THIS is always a popular walk, and rightly so. Nestled among the Caledonian pines of the Rothiemurchus Forest, Loch an Eilein has an enchanting setting, complete with an ancient ruined castle.
This area is home to some fantastic wildlife, such as red squirrels, Scottish crossbills and even ospreys in summer. These magnificent fishers once nested on the castle but were driven away by egg hunters about 100 years ago.
This is not a 'second
best' walk for days when the cloud is low and the wind is howling around the mountains, it is a walk for any day of the year. Wear sturdy footwear as the ground is a little rough in places and can be muddy, but otherwise the relatively flat terrain should be suitable for all members of the family. You can complete the route in either direction, but the way described has good views of the castle close to the start.
With a history dating back as far as the 13th century, the castle is said to have been home to the notorious Wolf of Badenoch.
The main path is easy to follow but it is worth dropping off to the left just after passing the castle to reach a bench offering a good view of the ruins.
Another 50 yards along the shore is a memorial to Major General Walter Brook, who drowned in the loch on Boxing Day 1892 after skating on thin ice.
After this the track takes you through the ancient forest, surrounded by the gnarled roots of massive pines. You are not too hemmed in, however, as there are plenty of gaps in the trees allowing views down to the loch and of the surrounding mountains.
At the top of the loch a narrow path takes you to Loch Gamhna. Right on the edge of the forest, it sits like a Highland oasis, dwarfed by great, bulky mountains.
The return takes you back along Loch an Eilein then through forest before returning to the shore and a last view of the castle ruins at the end of one of the best short walks in Scotland.
Distance 41/2 miles.
Height climbed Undulating, but about 500ft in total.
Time 11/2 to 21/2 hours.
Map OS Landranger 36.
Park Take the B970 Cairngorm road from Aviemore. Turn right after about three-quarters of a mile, following a sign to Insh. Just over a mile down the road go left, following a brown sign to Loch an Eilein, and you will find a car park another mile further on. (There is a fee: £1.50 per adult and 50p per child.)
In summary Go to the far end of the car park and take a path to a notice board where you go straight on to reach a small visitor centre and toilets. Walk the few yards to the edge of the loch and go right, following a good path.
The main path follows the loch shore, and passes the castle – after this a path on the left drops down to a bench with good views of the ruins.
At the top of the loch ignore a track going right and follow the footpath round to the left. After a few hundred yards (after the path veers away from the loch and inclines slightly), take a smaller path on the right which leads to Loch Gamhna. Follow the path round the loch to join the main path again, where you go right.
Continue on the main path as it veers away from Loch an Eilein, before swinging round to the left and returning to the shore and visitor centre. Go right here back to the car park.
Refreshments There are many places to suit all tastes but a favourite has to be the Old Bridge Inn on the edge of Aviemore. Turn right off the B970 just after crossing the Spey before you reach the town.
While you are in the area There are lots of outdoor activities on offer, and visitors can try everything from mountain biking to sailing or kayaking on Loch Morlich, and sled-dog trips in Rothiemurchus.
