Title: Loch an Eilein in Aviemore - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

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# Loch an Eilein Tours and Activities

![Loch an Eilein featuring a river or creek, mountains and heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6167782/be40a2bd-750d-43ff-ba7b-a764986716f6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Loch an Eilein featuring a river or creek, mountains and heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6167782/be40a2bd-750d-43ff-ba7b-a764986716f6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Loch an Eilein showing forests](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6167782/4c82c156-9305-4c0d-ba83-db7082bb69f3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Loch an Eilein showing mountains, a lake or waterhole and forests](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6167782/034a589b-df5c-4720-ae84-db1cd1938edb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Loch an Eilein featuring forest scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6167782/50d9f50b-3669-4382-bbc6-0ca407a8aa41.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Loch an Eilein

Activities

[Aviemore travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Aviemore.dx4309)

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#### Go for a stroll around this scenic loch, known for the ruined 13th-century castle at its centre.

Loch an Eilein is a beautiful lake within the Rothiemurchus estate. The trail that wraps around the perimeter of the loch is said to be among the most popular short walks in the United Kingdom, attracting outdoor enthusiasts as far back as Victorian times. Wander along this serene trail, admiring the view of the mysterious ancient castle perched on an island within the loch.

Stop at the loch’s information center, located beside the visitor parking lot. Learn more about the forest’s plants and animals, check out the gift store or have coffee at the snack shop.

Follow the picturesque 4.5-mile (7-kilometer) trail that loops around the loch, considered to be among Scotland’s best low-intensity walking trails. Gaze at the views of the Cairngorm Mountains and at the lovely Scots pines bordering the trail. Try to spot red squirrels and Scottish crossbills. Walk across the small footbridge at the loch’s outflow. Bring a picnic and take a break at one of the many scenic areas overlooking the loch.

The name Loch an Eilein comes from a Gaelic expression meaning “Lake of the Island.” Notice the enchanting castle ruins on this small islet, located off the northwestern shore of the loch. The loch’s waters obscure the causeway that once led to this historic castle, which is believed to have been built in the 13th century by the Bishop of Moray. Until the early 20th century, the castle ruins were an important nesting site for ospreys. These rare birds visit the Rothiemurchus Fishery from March through August.

Consider extending your hike by making the challenging climb to the summit of Ord Ban. This 1,404-foot-high (428-meter) viewpoint offers wonderful views back over the loch and south toward the mountains in the distance.

Loch an Eilein is located 4 miles (6 kilometers) south of Aviemore. Drive here and park at the lake for a fee. Find the trail leading around the loch at the far end of the parking lot. Spend an afternoon enjoying the scenery at one of Scotland’s prettiest lochs.

## Plan a trip to see Loch an Eilein

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![Star Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/17000000/16710000/16707100/16707059/d7c62116_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Star Hotel

CA $1,689

per person

Mar 18 - Mar 24

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YYZ) to Inverness (INV)

9.8/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)

Lovely stay! Everything is sparkling new and very friendly staff. Good location for exploring Cairngorms. Lots of eating options in walking distance. Good food in the hotel too.

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2025

![The Royal Highland Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/50000/41300/41256/ca96d20d_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### The Royal Highland Hotel

Inverness City Centre

CA $2,524

per person

Mar 16 - Mar 21

found 19 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Winnipeg (YWG) to Inverness (INV)

8/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)

Great rooms and very close to city center.

Reviewed on Jan 30, 2026

### Popular places to visit

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#### Loch Morlich

4.5/5(4 reviews)

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#### Loch Insh

4.5/5(2 reviews)

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![📍Avielochan, Aviemore

A few miles North of Aviemore on the A95, i pass this everyday on the way to work and often stop to take a picture, no matter what the weather ☀️⚡️❄️🌧 this place can often throw up an incredible view! 
#Aquatrove #likealocal](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/4309/65967c3d-05b1-41ad-9251-3b3c0cd9f98f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Avie Lochan

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#### Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

4/5(1 review)

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[](https://expedia.ca/Cairngorm-Reindeer-Centre-Aviemore.d6167695.Vacation-Attraction)

![📍Loch Vaa, by Aviemore

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#Aquatrove #likealocal](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/182742/4eee5f3f-d999-490f-aa94-3a50cffefb94.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Loch Vaa

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[](https://expedia.ca/Loch-Vaa-Boat-of-Garten.d880730324697755648.Vacation-Attraction)

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#### CairnGorm Mountain

4.5/5(3 reviews)

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## Best Lodging Options Near Loch an Eilein

## Check availability on hotels close to Loch an Eilein

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[Tomorrow night

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[This weekend

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Coylumbridge Resort Hotel

Aviemore Invernesshire Aviemore Scotland

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High Range Hotel

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Macdonald Aviemore Highland Hotel

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Lodge for up to 10 in Rothiemurchus Forest with hot tub.

 Aviemore Scotland

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Macdonald Aviemore Hotel

Macdonald Aviemore Resort Aviemore Scotland

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Premier Inn Aviemore

Grampian Road Aviemore Scotland

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Time share lodge on Scotland for all ages .

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.