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Loch an Eilein Walk

4 miles (6.5 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This popular circular walk in the Cairngorms takes you around the beautiful Loch an Eilein and the smaller Loch Gamhna. It's a beautiful and tranquil location with the still waters surrounded by stunning hills and mountains. The undulating footpaths around the lochs are generally very good and not challenging. There are sections near to the water and several delightful woodland trails through the surrounding Rothiemurchus Forest. Also of interest is the unusual ruined island castle and the visitor centre.
Parking is available at the northern end of the loch or you can catch the train to Aviemore which is a few miles north of the loch. If you're on a bike you can cycle from Aviemore train station along National Cycle Route 7 and a country lane near the Loch An Eilein Pottery to reach the loch.
The walk to Loch Einich starts from the visitor centre and car park here. It will take you south through beautiful Glen Einich to the tranquil loch.

Postcode

PH22 1QT - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Loch an Eilein OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Loch an Eilein Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Dog Walking

The loch and surrounding woodland are great for dog walking so you'll probably see other owners on your visit.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Just west of Aviemore there's the wonderful Craigellachie Nature Reserve. The reserve includes a series of lochans, fascinating plantlife and a wonderful viewpoint towards the nearby Cairn Gorm.
Just to the north is Lochan Mor where there's some lovely peaceful trails around the small tranquil lake.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Cairngorms Walks page.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Cottage at Loch an Eilein - geograph.org.uk - 266051

Cottage at Loch an Eilein. Reflections early on a beautiful spring day.

Loch an Eilein - geograph.org.uk - 769673

The Loch of the Island seen from the north-west

Loch an Eilein - geograph.org.uk - 1870532

Loch an Eilein in spring

Path round Loch an Eilein - geograph.org.uk - 1903593

Path round the loch and woodland

Loch an Eilein Castle - geograph.org.uk - 1870509

Loch an Eilein Castle ruins in the centre of the loch.

Burn above Loch an Eilein - geograph.org.uk - 1903583

Burn above the loch

Footbridge over Milton Burn - geograph.org.uk - 764183

Footbridge over Milton Burn at the northern side of the water

Wooded Shore of Loch an Eilein - geograph.org.uk - 764186

Wooded Shore

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Loch an Eilein.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Loch an Eilein.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)