Loch Morlich

Know before you go

Best conditions

Settled, dry spells with little wind; avoid the days after heavy rain.

Getting in

Forestry and Land Scotland beach about 6 miles from Aviemore on the road to Cairngorm; the entrance is signed 'Loch Morlich Watersports'. Only non-motorised craft may be used on the loch, and fires and barbecues are not permitted. The designated bathing water is a 500 m stretch on the eastern side. Parts of Glenmore Forest Park were damaged by a wildfire in July 2026, so check FLS local alerts before visiting.

Parking & transport

Beach car park managed with The Highland Council; enforced parking charges apply and there is no overnight parking between 11pm and 6am. Nearest postcode PH22 1QU. Buses between Aviemore and the Cairngorm ski centre pass the beach, and the Old Logging Way cycle route runs 6 miles from Aviemore to Glenmore.

Water quality

SEPA-designated bathing water classified Excellent (classification applying in 2026). SEPA says it is one of only three inland bathing waters in Scotland, is at risk of short-term pollution after heavy rain, and is susceptible to blue-green algae.

Season

SEPA monitors designated bathing waters from 15 May to 15 September; beach toilets open April to October.

Watch for

• Do not swim during or for 1 to 2 days after heavy rain (SEPA)
• Blue-green algae can grow in prolonged warm, calm weather
• Cold water shock, which Water Safety Scotland says can happen in water below 15 °C
• Ticks in the surrounding forest

Facilities

Public toilets at the beach car park, open 24 hours from 1 April to 31 October (Glenmore village toilets year-round) · Boat, canoe and paddleboard hire at Loch Morlich Watersports · Glenmore campsite nearby

Sources: forestryandland.gov.scot, forestryandland.gov.scot, forestryandland.gov.scot, forestryandland.gov.scot, bathingwaters.sepa.org.uk, bathingwaters.sepa.org.uk, bathingwaters.sepa.org.uk, watersafetyscotland.org.uk, en.wikipedia.org

How was your swim?