Loch Morlich Watersports: Paddleboarding, Kayaking & More
There can't be many places where you can paddle across a loch with a sandy beach on one side and the Cairngorm mountains rising around you.
Loch Morlich sits in Glenmore, just outside Aviemore, and is one of our favourite places to spend a day outdoors. You don't have to get on the water to appreciate it, but if you fancy trying paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing or sailing, Loch Morlich Watersports is right on the beach.
Whether you're trying something new or simply want to hire some equipment and head out onto the loch, it's a pretty spectacular place to do it.
What can you do at Loch Morlich Watersports?
Stand up paddleboarding
On a calm day, paddleboarding is a rather lovely way to explore Loch Morlich.
The centre offers stand up paddleboarding, with options for those learning as well as people who are comfortable heading out on their own. Once you're on the water, you get a completely different view of the surrounding forest and mountains.
Kayaking
Loch Morlich is also a great place to try kayaking.
The relatively sheltered setting makes it particularly appealing if you're new to kayaking, while those with more experience can hire equipment and spend some time exploring the loch.
Canoeing
If you'd rather paddle together, canoeing is another option and works particularly well for families.
It's a slower way to explore the loch and gives you plenty of opportunity to stop paddling for a moment and take in the view.
Sailing
You can also take to Loch Morlich under sail, with sailing among the activities available from the watersports centre.
If you've never sailed before, check the current instruction options directly with Loch Morlich Watersports before your visit.
Katakanu
For something a little different, Loch Morlich Watersports also has katakanus.
These stable twin hulled craft are designed for several people to paddle together, making them a fun option for families and groups who would rather head onto the water as a team.
Do you need to book?
We'd recommend checking availability and booking directly with Loch Morlich Watersports before making a special journey, particularly during school holidays and busy summer weekends.
Activities and equipment hire can depend on weather and conditions on the loch, so it's also worth checking directly with the centre before setting off.
Check activities and book with Loch Morlich Watersports.
You don't have to get on the water
One of the reasons we love Loch Morlich is that you don't have to plan an activity at all.
The sandy beach is a lovely place to spend some time when the weather is playing nicely, and Glenmore Forest surrounds the loch if you'd rather explore on foot.
You can also walk the Loch Morlich loop, a beautiful route around the loch with changing views across the water and through the forest.
Read our guide to walking the Loch Morlich loop.
Make a day of it
Loch Morlich is one of those places where it's very easy to arrive for an hour and find yourself staying considerably longer.
Combine some time on the water with a walk around the loch, explore the trails through Glenmore Forest or stop for something to eat nearby. Cairngorm Mountain is just further up the road too, so you can easily combine the two if you're planning a full day in Glenmore.
Or bring a picnic, find a spot overlooking the water and do absolutely nothing for a while. We can wholeheartedly get behind that too.
What about Loch Insh?
Loch Morlich isn't the only place near Aviemore where you can get out on the water.
Loch Insh Outdoor Centre, near Kincraig, is another excellent option and offers a particularly wide choice of watersports and outdoor activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing and windsurfing.
Before you go
Conditions on a Highland loch can change quickly, even on a beautiful day. Follow the advice of the watersports team, wear the appropriate safety equipment and don't assume that calm conditions close to shore will be the same across the whole loch.
For current activities, equipment hire, availability and booking information, check directly with Loch Morlich Watersports before your visit.
