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.

![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 $1,483

per person

Mar 31 - Apr 6

found 4 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Inverness (INV)

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

Fantastic location - right next to train station and close to everything. Staff were amazing, room was a great. Couldn't be happier! Highly recommend.

Reviewed on Feb 14, 2026

![Golf View Hotel & Spa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/70000/63700/63666/26162923_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Golf View Hotel & Spa

CA $1,948

per person

Apr 19 - Apr 25

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Montreal (YUL) to Inverness (INV)

8.6/10 Excellent! (335 reviews)

Room was beautiful and clean, we were looking onto the sea which was very relaxing. The restaurant staff were very helpful and great portions of food! The spa facilities were excellent and relaxing.

Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026

![Highland Apartments By Mansley](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9440000/9430200/9430188/ee000dd2_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Highland Apartments By Mansley

Inverness City Centre

CA $1,788

per person

Mar 31 - Apr 6

found 4 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Inverness (INV)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (516 reviews)

This was an amazing find. My partner and I loved it. Large apartment with central location and nice view. Comfortable, spacious and clean. Had bath tub!!! Hot water ran out fast soaks in vance how to manage, user error i guess.Will certainly be back.

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2026

### Popular places to visit

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#### Loch Morlich

Relax on the sandy beach or go for a scenic hike around this beautiful freshwater loch in the shadow of CairnGorm Mountain.

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#### Loch Insh

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![📍Avielochan, Aviemore

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#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

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Avie Lochan during your travels in Aviemore. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. 

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#### Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

Explore the great outdoors at Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, a lovely green space in Glenmore. Check out the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this relaxing area. 

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

![📍Loch Vaa, by Aviemore

Loch Vaa is a 39 acre spring fed Loch , fully stocked with Rainbow, Brown and Blue Trout. A lovely place to walk your dogs or go for a swim! 

#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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![Cairngorm Ski Resort which includes snow and railway items](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6088697/8cdc2d3a-e8be-43ba-8632-c4244851f607.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### CairnGorm Mountain

Explore a wide range of pistes, freestyle skiing areas and a snow park before taking a break at Scotland’s highest restaurant at this stunning highland ski resort.

[](https://expedia.ca/CairnGorm-Mountain-Aviemore.d6088697.Vacation-Attraction)

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## Best Lodging Options Near Loch an Eilein

## Check availability on hotels close to Loch an Eilein

[Tonight

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[Tomorrow night

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Coylumbridge Resort Hotel

Aviemore Invernesshire Aviemore Scotland

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High Range Hotel

Grampian Road Aviemore Scotland

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Macdonald Aviemore Highland Hotel

Macdonald Aviemore Resort Aviemore Scotland

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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

[](https://expedia.ca/Aviemore-Hotels-Macdonald-Aviemore-Hotel.h1080649.Hotel-Information)

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### 

Comfortable Secluded Bungalow in Wooded Setting

 Aviemore Inverness-Shire SCT

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Rowan Tree Country Hotel

Loch Alvie Aviemore Scotland

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Delmhor No1

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Delmhor No3

Ski Road Cottages, Coylumbridge Aviemore Scotland

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[See all 407 properties in Loch an Eilein](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package&regionId=6167782)

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.

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## 

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