Cairngorms
Rothiemurchus forest and Braeriach approaches — Parking
Loch an Eilein Car Park · Grid ref NH 898 087 · PH21 1NL · Paid — Rothiemurchus Estate charge (£3–5/day)
Quick facts
- Grid reference
- NH 898 087
- Postcode (satnav)
- PH21 1NL
- Spaces
- ~50
- Cost
- Paid — Rothiemurchus Estate charge (£3–5/day)
- Surface
- gravel
- Drive from Glasgow
- 3h 5m
- Drive from Edinburgh
- 2h 30m
From the car park
The car park is at the end of a single-track road through Rothiemurchus forest, reached via Inverdruie from the B970 south of Aviemore. The loch circuit path starts immediately from the car park — a clear Caledonian pine forest path that circumnavigates the loch in 6km. For Braeriach and the Lairig Ghru, a separate path heads south through increasingly remote forest towards the pass.
The walk
The Loch an Eilein circuit (6km, minimal ascent) is regularly voted one of Scotland's most beautiful walks — a reflective loch surrounded by ancient Caledonian pines with an island castle visible on the water. Accessible for families and most mobility levels. For longer objectives, the track south through Rothiemurchus gives access to the Lairig Ghru (35km through-walk to Braemar) or the remote approach to Braeriach (21km return, 1,090m ascent).
Facilities
- Toilets
- Information board
- SSSI information
Busy times
Summer weekends see the small car park fill quickly — arrive before 9am in July and August. The loch circuit is popular with families, dog walkers and photographers year-round. Dawn photography (golden reflections of the pines on the loch) is particularly rewarding.
Getting here without a car
Aviemore has good rail connections (Edinburgh 2h15, Glasgow 2h30 via ScotRail). From Aviemore, Rothiemurchus offers a shuttle bus to the loch car park in summer — check rothiemurchus.net. The Stagecoach local bus to Coylumbridge stops en route; it is then a 3km walk to the car park.
Winter access
The Rothiemurchus access road is not gritted and may become icy in winter. Contact Rothiemurchus Estate (01479 812345) for current access status. The loch circuit is walkable in winter with a beautiful snowy forest atmosphere but can be icy under the pines. Micro-spikes recommended in hard frost.
Overflow parking
Very limited — the road is narrow. Early arrival essential in summer. Inverdruie (near Aviemore) gives alternative forest access.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:18
- Sunset
- 21:06
- Civil dawn
- 04:30
- Civil dusk
- 21:54
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Loch an Eilein walk suitable for children?
- Yes — the 6km circuit is on a clear, well-surfaced forest path with minimal ascent, suitable for most children. The island castle visible across the water provides a good focal point. Waterproof footwear is recommended.
- What is the island castle on Loch an Eilein?
- The castle ruin dates from the 15th century and was associated with Alexander Stewart, the Wolf of Badenoch. The island is inaccessible to visitors — the castle is best seen from the southern shore of the circuit path.
- Can I walk from Loch an Eilein to Braeriach?
- Yes — Braeriach (1,296m, third-highest peak in the UK) can be reached via a long track through Rothiemurchus and up the Lairig Ghru. The return trip is approximately 21km with 1,090m of ascent — a serious full-day walk.
- Is there a café at Loch an Eilein?
- No café at the car park. Rothiemurchus Farm Shop at Inverdruie (on the way in) sells food and drink. Aviemore town centre has multiple cafés and restaurants.