Monday, 18 Nov 2024
The Iron Age dun of Kraiknish sits on the top of a rocky knoll on the coastline at the mouth of Loch…
Loch Morlich Beach
Loch Morlich Beach
Where we are
Latest forest information
- There is a partial closure of the Loch Morlich Beach Trail (Waymarked yellow) to carry out essential path restoration works. Access from the main road down to the riverside is not possible. The section of trail around Loch Morlich Beach, the footbridge and Pine Knoll Trail (White waymarked route) are all unaffected. Closure will remain in place for 2 weeks.
- Do not light fires or BBQs. If you need to cook, use a gas stove.
- No overnight parking. Please plan ahead and book a campsite.
- Park responsibly in designated bays and do not block access for emergency vehicles.
Open water
- This destination contains areas of open water which can be hazardous if you are not suitably prepared. Follow our water safety advice and take care.
About
Watersports and walking at the highest beach in Britain
Families play games on the sand, windsurfers tack across the clean water, and when the sun shines you can top up your tan. Close your eyes and you could be at the seaside! Famous for being the highest beach in Britain, this is the only freshwater beach in Scotland to have a Rural Beach Award.
Walking trails
Glenmore Forest Park route card (PDF)
Walking
Beach Trail
Meander through the beautiful pine, birch and alder woods by the Allt Mor burn and Loch Morlich’s golden sands.
Mostly wide, smooth gravel path with section following smooth roadside pavement. Some short moderate slopes.
1 ½ miles / 2.4 km
Allow 1 hour
More information
The coarse, pink sand of Loch Morlich's popular beach comes from the granite of the Cairngorm mountains, ground down by glaciers and rivers over thousands of years.
Walking
Loch Morlich Trail
A charming circuit round the water, with fine views of the mountains above and a good chance of seeing Goldeneye, red-throated divers and even otters.
Mostly wide, smooth and flat gravel surface. Some uneven gravel sections, with potentially muddy areas. Short moderate slopes and one steep ramp. Includes two road crossings.
3 ½ miles / 5.8 km
Allow 2 hours
More information
Winding through Forestry Commission land, with the loch shining through the trees, this trail gives you a real experience of the great swathe of woodland that washes against the slopes of the Cairngorms. Look out for dippers, wagtails and herons by the burns that feed the loch along the way.
Activities
Fun on the water
If you’d like to try zipping across the waves, you can hire boats, canoes or windsurfers at Loch Morlich Watersports. They’ll teach you how to use them too.
Just a little way from the beach, the trails offer peace, quiet, and a forest alive with birds and animals. Come early in the morning and watch for birds like sandpipers and herons, or otters hunting along the streams that feed the loch.
Camping at Glenmore
Looking for somewhere to stay? Get a pitch at Glenmore campsite.
Facilities and access
Public toilets are available 24 hours at Loch Morlich Beach car park (Easter- 31 October) and in Glenmore village (year round).
No camping is allowed within the car park area. Fires and barbecues are not permitted anywhere at this site. For more information on best practice in the outdoors, visit the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Visitors are welcome to use non-motorised crafts on Loch Morlich. Crafts which are propelled by a motor rather than the user or the wind, such as e-foils, are not permitted here.
Car parking information
Payment options: coin or RingGo
Tickets bought at any FLS machine in the Glenmore Forest Park are valid in all our other car parks in Glenmore (not Glenmore Visitor Centre). The charges to park at Loch Morlich Beach are:
- £2 for up to 1 hour
- £3 for up to 3 hours
- £4 for all day (vehicles up to 7 seats)
- £12 for minibus or coach all day
- Blue Badge holders park for free. Please display your badge clearly
Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our local forest list without the £ symbol.
Annual parking pass available:
Available in advance by downloading the relevant application form and emailing to the Regional Office. Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions before applying.Glenmore Car Park Pass - £40 per car and £100 per mini-bus or coach
Valid at Loch Morlich Beach, Loch Morlich, Lochside, Sugarbowl, Allt Mor, Allt Ban, Hayfield.
FLS National Car Park Pass - £100 per car and £150 per mini bus or coach
Valid at all Forestry and Land Scotland car parks except Tentsmuir.
Accessibility
Getting here
From the roundabout at the south end of Aviemore follow the signs for 'The Cairngorms' for 6 miles. Stay on the main road passing the first car park at Loch Morlich, continuing on to the far end of the loch. A sign for 'Loch Morlich Watersports' marks the entrance to Loch Morlich Beach.
You can cycle here from Aviemore on the Old Logging Way; a superb, safe bike route that runs for 6 miles between Aviemore and the Glenmore Forest Park Visitor Centre.
Using SatNav?
PH22 1QU is the nearest postcode.
Public transport
Buses between Aviemore and the Cairngorm Mountain ski centre pass Loch Morlich Beach. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Phone
0300 067 6100 (option 1)
Nearby forests
The essential starting point for your visit to Glenmore
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Glenmore Visitor Centre': 0.31 miles
Ancient pine trees, dragonflies and wood ants
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Hayfield': 0.66 miles
A wonderful mix of tall pine, heather and blueberry
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Allt Mor': 0.75 miles
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