Loch Vaa

After many trips to this area, I was surprised not to have spotted this little gem sooner.

Loch Vaa is smaller and quieter than its better known neighbours Loch Morlich and the Abernethy Two Lochs.

One of the reasons it is less well known is probably because it is hidden behind a wooded bank next to a cemetery off the A95, a few kilometres north of Aviemore.

From the small car park you need to climb the steep bank to reach the path that takes you round the loch. Head anticlockwise (to the right) around the loch, through the beech woodland on the small winding paths.

You need to go over a small rickety stile, then continue left on the path along the southern section of the loch.

As you walk around the loch, there are great views over to the boathouse on the far side. Keep an eye out for the crannog.

The water level was high when we visited, but there are remains of a crannog in the loch, which you can just about make out in the middle of the loch.

Crannogs were artificial islands built within the lochs that housed hut-style homes of families from the late Bronze Age to the early Iron Age.

As you continue along the path, the views open up over the forested hills opposite, and they are perfectly reflected in the loch.

Continue on the path as it turns left and heads along the north-east section of the loch. Eventually it meets a larger track where you turn left and end up at the beach next to the boathouse after about 200m.

This is a great spot to relax for a while, enjoying the reflections and views over the Cairngorms.

The walk around the loch is just over 2km, and good footwear is recommended for the uneven ground. If you just fancy visiting the boathouse and beach, then it's around 200m clockwise around the loch.

Follow the above route, or find it on OS Maps.