Uath Lochans

Uath Lochans — pronounced "wah lochans," meaning "hawthorn small lochs" — is a magical mixture of woodland paths and boardwalks around a series of glacial kettle-hole lochans, sparkling like jewels between Scots pines over 120 years old, with the option of a short, steep climb to a superb viewpoint over Strathspey.

The route starts from the Forestry Commission car park in Inshriach Forest, reached via a narrow, winding minor road off the B970 south of Kincraig — a little adventure in itself, but well worth it. From the car park, a clear track leads out with white waymarkers, following the shoreline of the largest lochan, home to Goldeneye ducks and overwintering geese in winter, and to nesting red-throated divers at the right time of year. The path passes further lochans glimpsed through the trees, with lichens and mosses draping the rocks throughout the woodland, before curving through heather and small pines with good views back over the water.

At a junction, walkers can either turn right on white markers for the shorter loop back to the car park, or turn left on red waymarkers to extend the route up onto Farleitter Crag — a short, steep pull rewarded with a magnificent panorama over the Spey valley and the hills of Glen Feshie, though the cliff edge here is unmarked and unfenced, so small children and dogs need careful supervision. From the crag, the path descends back through the forest to rejoin the main network of tracks back to the car park.

This is a gentle, mostly flat walk on firm gravel paths and boardwalk sections, though some stretches can be muddy and slippery after rain — a lovely, easy family outing with plenty to spot along the way, from red squirrels to dragonflies and frogs.

Parking at Uath Lochans is free; there is no public transport to the start, though Kincraig, a short drive away, has bus links to Kingussie, Newtonmore, and Aviemore.