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Hiking trails & Routes

Loch an Eilein Castle – Loch an Eilein loop from Loch an Eilean car park

Hiking trails & Routes

Loch an Eilein Castle – Loch an Eilein loop from Loch an Eilean car park

Moderate

4.7

(21)

90

hikers

Loch an Eilein Castle – Loch an Eilein loop from Loch an Eilean car park

02:48

10.7km

80m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 8, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Cairngorms National Park

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

66 m

Loch an Eilein and Castle, Rothiemurchus

Highlight • Castle

A small visitor centre centre, toilets and car park (fee); a useful waypoint.

Tip by

2

557 m

Loch an Eilein Castle

Highlight • Castle

Loch An Eilein Castle stands on a natural island just off the north-west shore of Loch An Eilein, deep in the Rothiemurchus Forest. The castle was built in the 13th century by the Bishop of Moray. A tower was added by Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan, in the late 14th century.

In the late 18th century the water level of Loch An Eilein was raised during the course of estate works, shrinking the island and covering the causeway. Today the castle is an inaccessible ruin and is home to nesting ospreys.

Tip by

3

742 m

Loch an Eilein

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Loch An Eilein is set in Rothiemurchus, a beautiful Highland estate that is home to amazing scenery and wildlife. Amid this landscape, expect to see roe deer and red squirrels, as well as many varieties of birds including osprey and Scottish crossbill. The path around the loch is well-maintained and suitable for motorised wheelchairs and off road buggies.

Tip by

4

2.34 km

Loch Gamhna

Highlight • Lake

This smaller lake has fewer visitors than Loch an Elein.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

5

2.52 km

View of Loch Gamhna

Highlight • Viewpoint

Nice view and a good spot for a photo stop.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

6

5.44 km

Drake's Bothy, Inshriach National Nature Reserve

Highlight • Mountain Hut

Drake's Bothy was built in the 1930s as a shooting bothy on the Inshriach Estate, which was then owned by the Drake family.

Today it is owned and run by Scottish Natural Heritage and is a basic hut that will fit up to five or six people. It is worth noting that, due to the conservation status of the surrounding land, you are not allowed to chop wood for a fire.

Tip by

7

7.14 km

View of the Loch in Cairngorms National Park

Highlight • Natural Monument

Loch Gamhna isn't spectacular, but it's pretty: water lilies, reeds, dragonflies, and heather and ancient pines all around. The path along the loch is easy to walk.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

8

7.69 km

Loch An Eilein Circular Path

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

With its 13th-century island castle and spellbinding views, Loch An Eilein (loch of the island) has scooped the accolade of Britain's Best Picnic Spot. You can enjoy some lovely low level walking here. With views of the mountains, the path around the loch is sheltered by pine trees and is perfect for all abilities.

Tip by

B

10.7 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

6.34 km

4.23 km

< 100 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

4.79 km

3.24 km

2.45 km

154 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Saturday 4 July

16°C

11°C

96 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h

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