How to Visit Green Loch Aviemore Scotland

The Green Loch is a unique and beautiful little lake in the Cairngorms National Park, not far from the town of Aviemore.

Found within the woods of Glenmore Forest, this lake stands out because of its distinct green-blue hue, which gives it its name. Locals often refer to it as “An Lochan Uaine”, which means the “green loch” in Gaelic.

We visited this loch as part of a bike ride from Glenmore in Aviemore to Green Loch, up to the Ryvoan Bothy, and then around through the forests, into Boat of Garten, and down into Aviemore again. Other people visit this as part of an easy out-and-back route to just the lake or up to Ryvoan and back, and some combine it with the Meall a’Bhuachaille walk in the Cairngorms or other walking trails.

If you want to visit Green Loch this guide has got you covered! The Green Loch is accessible from various Cairngorms walking trails and is pretty easy to get to when you know how!

This guide to Green Loch near Aviemore will tell you everything you need to know about this beautiful lake including how to get there, and more fun things to do nearby.

How to get to the Green Loch Aviemore

Scotland’s Right to Roam – Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
In Scotland, you can go on to most land to enjoy the outdoors – as long as you behave responsibly, care for the environment and respect the interests of others. You can learn more about the Scotland Outdoor Access Code, and what it means for your activities here.

The Green Loch is a beautiful spot in the Cairngorm National Park in Scotland.

The return trip walk to the Green Loch takes roughly 2 hours and you’ll probably want to spend a bit of time at the lake enjoying the views, swimming maybe, or having some lunch. If that’s the case, I’d recommend giving yourself about a half day to explore Green Loch.

We were on a bicycle to get to An Lochaine Uaine and Ryvoan Pass and Ryvoan Bothy so our travel time was a bit quicker. However, it’s not a far or difficult walk to get either.

If staying in Aviemore make your way to Loch Morlich and the Glenmore Visitor Centre. To find the Green Loch, park at the Glenmore Visitor Centre (this is paid parking). You can also park by the Glen Morlich car park which is a bit further away.

• Do not follow the track and park at the barrier closest to the loch as this will block emergency vehicles. 

Walk on this road or the path next to it until you see a gate and then go through the gate. Keep an eye out for the blue trail markers. The path is fairly stone-covered and gravelly, but it’s not tricky and the views are almost immediate.

In about 20 minutes, there’s a path on your right. This takes you to the Green Loch.

Once at the loch, there are some trails that go around parts of the lake. It’s a great way to get different views and find a peaceful spot where you can sit and enjoy the views.

When you’ve seen the Green Loch near Aviemore, it’s time to go back. Just follow the same path you came on, or use the AllTrails trail maps linked below if you’re extending your hike.

Green Loch walking stats

Below are some details on the three main options for how to get to Green Loch Aviemore.

Things to know about Green Lochan

Before you go to Green Loch near Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park, here are a few things to know.

• Name Variations: The Green Loch is also known as “An Lochan Uaine.”
• Lochan Uaine pronunciation: LOH-khuhn OO-uh-nyuh. The “kh” in “LOH-khuhn” represents the Scottish guttural sound, similar to the “ch” in the German “Bach” or the Scottish “loch”. The “OO-uh” is a diphthong, so it’s a fluid sound between the “oo” and “uh”. The “nyuh” at the end is soft, with the “ny” sound similar to the one in “onion”.
• Color Origin: The water’s green tint comes from algae and the reflection of pine trees.
• Local Legend: Stories say fairies turned the water green by washing their clothes in it.
• Location: The loch is inside Cairngorms National Park, 10 miles east of Aviemore.
• Nearby Campsite: Glenmore Campsite is close to the Green Loch or you can wild camp by Green Loch.
• Parking: Don’t block the road. It’s best to park at Glenmore Lodge Car Park or other nearby areas and walk to Aviemore Green Loch.
• Popularity: The loch is a popular spot. For a quieter visit, come early in the morning. By mid-afternoon, it can get busy.
• Leave no trace: Take out everything you take with you and ideally leave it better than you found it

How to get to Green Loch Aviemore?

