Loch Morlich

Loch Morlich is a freshwater loch. It provides perfect reflections of the Cairngorm mountains and has lots to offer, including various walks, mountain biking, water sports, bird spotting and just chilling out.

I will take you for a tour around the lake, and you can decide what floats your boat.

I am going to start from the car park to the north-west of the loch, which is not far from the yacht club.

From the car park, head west, taking the footpath that runs parallel to the road. After a short distance, take the small bridge on the left and follow the track into the Rothiemurchus Forest.

As you walk along the track, there are glimpses of the loch and mountain views through the trees on the left.

After around 100m, you have the choice of taking the fork to the left and continuing around the loch; however, I strongly recommend a detour to get some fab mountain views.

If you take the detour, continue on the right fork and the scenery immediately opens up, and you get amazing views up the glen. If you continue on this track, you come across Lochan nan Geadas, which, on a calm day, provides a mirror image of the Cairngorm slopes.

Once past the lochan, there are a couple more smaller lochans that were completely dry on our last visit. After that, there is a track off to the left that will lead you back through woodlands and join the track around Loch Morlich.

As you continue around Loch Morlich, you get glimpses of the yacht club on the opposite side of the loch and the fabulous Meall a Bhuachaille mountain.

Eventually you reach a small footbridge that takes you to the sandy beach of Loch Morlich. This is where you will find the water sports centre with kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing if that takes your fancy. There is also a seasonal café here.

In 2009, the beach received a Seaside Award, and at 300m above sea level it became the highest beach to receive this award.

After enjoying the beach, continue on the path that runs alongside the road heading west. The views through the trees remain a treat.

Eventually you reach the yacht club, which you walk through to get back to the car park.

Don't forget to visit the Queen's Forest Memorial on the other side of the road before you head off.

This route is under 8km with little elevation gain, so it makes a fantastic and rewarding stroll.