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Hiking trails & Routes

Loch an Eilein Castle – Loch an Eilein loop from Coylumbridge Hotel

Hiking trails & Routes

Loch an Eilein Castle – Loch an Eilein loop from Coylumbridge Hotel

Moderate

4.8

(123)

601

hikers

Loch an Eilein Castle – Loch an Eilein loop from Coylumbridge Hotel

04:31

17.2km

130m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 18, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Cairngorms National Park

Waypoints

A

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1

3.21 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

2

3.61 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

3.76 km

Loch an Eilein

Lake

4

3.90 km

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

5

5.17 km

View of Loch an Eilein through the trees

Highlight • Viewpoint

6

5.74 km

Bridge between Loch Gamha and Loch an Eilein

Highlight • Forest

A small bridge allows you to cross between the banks or stand between the lochs and see both.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7

5.92 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

8

10.2 km

View of Lochan Mor (Lily Loch)

Highlight • Natural

No loop around sadly.

Tip by

9

14.3 km

Aviemore town centre

Highlight • Rest Area

Aviemore is one of Britain's adventure capitals, thanks to the Cairngorm Mountain ski resort, the nearby national outdoor centre at Glenmore Lodge and the sensational hiking and mountaineering found in the Cairngorms, which contain five of Britain's six highest mountains.

For hikers, utilising the ski resort’s base station means that you can start from 2,083 feet (635 m), giving you quicker access to the giant Munros of the Cairngorm Plateau, the UK's only sub-Arctic wilderness.

The town itself has a unique character: part Highland charm, part ski resort chic. Its atmosphere is infectious year-round. There's a wealth of accommodation, many gear shops, good amenities and lots of places to eat and drink.

Tip by

B

17.2 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

9.62 km

4.14 km

3.45 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

6.39 km

5.24 km

2.40 km

1.82 km

1.36 km

< 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.

Highest point (270 m)

Lowest point (210 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Monday 6 July

17°C

13°C

59 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

May 7, 2024,Wanderung

Difficult path. With climbing over the fence.
Unfortunately we missed the first step over the fence, then it would have been easier. Or from the summit we took the same route back. I don't recommend the route we took.

Showing Translation

August 20, 2023,🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Schottland: 🔃 ab Aviemore in den Rothiemurchus Forest

Optimal hiking weather - we travel by bus to Aviemore (unfortunately without air conditioning on the return journey) and walk towards Rothiemurchus Forest. Information on this here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rothiemurchus_Forest
We enjoy the existing paths and walk next to the peat/moss cushions without wet shoes.
There is a large hotel and a campsite next to the area, but there are few people …

Showing Translation

May 31, 2024,Waldwanderung Cairngorms, vorbei an Loch an Mor, Loch an Eilein (Eilean) und Loch Gamhna

There is a small car park on the road (just past the cafe/farm shop on the left coming from Inverdruie). This is a good starting point for the walk.
The walk is easy, on wide paths, and without any significant inclines. It is essentially a forest walk with lots of people on it.
The first part, around Loch an Mor, …

Showing Translation

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