Loch an Eilein
Aviemore, United Kingdom
A small loch in old Caledonian pine forest with a ruined island castle, circled by an easy, mostly flat path of a few kilometres. Go early or late in the day for calm water and a good chance of seeing red squirrels.
Loch an Eilein lies in the Rothiemurchus Forest near Aviemore, regarded as one of the finest surviving fragments of Scotland's ancient Caledonian pinewood. On an island in the loch stand the ruins of a castle whose origins are generally dated to the 13th century: the Bishop of Moray is said to have built it, the "Wolf of Badenoch" added a tower in the 1380s, and the walls visible today date largely from around 1600.
The path around the loch is about 5 km long, and you should allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the circuit. The waymarked trail is considered suitable for pushchairs, bikes and electric wheelchairs. In calm weather the loch is also popular for canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding; the Rothiemurchus Estate offers canoe experiences and hire. Parking is at the Rothiemurchus car park, which is pay-and-display (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Aviemore, United Kingdom
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 57.1550, -3.8280
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Rothiemurchus Camp and CaravanCampsite3 km from Loch an EileinTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsNo dogs
- Dalraddy Holiday ParkCampsite4 km from Loch an EileinTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDogs allowed
- Oakwood Caravan & Camping ParkCampsite6 km from Loch an EileinTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Glenmore Camp SiteCampsite8 km from Loch an EileinTentsCaravansDogs allowed
- The Lazy DuckCampsite17 km from Loch an EileinDrinking waterShowersNo dogsWi-Fi
- Invernahavon Caravan SiteCampsite25 km from Loch an EileinTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterDogs allowed
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Loch an Eilein?
Loch an Eilein is in Aviemore, United Kingdom, at GPS 57.1550, -3.8280. It is about 31 km from Braemar.
Can you camp near Loch an Eilein?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Rothiemurchus Camp and Caravan, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Loch an Eilein?
Places worth a stop nearby: Culloden Battlefield (39 km), Urquhart Castle (41 km), Commando Memorial (73 km) and Glen Coe (89 km).
When is the best time to visit Loch an Eilein?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)