the viewing deck: Scottish Highlands last part; Loch An Eilein and Craigellachie Nature Reserve

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Scottish Highlands last part; Loch An Eilein and Craigellachie Nature Reserve

5 Days Winter Solo Travel in Scotland (United Kingdom)
December 05 to 09, 2014

Scottish Highlands 1st part; Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

How to go to Aviemore;
Aviemore is the main town in the Cairngorm National Park, the central Scottish Highlands. There is a direct train from London but what I did was after visiting the Loch Ness I rode a bus bound to Aviemore which has around an hour travel from Inverness bus terminal.

Hiking the Loch An Eilein has the highest elevation of 70masl on 7km trail starting from Aviemore town for 2hrs hike. An extremely beautiful sheet of water, reflecting the magnificent pines of Rothiemurchus Forest in which it lies; a ruined island castle is the final touch to help make this one of the most popular short walks in Scotland. Free admission to this Loch, photography and video taking is permitted.

Hiking the Craigellachie National Reserve has the highest elevation of 400masl on 5km trail starting from the Aviemore Youth hostel (where I stayed) for 3hrs hike. From the Youth Hostel follow the path uphill and then down and through the tunnel under the thunderingly busy road; There are stunning views over Aviemore and the Lower Spey valley. Free admission to this Loch, photography and video taking is permitted.