Finding The Green Loch & Its Amazing Stories – An Lochan Uaine
Nestled in the Cairngorm National Park, deep in the Scottish Highlands, you’ll find the Green Loch otherwise known as An Lochan Uaine! It’s a special place of incredible beauty but like most of Scotland, this scenic spot also has some amazing stories. You have to go a little off the regular tourist route, but it’s well worth the short detour.
The name “An Lochan Uaine” is Gaelic for The Green Lochan, sitting below Creag nan Gall or the Rock of the Stranger. As you might have guessed, it’s a vibrant green-turquoise colour that really needs to be seen to be believed! This is a landscape full of hidden stories and fascinating names, it’s somewhere to really appreciate the wilder side of Scotland.
This guide isn’t just about how to find the Green Loch, I want to share the stories that go with it.
If this trip to sounds like something you’d like to do with an experienced guide, then send me a message now about booking a Scotland’s Stories tour!
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How To Find The Green Loch
If you want to find the Green Loch then you’re going to need to walk a little! Don’t think of that as a downside, these forests are a beautiful place to wander in nature. The Green Loch is found in Glenmore Forest, not too far from Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms National Park.
It feels remote but the closest town to the Green Loch, Aviemore, is only a 15 minute drive away. The easiest place to park is the Glenmore Visitor Centre where you can take this circular trail through the woods to An Lochan Uaine. It should only take around 30-45 minutes to reach the lochside, involving climbing up and down a rough track.
A much easier, but less scenic, way to visit the Green Loch involves parking at the end of the road past the visitor centre. There’s not a lot of space and don’t block any gates, but the track is short and flat for anybody with mobility issues. There’s a little track down to the water’s edge, you really can’t miss it!
Thankfully, there is an option to reach the Green Loch by public transport too. The number 30 bus from Aviemore takes 15 minutes and drops you pretty much at the visitor centre!
Why Is The Lochan Green?
The question everybody is asking – “Why is the lochan Green?” The simple truth is that nobody knows!
Some put it down to algae in the water, others to the reflection of surrounding trees, but locals have a different tale. The true reason that An Lochan Uaine is green comes down to the Scottish fairies. Scotland is full of folklore, from Selkies to Kelpies and everything in between, so it’s no surprise there’s a supernatural explanation.
Fairies in Scotland aren’t tiny things that look like Tinkerbell, in old stories they were closer to human sized. One thing that always set them apart was they always wore green clothes. So the reason the Green Loch is green comes down to the fairies washing their laundry in it!
The nearby Loch Morlich is well known as a home to Donald, the King of the Fairies. No doubt its his clan who are keeping the vibrant colour topped up at all times. Think of it like the fairy equivalent of a red sock in with your white washing…
Things To Do At The Green Loch
This isn’t exactly a tourist hub, so you won’t find loads of things to do at the Green Loch. Take some time to admire the scenery, especially from the bench on the wooden platform near the path. Sit still, just watch and listen to the birds calling, red squirrels scampering and all the other wildlife. You might even spot a fairy…
Lots of people wonder if they can swim at the Green Loch but I’m going to advise against it. There are no rules to say that you can’t take a dip here, but the loch is famously full of leeches. I even kept Molly out (mostly) and she’s a labrador that loves water more than life!
Instead, if you do want to go for a swim then head to nearby Loch Morlich. There’s also watersports there along with a cafe (with toilets) so it’s much more suitable.
For more ideas on things to do in the Cairngorms have a read here!
Best Time To Visit The Green Loch
Finding the best time to visit the Green Loch isn’t easy. Travelling to this part of the Cairngorms in winter carries a strong risk of snow, but the mountains do look extra impressive. If you head to the loch in summer then expect it to be warm and dry but busy. Beware the bloodsucking midges especially!
Your best option would be to visit the Green Loch in Spring, when the woodland flowers will be out. The weather is typically unreliable, but give yourself a couple days and hope for a dry one. While the loch is quietest in the morning, the sun takes a little time to peak over the mountains. Aim to visit the Green Lochan in the afternoon to have the best chance of catching the bright colour!
Where To Hike Near An Lochan Uaine
A visit to the Green Loch usually only takes an hour or two at most, so turn it into a much bigger day out. There are some great hikes from An Lochan Uaine, with Meall a’ Bhuachaille (meaning the shepherds hill) the most common. This route here should take you a few hours.
It’s an excellent introduction to hillwalking in Scotland if you aren’t too experienced. Steep enough to get you working but not so steep that you’re going to be in trouble. The path is well enough maintained that it’s difficult to get lost and you’re never far from civilisation. Not to mention, the views down over the Green Loch, Loch Morlich and out to the Cairngorm mountains are incredible!
Where To Stay Nearby
There are a few places to stay right on the doorstep of the Green Loch to make the most of your time there.
The Pine Martin – This has a treehouse and camping pods to hire alongside its Alpine style bar with food.
Cairngorm Lodge Hostel – My personal favourite, Cairngorm Lodge is run by Hostelling Scotland and offers really comfortable budget accommodation. It’s also dog friendly and does great dinners!
Glenmore Campsite – Bring your tent and pitch up right by the shore of Loch Morlich!
Ryvoan Bothy – For something really, spend the night at Ryvoan Bothy which is just a short distance from the Green Loch. It’s run by the Mountain Bothy Association and a traditional place for hikers to stay out in the hills.
Where To Eat Nearby
The Pine Marten – Back to the Pine Marten for the closest place you’ll find some food to the Green Loch.
Glenmore Forest Visitor Centre – You can grab lunch from the cafe at the Glenmore Forest Visitor Centre, but be warned this isn’t dog friendly.
Rothiemurchus Shop & Barn – It’s a little further away, but you pass Rothiemurchus Shop & Barn as you drive from Aviemore. There’s a dog friendly cafe with great food or pop into the shop and pick up supplies for a picnic!
If these locations have caught your interest, how about visiting them on a Scotland’s Stories Tour?
Just click this link to make an enquiry and book your private driving tour today!
If you enjoyed your visit to the Green Loch then you might want to try exploring something bigger next! How about discovering Loch Awe and everything there is to see around one of Scotland’s largest lochs?
2 Comments
Shirley · November 20, 2023 at 6:25 pm
Your guide brought back wonderful memories
I stayed near Aviemore for 40 years and spent many wonderful days at and around An Lochan Uaine and Meall a’ Bhuachaille taking friends, family, dogs and a picnic. One of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland. Let’s keep it that way. Take nothing but photos; leave nothing but footprints.
Graeme · November 20, 2023 at 6:34 pm
Absolutely! Needs to stay just as perfect for future generations!