Loch Morlich Circular
Perthshire
The circuit of Loch Morlich is one of the Cairngorms' classic easy outings, a 5.6km loop that combines wide forest tracks through Glenmore's pinewoods with open sandy shoreline and constant views up to the Northern Corries and Cairn Gorm itself. The loch has a genuine sandy beach at its eastern end that could pass for a Highland coast on a blue day, and the surrounding Scots pine forest gives the walk a distinctly wild feel despite excellent paths throughout. With just 170 metres of climbing, this is accessible to almost anyone, and the mountain backdrop elevates it well beyond a simple lakeside stroll.
Dogs get a brilliant day here and this ranks among the best dog friendly walks in the Cairngorms. The sandy beach is a magnet for water-loving dogs, with easy entry into the loch for swimming and splashing. Off-lead potential is high through the forest and along the shoreline, with minimal livestock risk in the Glenmore area. The pine forest floor carries rich scent year-round, and the forest tracks are kind on paws. Glenmore Lodge and the watersports centre provide parking and facilities, and the Pine Marten café nearby welcomes dogs. Works well as a standalone walk or combined with other Glenmore trails for a longer day.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.6 km (3.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Lake
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Glenmore Visitor Centre café and toilets; beach facilities at Loch Morlich; cafés in Aviemore
- Parking
- Loch Morlich Beach car park (PH22 1QY); pay and display; Glenmore Visitor Centre car park alternative
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Loch Morlich Circular dog friendly?
Loch Morlich Circular is one of the best dog-friendly walks in the Cairngorms, earning a 9/10 rating. Dogs can swim in the loch from the sandy beach, explore rich pine forest full of scent, and the Pine Marten café nearby welcomes dogs too. It's a genuinely brilliant all-round day out for a dog of almost any age or fitness level.
Can dogs be off lead at Loch Morlich Circular?
Off-lead potential is high throughout this walk, both along the shoreline and through the Glenmore forest tracks. Livestock risk in the area is minimal, which makes relaxed off-lead walking very achievable for most dogs. As always, use your judgement around the car park and watersports centre where there's a bit more footfall.
What should I know before visiting Loch Morlich Circular with my dog?
The 5.6km loop is well-surfaced throughout with gentle forest tracks that are kind on paws, and with only 170 metres of climbing it suits most dogs comfortably. Parking is available at Loch Morlich Beach car park (PH22 1QY, pay and display) or alternatively at the Glenmore Visitor Centre, where there are also café facilities and toilets. If your dog loves the water, the sandy beach at the eastern end of the loch has easy entry for swimming , on a clear day it really does feel like a Highland coast.
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