Loch Morlich

Loch Morlich lies like a blue jewel set beneath the northern ramparts of the Cairngorms, its waters so clear and its setting so perfectly framed by forest and mountain that visitors often struggle to believe they're still in Scotland. This is the highest substantial body of water in Britain to have a sandy beach, and on a summer's day, with families swimming in the shallows and the peaks of Cairn Gorm reflected in the still water, it could pass for an Alpine lake.

The loch sits at the heart of Glenmore Forest Park, surrounded by ancient Caledonian pines that have clung to these slopes for thousands of years. Red squirrels bound through the branches, crested tits call from the treetops, and if you're lucky, you might spot an osprey diving for trout. The beach on the northern shore is the main draw for visitors—a sweep of golden sand that fills with happy chaos on warm weekends, while quieter shores around the loch offer peaceful escapes.

Loch Morlich is also a hub for watersports in the Highlands. The Loch Morlich Watersports Centre offers sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, while the flat water and reliable winds make it popular with both beginners and experienced sailors. A walking and cycling trail circles the loch, and the views throughout are spectacular—the kind that stop you in your tracks and demand photographs. This is the accessible, welcoming face of the Cairngorms, a place where everyone can enjoy the mountain environment.