Loch Morlich is one of those places that stops you in your tracks. Sitting at around 300 metres above sea level in the heart of Glenmore Forest Park, this freshwater loch is surrounded by ancient Caledonian pine forest and backed by the sweeping peaks of the Cairngorm mountains. The circular walk around the loch is one of the most popular family walks in the Cairngorms National Park, and having now done it ourselves, it’s easy to see why. At just under four miles, it’s manageable for most ages and fitness levels, and the scenery is outstanding from start to finish.
About Loch Morlich and Glenmore Forest Park
Loch Morlich (Loch Mhùrlaig in Scottish Gaelic) is a freshwater loch covering around 121 hectares in the Badenoch and Strathspey area of the Scottish Highlands, just a few miles from Aviemore. The loch itself was formed as a glacial kettle hole – a depression left behind by a block of ice after the glaciers retreated at the end of the last ice age. It sits at the foot of the Cairngorm mountains, and on a still day, those rounded peaks are perfectly reflected in the water.
The surrounding Glenmore Forest Park is one of the last remnants of the ancient Caledonian Forest. The Scots pines here are descended from trees that first took root in Scotland as far back as 7,000 BC, and pollen samples taken from sediment in the loch itself have confirmed pine as the dominant tree type in this area for thousands of years. The forest was purchased from the Duke of Gordon in 1923, becoming one of the earliest areas to enter public forestry ownership in Scotland. It was later given the name “Queen’s Forest” to mark the Silver Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary.
Loch Morlich Beach is famous for being the highest beach in Britain, sitting at 300 metres above sea level. In 2009, it became the first freshwater beach in Scotland to receive a Seaside Award from Keep Scotland Beautiful, and it has continued to win the Rural Beach Award year after year since. The coarse pink sand comes from Cairngorm granite, ground down by glaciers and rivers over thousands of years.
There’s a fascinating piece of history hidden in the sand, too. If you look closely, you might notice tiny fragments of glass mixed in with the grains. This isn’t from careless littering – it’s actually a remnant from the Second World War, when the area around Loch Morlich was used as a training ground for the Norwegian special forces unit Kompani Linge, trained by the British Special Operations Executive. The landscape and climate here closely resembled Norway, making it an ideal training location for sabotage and guerrilla tactics. The soldiers who trained at Glenmore went on to take part in some of the most daring operations of the war, including the famous raid on the Norsk Hydro heavy water plant in 1943. A memorial to Kompani Linge stands outside the Glenmore Visitor Centre.
The wildlife in and around the forest is impressive. The Cairngorms National Park is home to 25% of the UK’s rare and endangered species, and Glenmore Forest is particularly important for birds such as the Scottish crossbill, capercaillie, crested tit and osprey. Red squirrels, roe deer and otters can all be spotted in the area, and the loch itself supports goldeneye ducks and red-throated divers. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk – you never know what you might see.
Our Visit
Getting There and Parking
We visited Loch Morlich as a family – myself, my wife Janette, and our three daughters Ellie, Olivia and Lauren. We drove from the Aviemore direction, following the signs for the Cairngorms along the road that passes through Rothiemurchus. The drive itself is lovely, with the forest closing in around you as you approach Glenmore. After a mile or so of road running alongside the loch, we reached the Loch Morlich Beach car park at the eastern end.
Parking at Loch Morlich is managed by The Highland Council and charges apply at all of the car parks around the loch. There are several options: the main Beach car park (closest to the beach and watersports centre), the Lochside car park, and the Hayfield overflow car park a short distance further along the road. On a sunny day, the Beach car park fills up very quickly, so arriving early is worth it. There’s also a bus stop nearby served by the Stagecoach Aviemore Adventurer (number 30), which runs regularly between Aviemore and Cairngorm Mountain.
The Beach
Before starting the circular walk, we spent some time on the beach itself – and what a beach it is. The sand is a gorgeous golden-orange colour, stretching out along the eastern shore of the loch with the pine forest rising behind it. On the day we visited, the sky was a brilliant blue and the water was that deep, clear blue you sometimes get in the Highlands on a perfect spring day. It honestly felt more like somewhere in Scandinavia than the Scottish Highlands.