To get to the Green Loch Aviemore Walk starting point using public transport, you can take bus M10/M90 from Inverness to Aviemore, and then catch the 37 bus to the Glenmore Forest Park Visitor Centre.

However, this can take a lot of time and driving is faster.

You can find free parking near the Forest Visitor Centre. If that’s full, there’s a paid parking area at the Visitor Centre or at the Allt Moor Car Park.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

Best things to do in Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park

Aviemore, located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are the top 5 things to do in Aviemore:

• Visit Cairngorm Mountain: One of the main attractions in the area, Cairngorm Mountain is perfect for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. The mountain’s funicular railway offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and in the winter in Aviemore, it’s great for skiing.
• Explore Rothiemurchus Estate: This historic estate offers a range of outdoor activities including quad biking, and pony trekking. It’s also home to beautiful forests and lochs, making it great for nature walks and wildlife spotting. The estate often holds events and workshops, so check out their calendar.
• Loch Morlich Watersports: At the base of the Cairngorm Mountains, Loch Morlich offers sandy beaches and a range of watersports. Whether you’re into windsurfing, sailing, or kayaking, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy water activities or simply relax on the beach
• Strathspey Steam Railway: Step back in time with a ride on this vintage steam train. The journey offers scenic views of the Cairngorms and the Highlands. Special-themed journeys, like dining experiences and holiday events, are also available throughout the year.
• Go hiking in the Cairngorms: There are so many hiking trails in the Cairngorms. If you’re looking. for walks in the Cairngorms, be sure to check out my Scotland travel guides.

Aviemore is known for its outdoor activities, so packing appropriate gear and checking weather conditions in advance is a must!

Where to stay in Aviemore Scotland

Aviemore is a great base for your exploration of the Cairngorm National Park. Below are some of the best places to stay in Aviemore for your trip.

• Aviemore Youth Hostel: The four-star Aviemore Youth Hostel offers comfortable accommodations, and a range of amenities including free WiFi and a drying room, and is close to both the town’s activities and the park.
• Sweeney Rooms Aviemore: This hotel impresses with its meticulous attention to detail and stylish and modern amenities. Past guests have praised the establishment’s exceptional service and quality, making it a standout choice in Aviemore for a memorable stay.
• Ruapehu Lodge: Offers garden views, free WiFi, and private parking. Plus you can enjoy mountain views from their terrace and a fully equipped kitchen. Whether you’re keen on skiing, cycling, or hiking, this Cairngorm Hotel provides the perfect base for outdoor adventures.
• Cairngorm Guest House: A short walk from Aviemore Station, Cairngorm Guest House provides free Wi-Fi, parking, and a hearty Scottish breakfast in its Victorian dining room. You can enjoy scenic views of the Cairngorm mountain ranges.

FAQs about Green Loch in the Cairngorms

Final thoughts on An Locah Uaine Green Loch

Visiting the Green Lochan Aviemore is undoubtedly a great thing to do in the Cairngorms.

What makes this loch stand out is its mesmerizing green-blue hue. While some attribute its color to playful pixies washing their clothes, others believe it’s the algae and reflections from nearby pine trees. Either way, it’s a sight to behold!

For those keen on exploring, there are various trail options to suit both beginners and seasoned hikers. Getting to the loch is quite straightforward, just make sure to follow the provided directions and park responsibly.

Before you set out to Lochan Uaine Aviemore, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the handy ‘Things to Know’ section from the blog. It’s packed with useful tidbits, from local legends to camping advice. And if you’re left with any questions, the FAQs got you covered.

If you want to explore more beautiful places in Scotland, be sure to check out this guide to things to do in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, this guide to the best Loch Lomond walks and hikes, and things to do on the Isle of Arran. Or take a Scotland road trip to Glencoe.

Hannah

Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.

Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.

Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.