfers at Loch Morlich Watersports. They’ll teach you how to use them too.
Just a little way from the beach, the trails offer peace, quiet, and a forest alive with birds and animals. Come early in the morning and watch for birds like sandpipers and herons, or otters hunting along the streams that feed the loch.
Camping at Glenmore
Looking for somewhere to stay? Get a pitch at Glenmore campsite.
Facilities & access
The nearest public toilets and café are at the Boathouse on the beach. Glenmore Forest Park Visitor Centre is also only a ¼ mile east of the car park.
Car parking charges
- £1 for up to 1 hour
- £1.50 for up to 3 hours
- £2 for all day
- £8 for minibus and coach all day
Still got time on your ticket? Your parking ticket is valid in all of our Glenmore car parks.
Season passes are also available to purchase from the nearby Visitor Centre.
- £25 for a yearly pass for up to two cars
- £10 for up to a fortnight for up to two cars
Getting here
From the roundabout at the south end of Aviemore follow the signs for 'The Cairngorms' for 6 miles. Stay on the main road passing the first car park at Loch Morlich, continuing on to the far end of the loch. A sign for 'Loch Morlich Watersports' marks the entrance to Loch Morlich Beach.
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.
Public transport
Buses between Aviemore and the Cairngorm Mountain ski centre pass Loch Morlich Beach. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?