Loch Morlich

Loch Morlich featuring a river or creek, forest scenes and mountains
Loch Morlich showing a lake or waterhole and forest scenes
Loch Morlich featuring forest scenes and a lake or waterhole
Loch Morlich which includes a lake or waterhole
Loch Morlich


Relax on the sandy beach or go for a scenic hike around this beautiful freshwater loch in the shadow of CairnGorm Mountain.

Loch Morlich is a picturesque lake in Glenmore Forest Park. Overlooked by the peaks of the northern Cairngorms and surrounded by forests, the loch is a popular spot for nature walks. Rent a canoe and paddle over the shimmering waters. Feed Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer at the nearby reindeer centre or simply stretch out on the shore and feel the sand between your toes.

Stop at the Glenmore Forest Park Visitor Centre on your way to the loch. Enjoy a slice of homemade cake at the café and plan your itinerary for the day.

Walk along the 1-mile (1.9-kilometre) wheelchair-accessible Beach Trail, a path lined with towering old pine trees, which leads to Loch Morlich’s beach. Relax on this sandy beach, enjoying the panoramic views of the Cairngorms and the surrounding forest of pine and spruce trees. Watch windsurfers gliding across the loch, build a sandcastle and enjoy the sun.

Rent a kayak, rowboat, paddleboard, sailboat or wetsuit from Loch Morlich Watersports and spend a few hours on the waters. Head to the balcony of the centre’s boathouse to see lovely views over the loch.

Don’t miss the Loch Morlich Trail, which winds through the Rothiemurchus estate forests and forestry commission land, offering stunning views of the loch from different perspectives. Look for herons, dippers and wagtails, among other birds and wildlife as you walk along this 3.8-mile (6-kilometre) trail.

Visit the nearby Cairngorm Reindeer Centre to see the only herd of free-ranging reindeer in Britain. A herder will take you on a guided walk to pet and feed the reindeer and provide first-hand reindeer education.

Loch Morlich is 6 miles (10 kilometres) east of Aviemore. On-site parking is available for a fee. Buses between Aviemore and the CairnGorm Mountain Funiculary Railway include stops near the loch. Cycle to the loch from Aviemore by following the pleasant Old Logging Way trail. Experience an active day or lounge on the sands while admiring the views at Loch Morlich.

Plan a trip to see Loch Morlich

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Macdonald Aviemore Hotel

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Things to do near Loch Morlich

Loch Morlich, located in Aviemore, offers a range of activities for tourists, including swimming, golf, and skiing. Visitors can embark on their own adventures or join guided wildlife tours to explore the stunning natural surroundings. Whether you're seeking relaxation or excitement, Loch Morlich provides a perfect backdrop for outdoor pursuits in the heart of Scotland.

Shopping

For unique gifts and souvenirs, explore local shops in Loch Morlich. If you're up for a drive, The House of Bruar, located 18.0km away, offers a wide range of Scottish products, while Iolaire, 18.6km away, features delightful handmade crafts and gifts.

Recreation

Enjoy a round at Spey Valley Golf Course, just 3.1km from Loch Morlich, where you can embrace the outdoors and improve your swing. Alternatively, Boat of Garten Golf Club, 3.7km away, offers a picturesque setting, while Abernethy Golf Club, 4.3km distant, provides a tranquil golfing experience.

Adventure

CairnGorm Mountain, located 1.9km from Loch Morlich, offers exhilarating skiing experiences amidst stunning landscapes. For a thrilling outdoor adventure, Bike Glenlivet, 8.7km away, provides fantastic biking trails. Alternatively, enjoy the scenic beauty of the Speyside Way - Tominoul Spur, a hiking trail situated 11.9km from Loch Morlich.

Nightlife

In Loch Morlich, the vibrant atmosphere invites you to unwind at the local pubs, where you can enjoy traditional Scottish music and hearty ales. Nearby Aviemore offers lively bars and cosy lounges, perfect for mingling with locals and fellow travellers after a day of adventure.

Find the best attractions near Loch Morlich

Loch Morlich, nestled in Aviemore, offers a delightful array of outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery. You can explore the tranquil lake, visit wildlife reserves, and uncover the region's rich history at historic rail sites. Whether you're seeking a relaxing beach experience or an exhilarating hike, the attractions around Loch Morlich cater to all types of travellers, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

  • Cairngorm Reindeer Centre: Located 621m from Loch Morlich, this charming reserve is home to a herd of friendly reindeer. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, engaging with these gentle creatures in a scenic setting, perfect for families and those seeking a relaxing day out.
  • Rothiemurchus Estate Visitor Centre: Situated 2.5km away, this vibrant centre offers a plethora of outdoor adventures. From forest walks to exhilarating activities, it’s an ideal spot for families looking to connect with nature while enjoying the stunning scenery of the Cairngorms.
  • Loch an Eilein: Also 2.5km from Loch Morlich, this picturesque lake is known for its breathtaking views and tranquil beaches. Perfect for a romantic stroll or a peaceful picnic, it truly captures the essence of Scotland’s natural beauty.

Best time to go to Loch Morlich

The best time to visit Loch Morlich is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January34.2°F (1.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February34.9°F (1.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March37.4°F (3.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
June52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
July55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
October45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
November39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
December35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Loch Morlich

To save money on your trip to Loch Morlich, consider visiting in January, March, or November, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your stay about a month in advance for the best deals, and aim for a Tuesday, the cheapest day to stay. Explore Expedia for last-minute deals and package offers that combine hotels, flights, and activities for additional savings. Use their search tool to filter options by budget and preferences, ensuring you find the best prices available.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Loch Morlich are January, March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Loch Morlich about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Loch Morlich is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Loch Morlich is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your Loch Morlich hotel stay with your flights and activities when you book an Expedia package.