Uath Lochans Hike

Hike overview

The Uath Lochans hike takes you deep into the Inshriach pine forest in Cairngorms National Park, where you can explore four small lochs formed during the last Ice Age. This hike combines the tranquility of strolling around the lochs with ascending Farleitter Crag, a rock face that offers magnificent views of the Glen Feshie valley. A true haven for local wildlife, the pine forests are home to a large population of red squirrels, while the wetlands attract dragonflies, frogs, beetles, and other insects.

Remarks

Parking: There is a small, free parking lot at the end of the forest track, a few hundred meters after leaving the main road.

Variations: The proposed circuit combines the white and red trails for a complete experience. If you are short on time or hiking with young children, you can limit yourself to the white trail around the lochs for a shorter, completely flat walk.

Difficulties of the hike

This is a hike accessible to all, with a modest elevation gain of about 120 meters. The trail is clearly marked with red and white markings the entire way, making it easy to follow. The only real climb is on the red "Farleitter Crag Trail," which has a fairly steep ascent to reach the viewpoint.

What you'll love

  • The exceptional views from Farleitter Crag: A breathtaking bird's-eye view of the lochans (small lochs in Gaelic) below, the pine forest stretching as far as the eye can see, and the rounded peaks of Glen Feshie.
  • Wildlife watching: You may be lucky enough to spot red squirrels, which are very common in this forest, as well as dragonflies, frogs, and beetles around the lochans with a little patience.
  • An ideal route for families: clear signage, reasonable distance, and several benches along the way for contemplative breaks.

Hike technical sheet

Activity: Hiking
Difficulty: EasyiDifficulty levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Average duration: 2 hiFind out how we calculate the duration here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Length: 5.8 km
Type of route: Loop
Elevation gain: 120 m
Maximum altitude: 355 m
Vertiginous: NoiVertiginous levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Marked: Yes
Popularity: Moderate
Region: Cairngorms
Start point: 57.09662, -3.92450

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Uath Lochans Hike