A beautiful 5.5K loop around Loch an Eilein in the heart of Rothiemurchus. A scenic route through ancient Caledonian pine forest, with stunning views of the loch and its historic island castle.

Location: Rothiemurchus, Aviemore

Start/Finish & Parking: Car park at Loch an Eilein

Distance: 5.5 km

Elevation: 57 m

Terrain: Forest trails & paths - puddles after it's rained!

→ Download GPX route

A scenic 5.6 km loop around Loch Morlich, taking in beautiful views of the loch and the surrounding Cairngorm landscape. A relatively straightforward route and a great introduction to running around Loch Morlich.

Location: Loch Morlich, Glenmore

Start/Finish & Parking: Car Park at the south end of Loch Morlich

Distance: 5.6 km

Elevation: 28 m

Terrain: Forest trails & paths - mostly hard-packed trails

→ Download GPX route

A longer 17.9 km loop through the heart of Rothiemurchus, taking in Lily Loch, a section of Loch an Eilein and the historic Iron Bridge. The route continues towards the south end of Loch Morlich before returning towards Aviemore along the Old Logging Way. A varied route through forest trails and lochside paths, with some fantastic Cairngorms scenery along the way.

Location: Rothiemurchus, Aviemore

Start/Finish & Parking: Rothiemurchus Car Park, opposite cafe or next to tennis courts.

Distance: 17.9 km

Elevation: 246 m

Terrain: Forest trails & paths - hard-packed trail

→ Download GPX route

A challenging 5.9 km out-and-back route from the centre of Aviemore, starting and finishing at Cairngorm Mountain Sports. The route climbs into the Craigellachie National Nature Reserve, with plenty of uphill sections and some fantastic views over Aviemore and the surrounding Cairngorms. A well-made path, with steps in places, makes for good underfoot conditions, but the climb gives this route a real challenge despite its relatively short distance.

Location: Craigellachie, Aviemore

Start/Finish & Parking: Cairngorm Mountain Sports, Aviemore

Distance: 5.9 km

Elevation: 347 m

Terrain: Forest trails & paths - steep in places

→ Download GPX route

(Route currently closed due to wildfire)

A challenging 8.9 km route taking in the summit of Meall a Bhuachaille, with beautiful views across the Cairngorms and Loch Morlich. Starting from Glenmore, this route is best tackled anticlockwise, passing Glenmore Lodge before heading towards An Lochan Uaine (The Green Loch). Shortly afterwards, the route turns towards Ryvoan Bothy before the steep ascent to the summit. The descent back to Glenmore follows a fantastic path with spectacular views across the Cairngorms and down towards Loch Morlich.

Location: Meall a Bhuachaille, Glenmore

Start/Finish & Parking: Glenmore

Distance: 8.9 km

Elevation: 557 m

Terrain: Forest trails, mountain paths & steep ascent

→ Download GPX route

An adventurous 21.2 km out-and-back route from Whitewell, just outside Aviemore, taking you deep into the Cairngorms and giving a real sense of isolation. The trail climbs gently on the way out, but the gradual ascent is barely noticeable as you make your way towards Loch Einich. As the valley opens up, you are rewarded with spectacular views of the loch and the impressive mountain range beyond, including the Munro Sgòr Gaoith. Take some time to enjoy the beach at the loch before turning around and retracing your steps. The return journey brings a welcome reminder of all that gradual climbing, with the trail becoming noticeably more downhill on the way back.

Location: Loch Einich, Cairngorms National Park

Start/Finish & Parking: Whitewell

Distance: 21.2 km

Elevation: 379 m

Terrain: Mixed trails, mostly hardpack but can be muddy in places, stream crossing

→ Download GPX route