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Hiking trails & Routes

Loch an Eilein Castle – Loch an Eilein loop from Dalnavert

Hiking trails & Routes

Loch an Eilein Castle – Loch an Eilein loop from Dalnavert

Moderate

4.8

(25)

108

hikers

Loch an Eilein Castle – Loch an Eilein loop from Dalnavert

04:15

16.2km

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: May 14, 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

3.32 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

2

5.02 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

3

5.58 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

4

8.27 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

5

8.71 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

8.86 km

Loch an Eilein

Lake

7

9.00 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

8

10.3 km

View of Loch an Eilein through the trees

Highlight • Viewpoint

9

10.8 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

B

16.2 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

9.93 km

5.94 km

337 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

6.46 km

5.69 km

3.72 km

337 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

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Weather

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Wednesday 29 July

17°C

8°C

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