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Loch Morlich Walk

3.7 miles (6 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Enjoy an easy circular walk around Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms. There is a good footpath running all the way around the water and through the surrounding forest. It's a popular, waymarked walk with ample parking at the visitor centre located at the north eastern end of the lake. The trail runs for just under 4 miles on a fairly flat footpath with a few small climbs along the way.
There's much to enjoy with a beautiful, long beach, peaceful woodland trails and the wonderful backdrop of the Cairngorms mountains.
You can extend your walk by further exploring the surrounding Glenmore Forest Park.

Postcode

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

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

Loch Morlich Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The excellent Pine Marten Bar is located just to the east of the loch. The alpine style bar has a cosy interior with a real fire. There's also live music most Friday and Saturday nights as well as during the week during holiday periods.

Dog Walking

The loch is a great place for a dog walk. They will enjoy the lovely beach but please ensure they are under control.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Head north west of the loch and you can enjoy another waterside walk around Loch Pityoulish. It's a smaller loch but nonetheless very pretty and a more tranquil and peaceful place with fewer visitors than Morlich.
If you head east from the visitor centre you could visit the unusual Green Loch. The small lake is a popular spot to visit in the park with its photogenic turquoise hue.
The popular town of Aviemore is located a few miles north west of the site. The town makes a good base for walking with Craigellachie Nature Reserve a nearby highlight.
Near Kincraig there's Loch Insh which includes a watersports centre and an old lochside church.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Cairngorms Walks page.

Photos

Loch Morlich - geograph.org.uk - 602421

Beautiful view across the loch on a crisp, clear day

Loch Morlich - geograph.org.uk - 880048

Taken where the loch drains into the River Luineag

Loch Morlich - geograph.org.uk - 326206

Winter view of this large shallow loch in Glen More. As seen from above the road from Aviemore. Carn Eilrig in the distance.

Loch Morlich. - geograph.org.uk - 420576

A dog walks across the lochside beach

River Luineag and Loch Morlich - geograph.org.uk - 278990

The River Luineag where it outflows from Loch Morlich.

Loch Morlich - geograph.org.uk - 1375875

With a few craft from the sailing centre on the water, and the Cairngorms forming the backdrop.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

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

Memory Map Route

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