Uath Lochans
Discover the magic of Uath Lochans, an ancient Scots pine forest with serene lochans and breathtaking Cairngorms views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere, fewer crowds
Uath Lochans
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the magic of Uath Lochans, an ancient Scots pine forest with serene lochans and breathtaking Cairngorms views.
"Pristine! This place is out of this world. This is an ancient forest that you can tell by the bumpy ground there."
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Ample car parking makes starting your adventure simple. :car:
🥾 Trails for All
Choose the flat white route or the steeper red route for stunning views. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Uath Lochans Trail
Circular trail around the lochans
A gentle, mostly flat walk through ancient Scots pine forest, offering serene views of the shimmering lochans.
Farleitter Crag Viewpoint
Summit of Farleitter Crag
A slightly more strenuous climb rewards with breathtaking panoramic views over the Uath Lochans and surrounding Cairngorms.
Ancient Scots Pine Woodland
Throughout the Uath Lochans area
Wander through a magical, ancient forest with gnarled trees and a unique, almost mystical atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Respect the Wild
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Ample car parking makes starting your adventure simple. :car:
🥾 Trails for All
Choose the flat white route or the steeper red route for stunning views. :hiking_boot:
📸 Capture the Magic
The light filtering through the ancient pines is truly special. :camerawithflash:
🌲 Respect the Forest
Leave no trace; pack out all your litter. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Ample car parking makes starting your adventure simple. :car:
🥾 Trails for All
Choose the flat white route or the steeper red route for stunning views. :hiking_boot:
📸 Capture the Magic
The light filtering through the ancient pines is truly special. :camerawithflash:
🌲 Respect the Forest
Leave no trace; pack out all your litter. :evergreen_tree:
📍 Near Aviemore
Conveniently located, just a short drive from Aviemore. :round_pushpin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Uath Lochans, calling it a 'pristine' and 'out of this world' natural gem. The ancient woodland and serene lochans create a magical atmosphere, with the viewpoint from Farleitter Crag being a particular highlight. While generally peaceful, some note it can get busy. The well-marked trails are appreciated for their accessibility.
"One of the most amazing places Ive been on my Scotland trip. Camped there for a couple of nights in the snow and it was perfect.
The view point is also a must-see!"
Pablo E
"Pristine! This place is out of this world. This is an ancient forest that you can tell by the bumpy ground there. We camped for 3 nights and even heard the wild cat’s scream on one night. This place has lots to offer - beautiful lakes, forests, birds, mushrooms, wildlife, hike and walks. And a quiet, serene place to camp. Please be mindful when you camp here, take your litter with you. The place is gorgeous and we must preserve it."
Deepika
"Some wonderful walks and views around here. There are two mapped and signposted walks- the white route, which is mostly flat and is less intense, and the red route, which is significantly more strenuous (but still pretty easy, just lots of uphill walking- I’m very unfit and managed fine)."
Ashley Roberts
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Uath Lochans is a short drive from Aviemore, typically around 20-30 minutes. Follow signs for Glen Feshie. There's easy car parking available at the forestry commission car park.
Public transport options are limited. While it's on the Speyside Way route, reaching the car park directly via public transport might be challenging. It's best accessed by car.
The Farleitter Crag trail (marked in red) is the path to the viewpoint. It's a bit more strenuous than the lochan trail but offers rewarding panoramic views.
While there are walking trails, cycling is generally not the primary activity here. The focus is on walking and enjoying the woodland and lochans.
The nearest postcode for navigation purposes is often associated with Glen Feshie, but it's best to follow signs for Uath Lochans Forestry Commission car park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Uath Lochans is free. There are no admission fees to access the walking trails and enjoy the scenery.
Uath Lochans is an outdoor natural area and is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
Parking at the Uath Lochans Forestry Commission car park is typically free, making it an accessible destination for a day out.
Wild camping is permitted in Scotland under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, but it's crucial to practice responsible camping, leave no trace, and be mindful of the environment.
There are generally no dedicated facilities such as toilets or visitor centers directly at Uath Lochans. It's advisable to use facilities before you arrive or in nearby Aviemore.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
There are two main waymarked trails: the white route (Uath Lochans Trail) which is flatter and circles the lochans, and the red route (Farleitter Crag Trail) which is steeper and leads to a viewpoint.
The Uath Lochans Trail (white route) typically takes about an hour to complete, offering a relaxed pace to enjoy the woodland and water.
The Farleitter Crag trail is more strenuous due to uphill walking but is still considered manageable for most fitness levels, offering rewarding views.
You might spot various bird species in the ancient woodland. Some visitors have reported hearing wild cats at night, highlighting the area's wild nature.
Yes, the flatter Uath Lochans Trail is suitable for families with young children, offering a gentle introduction to the beautiful Scottish landscape.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with golden hues filtering through the ancient pines and reflecting on the lochans. 
The combination of the ancient Scots pine woodland, the still, reflective lochans, and the panoramic views from Farleitter Crag create stunning photographic opportunities.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the Forestry and Land Scotland or Cairngorms National Park Authority for current guidelines before flying a drone.
You can capture serene landscape shots of the lochans, atmospheric forest scenes, and expansive vistas from the higher viewpoints.
Uath Lochans is generally less crowded than more famous spots, especially if you visit during off-peak times, allowing for more peaceful photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Bring along some snacks and drinks, and let the children discover the wonders of the ancient woodland. The Farleitter Crag Trail (red route) might be a bit challenging for very young children, but older kids will enjoy the climb and the rewarding views from the top. Remember to pack out all rubbish to keep this beautiful place pristine.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
The Farleitter Crag Trail provides a good moderate hike with a rewarding viewpoint, perfect for a solo challenge. The relative lack of crowds, especially outside peak times, ensures a tranquil experience. Remember to inform someone of your hiking plans and carry appropriate safety gear.
📸 Nature Photographers
+1The reflective lochans provide stunning landscape compositions, particularly during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The panoramic views from Farleitter Crag are a must-capture, offering sweeping vistas of the Cairngorms. Visiting during different seasons, like winter snow or autumn colors, can yield dramatically different and beautiful results.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Uath Lochans Trails
The Farleitter Crag Trail (marked in red) presents a more invigorating experience. This path leads uphill, winding through the old pines towards the summit of Farleitter Crag. While it involves more climbing, the effort is handsomely rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the Uath Lochans and the vast expanse of the Cairngorms National Park. This viewpoint is a highlight for many, offering a spectacular perspective of the landscape.
+1Both trails are designed to showcase the unique beauty of the area, from the intimate woodland settings to the grander vistas. The trails are generally well-maintained, making them accessible for a wide range of visitors looking to explore this magical part of Scotland.
A Haven for Nature and Wildlife
The lochans themselves are a significant draw, their still waters reflecting the surrounding trees and sky, creating picturesque scenes. The area is a haven for various bird species, and the dense woodland provides a rich habitat. While less commonly seen, the mention of hearing wild cats at night by some visitors underscores the wild and untamed nature of this environment.
Visitors are encouraged to be mindful stewards of this delicate ecosystem. The principle of 'leave no trace' is paramount, ensuring that the pristine condition of the Uath Lochans is preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit