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 at a Glance#
Address: Loch Morlich, near Aviemore, Cairngorms, Scotland
About Loch Morlich#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -2° - 4° | -4° | 128 mm | overcast | 97% | 5.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.1h |
| February | Poor | -2° - 4° | -4° | 80 mm | overcast | 96% | 5.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.2h |
| March | Poor | -1° - 6° | -2° | 92 mm | overcast | 94% | 5.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | 1° - 9° | 1° | 60 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.1h |
| May | Acceptable | 4° - 13° | 6° | 67 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.1 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.4h |
| June | Good | 7° - 15° | 11° | 65 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.6h |
| July | Good | 9° - 17° | 13° | 65 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.0h |
| August | Good | 8° - 17° | 12° | 76 mm | overcast | 90% | 3.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.0h |
| September | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 8° | 95 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.2 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.6h |
| October | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 4° | 110 mm | overcast | 95% | 4.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.1h |
| November | Poor | 1° - 7° | 0° | 106 mm | overcast | 97% | 4.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.8h |
| December | Poor | -1° - 5° | -2° | 105 mm | overcast | 97% | 4.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
