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Family-friendly walks in Aviemore
Aviemore sits in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and offers plenty of family-friendly walks for all ages. From peaceful lochside trails to magical forest paths, it's the perfect place to get outdoors.
Aviemore is one of my favourite places in Scotland. I’ve been so many times and each visit, I find a different walk to go on, and sometimes I repeat ones that I’ve done before. It’s a place to visit where you simply can’t get bored. There is some truly stunning landscape there, which I find is very distinctive from the rest of Scotland. As well as some great hiking, there are also tons of walks suitable for the whole family. I’ve put together just a few; there are too many to list them all, but I hope you enjoy these.
Loch Morlich Loop
anya_nas
Location: Glenmore Forest Park, approximately 7 km east of Aviemore.
Distance & Duration: 6 kilometres; typically 1.5 to 2 hours.
Difficulty: Easy; flat and well-maintained paths suitable for all ages.
Amenities: Near the car park, visitors will find a cafe, a water sports centre, and restrooms. The sandy beach along the loch is perfect for picnics and play.
Parking: A designated car park is available near the loch, and a small fee is applicable.
Stunning views of the northern Cairngorms
This loop offers stunning views of the northern Cairngorms, combining sandy shores with ancient forests. It’s an ideal spot for birdwatching and soaking in the natural beauty.
Loch an Eilein Circuit
williamking
Location: Rothiemurchus Forest, about 5 km south of Aviemore.
Distance & Duration: 7 kilometres; approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
Difficulty: Easy; well-marked paths with minimal elevation changes.Amenities: A small visitor centre and restrooms are located near the car park. Benches around the loch provide scenic picnic spots.
Parking: On-site parking is available for a small fee, payable by card.
The tranquil loch
Encircling the tranquil loch, this trail immerses walkers in ancient pine forests and offers views of a 14th-century island castle. It’s a favorite among families for its serene atmosphere and rich history.
Ryvoan Bothy & Lochan Uaine (The Green Loch)
Location: Starting from Glenmore Forest Park, near the Reindeer Centre.
Distance & Duration: 6 kilometres round trip; around 2 hours.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; gentle inclines on well-trodden paths.
Amenities: No facilities along the trail, but the nearby Glenmore Visitor Centre offers restrooms and a cafe.
Parking: Parking is available at the Reindeer Centre or Glenmore Visitor Centre, with fees applicable.
The mystical Green Loch
This enchanting walk leads through ancient woodlands to the mystical Green Loch, named for its vibrant hue. The Ryvoan Bothy provides a glimpse into traditional Scottish mountain shelters.
Loch Vaa
worldsbetweenlines
Location: Aviemore: Just off the A95
Distance & Duration: 3.5km ; 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: No restrooms on-site, but facilities are available in Aviemore.
Parking: A small car park is situated at the entrance; no fees.
Discover a hidden gem!
A secluded gem, hidden away in the pinewoods, not visible from the road. This short walk is a straightforward circuit around the loch.
Docharn Woods Circuit
itsboulderco
Location: Carrbridge
Distance & Duration: 7.5km, around 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Toilets on site.
Parking: Large Car Park.
Boat of Garten
There are many possible trails around this wood, but if you follow the sign, ‘Boat of Garten’, it takes you through more informal paths and giving some great views of the Cairngorms.
Riverside Walk, Kincraig
Location: Kincraig
Distance & Duration: 2.7km, 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy, clear path.
Amenities: no toilets on site
Parking: Limited parking area down from the Old Post Office, no fee
River Spey
A beautiful out-and-back walk along a high bank above the River Spey with splendid views of the Cairngorms and passing through lovely woodland.
Uath Lochan & Farleitter Crag
philrobson100
Location: Glen Feshie
Distance: 5.25km, 1.5 - 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, some slight uphill
Amenities: No toilets on site
Parking: Uath Lochans Forestry car park, no fee
Climb along the wooded rim of Farleitter Crag
This group of four small lochs set amidst the wild scenery and pines of Glen Feshie is a real hidden gem. This route heads around the lochans before climbing along the wooded rim of Farleitter Crag for sublime views. The pines are often busy with red squirrels.
Rothiemurchus Forest and the Iron Bridge
lassenystedtfoto
Location: Rothiemurchus
Distance: 7.5km, 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: No toilets on site.
Parking: Roadside parking near the camping entrance
Take a walk through the fantastic Caledonian forest
This is an easy but quiet walk through the fantastic Caledonian forest to the iron bridge over the Am Beanaidh and then through more scattered woodland with great views of the Cairngorms. These special woods are home to the rare capercaillie, and dogs should be kept on a short lead during the very sensitive breeding season between 1 April and 15 August.
