Loch Morlich
Lake Cairngorms loch with sandy beach and recreation
Loch inside the Cairngorms National Park near Aviemore, known for its sandy shoreline and mountain backdrop. Popular for swimming, sailing, canoe hire and access to nearby ski and walking areas.
Loch Morlich is a freshwater loch in the Cairngorms of north-east Scotland, located within Glenmore Forest Park and the Cairngorms National Park. It is notable for its sandy beach and direct views across to the Cairngorm plateau.
The shallow, sheltered waters and sandy shore attract walkers, swimmers, windsurfers and sailing in summer, and there are marked trails through the surrounding Caledonian pine forest. Facilities and parking at the nearby Glenmore Visitor Centre support recreational use.
The loch occupies a glacially carved basin and the surrounding forest was planted and managed over the 19th and 20th centuries. Ongoing conservation and recreation management is undertaken within the national park framework.
Loch Morlich sits just north of Aviemore in the Badenoch and Strathspey area of the Cairngorms, adjacent to the A9 corridor and close to main visitor services for the national park.
- Beach and watersports: A sandy shoreline and shallow waters make it one of the few lochs in the Cairngorms with a natural beach, used for swimming and non-motorised watersports in summer.
- Park setting: Located within the Cairngorms National Park and Glenmore Forest Park, it is served by trails and facilities aimed at outdoor recreation.
How to Get to Loch Morlich #
Located near Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park; accessible by car from the A9 and local roads with parking near the loch. Regional bus routes serve Aviemore, with short taxi or local bus connections to the loch.
Tips for Visiting Loch Morlich #
- Park at the Cairngorms National Park visitor points and walk the well-marked trails to the north shore.
- If planning to swim, pick a sheltered day - the water is cold even in summer.
- Combine with a visit to the nearby forest and mountain facilities for refreshments and longer hikes.
Best Time to Visit Loch Morlich #
Late spring to early autumn is best for outdoor activities; winter offers snow sports but requires appropriate equipment.
Weather & Climate near Loch Morlich #
Loch Morlich's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -2°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1049 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (128 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
