Loch Morlich Beach

Loch Morlich is an award-winning freshwater beach (the only one in Scotland). It sits at the foot of the dramatic snow-capped Cairngorms in the Glenmore Forest Park.

This scenic sandy bay is at the end of Loch Morlich and is a popular spot for watersports on the calm waters near Aviemore. In summer, the beach has a sailing school, watersports centre and campsite for enjoying the long stretches of golden sand and fir trees bordering the loch.

As well as a car park (fee), the beach has toilets, first aid, a Boathouse Cafe and disabled facilities. It is popular for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing. Loch Morlich Beach is also a designated bathing water site with areas clearly marked for safe swimming. Wetsuits are recommended!

In 2009, it became the first loch beach to receive a Seaside Award from the Keep Scotland Beautiful campaign. At 300 metres elevation, it is also the highest beach to attain such an award! The sand contains large amounts of glass which dates back to WW2 when the lake was a commando school training ground for the Kompani Linge (Norwegian Independent Army Company trained by British Special Operatives). There’s a memorial to these fighters at the nearby Visitor Centre. From the beach there’s a popular 3.7 mile walk which has good paths around the loch.