The watersports centre sits at the far end of the beach and offers kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and paddleboarding during the warmer months (Easter to October). There are also public toilets behind the beach, open 24 hours from Easter to October.
Starting the Walk
The Loch Morlich circular trail is waymarked with red marker posts and is approximately 3.5 miles (5.8 km) in length. Forestry and Land Scotland rates it as moderate, with mostly wide, smooth gravel paths, some uneven sections, and a couple of road crossings. Allow around two hours, though we took a bit longer with three children and a camera in tow.
From the beach car park, rather than heading straight onto the sand, we picked up the trail into the trees. The path heads south from the car park and almost immediately you’re surrounded by the forest. The girls were ahead of us within seconds, excited to be exploring.
Through the Caledonian Pine Forest
The first section of the walk takes you through some genuinely stunning Caledonian pine forest. The Scots pines here are tall and statuesque, their reddish-orange bark glowing in the sunlight. Between them, silver birch trees add a lighter, more delicate feel, their white bark standing out against the darker conifers. The ground is carpeted with heather and bilberry, and the air smells incredible – that unmistakable clean, resinous scent of pine forest.
The path is well-maintained and easy to follow, though there are some sections with exposed tree roots and the occasional muddy patch. Nothing that would trouble anyone with reasonable footwear, but I wouldn’t recommend flip-flops. The girls managed it all without any issues, including Lauren who was the youngest at the time.
Along the Lochside
As the trail continues, there are regular glimpses of Loch Morlich through the trees. Every now and then you get a proper viewpoint where the forest opens up, and the loch and mountains are laid out in front of you. These moments are worth pausing for – the combination of the deep blue water, the dark green forest and the heather-clad mountains behind is really something special.
We had a great wildlife moment on the shoreline when Lauren spotted a common lizard basking on the sandy ground near the water’s edge. It sat perfectly still as I crouched down with the camera, and I managed to get a decent close-up. The Cairngorms is one of the best places in Scotland for reptiles, and seeing one out in the spring sunshine was a real bonus.
The trail crosses a couple of small burns via wooden footbridges along the way. These are well-built and sturdy, though the ground around some of them can be a little damp. At one point there’s a small ford alongside the bridge – the girls naturally wanted to investigate the water rather than use the bridge sensibly.
The Far Side of the Loch
Once you reach the far (western) side of the loch, the trail joins a wider forestry track. This section is really atmospheric – the tall Scots pines line both sides of the track like pillars, and the dappled sunlight creates beautiful patterns on the ground. It’s also the section where you’re most likely to spot red squirrels, though we weren’t lucky on this occasion.
There are several spots along this stretch where you can make your way down to the water’s edge. The western end of the loch has a wilder, more untamed feel compared to the manicured beach area. Small grassy islands sit just offshore, and the views back across the water towards the Cairngorm plateau are superb.
The Bridge and the Return
As the trail rounds the western end of the loch, you cross a bridge near Glenmore Lodge. This was one of the highlights of the walk for us. The bridge spans a burn that flows into the loch, and the view from it is absolutely gorgeous – looking along the river with pine trees on both sides, the mountains in the distance, and the sky reflected in the calm water below. We stopped here for a family photo, and it turned out to be one of our favourite pictures from the whole day.
From the bridge, the trail heads along the northern side of the loch back towards the start. This section runs closer to the road, though you can choose to take a path that runs above the road through the trees rather than walking right beside it. We opted for the path through the trees, which was much nicer.
Along the way, there are several layby areas with views across the loch. The sun was starting to catch the water at this point in the day, making it sparkle, and the full sweep of the Cairngorm mountains was visible across the water.
Before long we were back at the beach car park, having completed the full circuit. The whole walk took us around two and a half hours, but that included plenty of stops for photos, exploring the shoreline, and the inevitable negotiations with Lauren about how much further we had to go.
Videos from Loch Morlich
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Loch Morlich circular walk?
The Loch Morlich circular trail is approximately 3.5 miles (5.8 km) in length. Allow around 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on your pace and how many stops you make along the way.
Is the Loch Morlich walk suitable for children?
Yes, the walk is well-suited to families. The paths are mostly wide and well-surfaced, with only a few sections of tree roots and uneven ground. Our three daughters managed it without any problems. Younger children in off-road buggies should be fine on most of the trail, though there are a few rougher patches.
