Uath Lochans: One of Our Favourite Walks near Aviemore
Hidden among the pine trees of Inshriach Forest, Uath Lochans is one of those places that feels rather special from the moment you arrive.
A collection of small lochans surrounded by Scots pine, woodland and wetland, it's a beautiful place for a short walk and particularly lovely when the light catches the water through the trees.
There are two waymarked walks from the car park. You can stay low and wander around the lochans themselves, or climb through the forest to Farleitter Crag for one of our favourite views across this part of the Cairngorms.
photo credit: @katiadejuan
The Uath Lochans Trail
Distance: 2.4 km
Allow: around 1 hour
Grade: Moderate
If you fancy a shorter wander, follow the Uath Lochans Trail through the woodland and around the water.
The route follows mostly firm gravel paths with sections of boardwalk across wetter ground. There are gentle gradients with a few steeper sections, and the paths can become muddy or slippery after rain.
It's the sort of walk where there is plenty to distract you along the way. Look out for dragonflies over the wetlands in warmer months, frogs beside the paths and the changing reflections of the forest on the lochans.
Farleitter Crag Trail
Distance: 4 km
Allow: around 1½ hours
Grade: Strenuous
If you have a little more energy, we'd choose this one.
The Farleitter Crag Trail climbs through the forest past old Scots pine, moss covered rocks and craggy outcrops before emerging at a viewpoint above the trees.
From here you can look back down over the Uath Lochans, with the Spey valley and Glen Feshie hills stretching out beyond. It's one of those views that makes the climb very worthwhile, particularly on a clear day.
The route has long, steep sections and can be wet and muddy in places, so it's worth wearing decent footwear.
Keep an eye out for red squirrels too. The forests around Glen Feshie are a particularly good place to spot them.
Which Uath Lochans walk should you choose?
For a gentle hour outdoors with woodland, water and plenty to look at along the way, choose the shorter Uath Lochans Trail.
For the best views, we'd choose Farleitter Crag. It takes a little more effort, but seeing the lochans scattered among the trees from above is what makes this place really memorable.
If you have time and the weather is playing nicely, you can of course explore both.
Getting to Uath Lochans
Uath Lochans is in Inshriach Forest, close to Kincraig and around a short drive south of Aviemore.
The final approach is along a narrow, winding road, so take your time. There is a small Forestry and Land Scotland car park at the start of the trails and parking is currently free.
There are no toilets or café facilities at Uath Lochans itself, so plan accordingly. The nearest places to eat are in Kincraig.
Make a day of it
Uath Lochans sits in a particularly lovely corner of the Cairngorms, so it's easy to combine your walk with somewhere else nearby.
Feshiebridge is not far away if you fancy a walk beside the River Feshie, while Kincraig and Loch Insh are also close by. You could even follow your walk with a wood fired sauna beside Loch Insh if you've been inspired by our guide to outdoor saunas and wild swimming.
Or simply pack something to eat and stay a while. There is a picnic area at Uath Lochans, and on a good day there are considerably worse places to stop for lunch.
Before you go
Conditions in Highland woodland can change quickly, particularly after heavy rain or during winter weather. Check the latest Forestry and Land Scotland information before setting off and choose the trail that suits your ability and the conditions on the day.
There is no overnight parking or camping in the Uath Lochans car park.
For detailed route information and mapping, you can also find Uath Lochans on Walkhighlands.
Check current trail information with Forestry and Land Scotland.