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

Hiking trails & Routes

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

Easy

4.4

(20)

hikers

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

01:36

5.09km

170m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 18, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Cairngorms National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

51 m

Rothiemurchus Car Park

Highlight • Parking

The parking fee is £2 per person or £5 per car. Card payments on site are preferred.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.06 km

Ord Ban is 428 m high. On the top there is a stone and a monolith. There is a beautiful view over the surrounding landscape, including part of Loch An Eilein. However, the castle ruins cannot be seen from here. The best time to visit is probably August, when the heather is in bloom.

Tip by

1.32 km

Ord Bàn Summit

Highlight • Viewpoint

Wonderful view from up there

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.71 km

Forest Path to Loch an Eilein

Highlight (Segment) • Forest

Bit of a muddy track after heavy rain. That said, heading towards Loch an Eilein definitely feels like the home stretch

Tip by

4.41 km

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

4.81 km

View of Loch an Eilein

Highlight • Lake

It's Loch an Eilein - what's not to like? There are good tracks and paths around the loch; a bit tree-rooty in places. Good for hiking and MTB. There are plenty of routes to and from the loch. Ice creams, toilets and car parking nearby.

Tip by

4.89 km