Is there a charge for parking at Loch Morlich?
Yes, all car parks around Loch Morlich are pay-and-display, managed by The Highland Council. You can pay by cash or mobile app. The car parks can fill up quickly on sunny days, especially in summer, so arriving early is recommended. The Hayfield car park provides overflow parking when the main Beach car park is full.
Can I swim in Loch Morlich?
Yes, Loch Morlich is a popular wild swimming spot. The loch is one of only three designated inland bathing waters in Scotland. The water is clean but cold, even in summer, so be prepared. The beach area is the most popular spot for swimming.
Are dogs allowed on the Loch Morlich walk?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the trails around Loch Morlich. However, they should be kept under close control, particularly between April and August during the ground-nesting bird season. The area is also home to red squirrels and roe deer, so keeping dogs on a lead is advisable in the forest.
Is the walk accessible for wheelchairs?
The Beach Trail from the car park to the beach is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs on a smooth gravel surface. However, the full circular walk around the loch includes some rougher sections with tree roots, uneven ground and muddy patches that would not be suitable for wheelchairs.
What facilities are available at Loch Morlich?
Public toilets are available at the Beach car park (open 24 hours, Easter to October) and in Glenmore village year-round. The Glenmore Visitor Centre has a cafe, and the Boathouse Cafe at the watersports centre is open Easter to October. The Pine Marten Bar and Scran is also nearby for food and drinks.
Key Information
- Location: Loch Morlich, Glenmore Forest Park, Aviemore, Highland PH22 1QU
- Grid Reference: NH 977 097
- Walk Distance: Approximately 3.5 miles (5.8 km) circular
- Walk Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate – mostly flat with some uneven sections
- Managed by: Forestry and Land Scotland / Cairngorms National Park
- Entry: Free (parking charges apply)
- Parking: Several pay-and-display car parks around the loch (Beach car park, Lochside, Hayfield)
- Facilities: Toilets (Easter–October at beach, year-round in Glenmore village), cafes, watersports centre
- Accessibility: Beach Trail suitable for wheelchairs; full circuit has some rough sections
- Dogs: Welcome, but keep under close control (especially April–August)
- Public Transport: Stagecoach Aviemore Adventurer Bus (No. 30) stops near Loch Morlich Beach car park
What Else is Nearby?
An Lochan Uaine (The Green Loch) – A short walk from Glenmore, this small lochan is famous for its vivid turquoise-green water. Local legend says the colour comes from fairies washing their clothes in it. The walk to the Green Loch via the Ryvoan Trail is around 3.5 miles and makes a great addition to a Loch Morlich visit.
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre – Located near Glenmore, this is the home of Britain’s only free-ranging reindeer herd. You can take a guided hill trip to meet the reindeer on the mountain slopes – a brilliant experience for families.
Cairngorm Mountain – Just a few miles further up the road from Loch Morlich, Cairngorm Mountain offers skiing and snowboarding in winter, and walking and mountain biking in summer. The funicular railway takes you up to the Ptarmigan restaurant near the summit.
Loch an Eilein – Another beautiful circular walk, this time around a loch with a ruined castle on an island in the middle. Located in the Rothiemurchus Estate between Aviemore and Loch Morlich, it’s one of the most popular walks in the area.
Craigellachie National Nature Reserve – Just outside Aviemore, this small but rewarding nature reserve offers woodland walks with excellent views over Aviemore and the Spey Valley. It’s a great spot for peregrine falcons.
Final Thoughts
The Loch Morlich circular walk is one of those routes that delivers far more than you might expect from a relatively short, low-level walk. The combination of ancient Caledonian forest, a freshwater beach that could pass for the Caribbean on a good day, and the constant backdrop of the Cairngorm mountains makes it genuinely special. It’s easy enough for most fitness levels, there’s plenty to keep children engaged along the way, and the scenery is world-class.
If you’re visiting the Aviemore area, this walk should be near the top of your list. We’ve visited Loch Morlich many times over the years, but doing the full circuit was a first for us, and we all agreed it was well worth the effort. Pack a picnic, bring the camera, and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy it.
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