Cairngorms
Rothiemurchus forest and Braeriach approaches — Parking
Loch an Eilein Car Park · Grid ref NH 898 087 · £5 per car per day (Rothiemurchus)
Quick facts
- Grid reference
- NH 898 087
- Spaces
- An attended estate car park, open daily; Rothiemurchus give no space count.
- Cost
- £5 per car per day (Rothiemurchus)
- Surface
- gravel
- Drive from Glasgow
- 3h 5m
- Drive from Edinburgh
- 2h 30m
Parking charge: £5 per car per day, £15 per minibus per day — Rothiemurchus Estate, who run the attended car park (rothiemurchus.net/visit/loch-an-eilein/, read 28 Oct 2026). "Friends of Rothiemurchus" park free year-round. No postcode lands on the car park; the estate office is PH22 1QH — use the grid ref.
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 circles the loch in about 5km (3 miles, per the estate). 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 (about 5km, 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 long, remote approach towards Braeriach.
Thinking about getting in the water? The wild swim guide — entry, temperature & hazards →
Facilities
- Attended car park (daily)
- Information board
Busy times
Summer weekends see the car park fill quickly — arrive early 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 a railway station on the Highland Main Line. Stagecoach service 30 (Aviemore – Cairngorm) passes Coylumbridge; from there it is a walk of a few kilometres to Loch an Eilein. We know of no bus to the loch itself.
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. Rothiemurchus: "The narrow bridge is unsuitable for coaches, motorhomes and caravans." The shared road is for cars and small campervans at up to 20mph, with walkers and bikes on it too. Early arrival helps in summer.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:23
- Sunset
- 16:35
- Civil dawn
- 06:42
- Civil dusk
- 17:15
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 October 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Loch an Eilein walk suitable for children?
- Yes — the 5km 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?
- A ruined island castle; the estate says "informed opinion dates its origin back to the late 14th century". Local tradition links it 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?
- It is possible but it is not the usual start: the standard Braeriach route goes from the Sugarbowl or Coylumbridge via the Chalamain Gap, around 20km return with 1,140m of ascent. From Loch an Eilein it is a longer, serious full-day walk.
- Can I take a motorhome to Loch an Eilein?
- No. Rothiemurchus say the narrow bridge on the approach road is unsuitable for coaches, motorhomes and caravans; the road is for cars and small campervans, at up to 20mph (read 28 Oct 2026).
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