Rothiemurchus & Glenmore Forest Circuit

About this route

The Rothiemurchus Estate and the adjacent Glenmore Forest Park together form the largest surviving fragment of the ancient Caledonian pine forest — a relic of the ice-age treeline that once covered Scotland. Riding through it is like moving through living history: the Scots pines are 200–300 years old, gnarled and umbrella-shaped in the canopy, and the forest floor is juniper, heather, and blaeberry with red squirrels in almost every large tree.

This 30km circuit from Aviemore threads the best of both estates: the Rothiemurchus track to Loch an Eilein (its 15th-century island castle reflected in mirror-calm water), across to Loch Morlich and up into the Glenmore Forest to the viewpoint below Ryvoan, then back along the lower forest road. The circuit never climbs above 500m and is one of Scotland's most consistently beautiful gravel rides — not for the drama but for the quality of the details.

Highlights

• Loch an Eilein — island castle reflected in glassy water; one of Scotland's most photographed views and entirely deserving
• Red squirrels at Inverdruie — two dozen reliably present near the track junction year-round
• Osprey platform above Loch Morlich — breeding pair visible May–August
• Ryvoan outlook — views east to the granite plateau of the Northern Corries
• Rothiemurchus Lodge approach — the estate's heart, with Highland cattle in the surrounding field

Named climbs

• Glenmore Forest climb to Ryvoan approach (280m)
• An Slugan path (120m)

Notable descents

• Ryvoan return to Loch Morlich
• Rothiemurchus estate descent to Dell Road

Route notes

The Rothiemurchus Estate tracks are private but permissive cycling is well-established — follow the green and blue waymarked cycle routes from Inverdruie car park. The Glenmore Forest section uses public FLS tracks. Loch an Eilein car park charges (managed by the estate). Dogs must be on leads at all times due to ground-nesting birds.

Seasonal conditions

October–November for golden birch colour and no midges. May–June for osprey return and new growth. July–August midges are present but the forest provides some protection from wind. The tracks are rideable in winter — Rothiemurchus grits the estate tracks in cold snaps and the surface stays good.

Water sources on route

• Loch an Eilein (no drinking)
• Am Beanaidh at Inverdruie
• Loch Morlich shore tap

Always filter or treat water from natural sources. Carry at least 1L reserve on remote sections.

OS map sheets