Loch Morlich is an idyllic location for Stand Up Paddleboarding. I first became interested in Paddleboarding on Loch Morlich when I saw photos of the beautiful sandy beach on the eastern end. With the surrounding Cairngorm mountains and the Scots Pine forrest the area is a stand up paddleboarding enthusiasts dream.
The Main Points
Location – Cairngorm National Park, North East Highlands, Scotland
SUP – SUP – Own Fatstick Inflatables, Pink Panther* and Blue Lagoon (*Pink Panther now has a new design – check it out here)
Cost – Parking fee pay at machines in car park
Conditions – Freshwater Loch
Other users – Swimmers, kayakers, dingys, canoes, Stand Up Paddleboarders
Entry Point – Sandy beach and pebbly beach
Surrounding amenities/Bathrooms- Town of Aviemore
Map
Current Weather Conditions
Wee Blether – Stand Up Paddleboarding on Loch Morlich
Having only passed Aviemore on the way to or from Inverness, we’d never really explored the area. What a fantastic surprise when we decided to take a side trip and see what was on offer. Loch Morlich is yet another beautiful Scottish Loch and definitely worth a stop off on your way through.
Getting into the loch was relatively easy. We found that the car parks at the western end were a lot closer to the waters edge. The edges were sandy with some large stones that needed careful navigation once in the water. At the eastern end the water can be quite shallow in areas.
The beautiful sandy beach is down the eastern end of the loch. This has a bigger car park and is more popular. It also has more facilities such as cafe, bathroom and Watersport hire (including SUPs). You also have a longer portage to the water over a lot of soft sand. All car parks have a parking fee which can be paid at the machine.
We visited the Loch when it was relatively quiet due to corona virus international travel restrictions. Most other visitors were from Scotland or the rest of the UK. I expect that it is usually a lot busier on a nice Scottish summers day. Even so I was glad of the opportunity to try out my new Sealskinz waterproof socks and 5mm wetsuit booties. I was really surprised to find my feet stayed dry for the whole paddle!
The Surrounding Area
The Cairngorms are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. There are walking and mountain bike trails to explore the beautiful forest and mountains in the summer. In the winter the arctic alpine landscape transforms into Scotlands premier ski resort. It is definitely worth stopping off on your way north to explore this little piece of paradise.
Lovely! Thank You and Cheers!!! 🙂