Lochan Dubh

The walk to Lochan Dubh from Aviemore is the real draw here - not some dramatic revelation when you arrive, but the journey itself through proper Highland landscape. You're looking at a small, dark loch (that's the whole appeal of the name) surrounded by pine forest and heather moorland, the kind of place that feels genuinely quiet. Most people take it as a gentle loop walk from the Rothiemurchus Estate side, which takes a couple of hours depending on your pace. The water's lovely in certain light, particularly late afternoon when the reflections get interesting, but this isn't a destination that'll blow your mind visually.

It works brilliantly if you're camped at Port a Bhaigh or Cannich Woodland nearby and want a proper woodland walk without the crowds that plague somewhere like Loch an Eilein. Families with young children might find the terrain a bit tiring - it's not overly strenuous, but it's not a push-buggy job either. Bird watchers should bring binoculars. The loch sits well within the Cairngorms landscape, so it makes sense as part of a longer day exploring the area around Aviemore rather than a dedicated trip. There's no visitor infrastructure, so you'll need to sort provisions beforehand. Best visited outside peak season when the midges aren't going mental.