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A boathouse reflected in the still water of Loch Vaa.
Cairngorms

Loch Vaa

A secluded woodland loch between Aviemore and Boat of Garten, with an esker path, a small boathouse and trout in the water.

Welcome

Loch Vaa is a small, secluded loch in the woods between Aviemore and Boat of Garten, much loved by locals and overshadowed by its better known neighbours, Loch Morlich and Loch an Eilein.

It lies among Scots pines and birches, with a wooded ridge, an esker left behind by the ice, running beside the water, and on a still morning the loch reflects the trees and the sky.

The path climbs over the esker and follows the shore to a small wooden boathouse, used by the anglers who come for the trout. It is simple to follow if you keep to the waterside, though it can be rough in places and slippery in winter, when snow dusts the rocks and trees. There is no car park by the water, and the nearest bus stop, Kinveachy Junction, is about twenty minutes' walk away. Drivers leave the A9 for the A95 to get as close as they can.

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The Daily for 2 November, from Scotland with love. Cloud shadows cross a sunlit mountain above a loch, rust-coloured moorland stretching below
A little further outCulloden Visitor CentreThe National Trust for Scotland's visitor centre and battlefield five miles east of Inverness, where the last Jacobite Rising ended in 1746.37 min by roadSee itCulloden Visitor Centre
Before you go

Loch Vaa can be walked at any time.

The nearest bus stop is Kinveachy Junction, about twenty minutes away on foot; by car, leave the A9 for the A95 and walk the last stretch.

Getting there
Kinveachy Junction bus stop, about 20 minutes' walk; or off the A95.
Path
Straightforward by the water; rough in places.

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Where it is

Between Aviemore and Boat of Garten, off the A95.

Close byNearby.
  1. Two guests by the wood-burning stove.Foxfire CoffeeA speciality coffee bar just outside Aviemore, with cinnamon buns baked in house and views towards the northern Cairngorms.2 miles 4 min by road
  2. The front of Andersons in Boat of Garten.Andersons RestaurantA relaxed evening restaurant in Boat of Garten cooking local Scottish produce in season, with vegan and children's menus.3 miles 4 min by road
  3. The Cairngorm BreweryThe Cairngorm BreweryAviemore's own brewery since 2001, home of Black Gold, Wildcat and Trade Winds, with a shop and a Tap Room by the tanks.3 miles 6 min by road
  4. Fruit scones fresh from the oven.Route 7 CaféA family café upstairs on the Dalfaber estate at the edge of Aviemore, with hearty food, lighter dishes and a welcome for dogs.3 miles 7 min by road
  5. The dining room at Delaneys', with dark tables laid by tall windows on Grampian Road.Delaneys'3 miles as the crow flies
  6. Play golf in the Cairngorms3 miles 7 min by road
Directions
The Cairngorm Café at the foot of the mountain.CafeCairngorm Café3.4 miles
A boardwalk through the pinewood.AttractionsLandmark Forest Adventure Park3.5 miles
AttractionsBoat of Garten Golf Club3.6 miles
Sunlight slanting across the tables and wooden chairs in the Old Bridge Inn's dining room.BarsThe Old Bridge Inn3.7 miles
The green clubhouse with its red roof above the first tee.AttractionsCarrbridge Golf Club3.8 miles
Floured hands shaping dough on a dark, flour-dusted worktopRestaurantsLa Taverna3.8 miles
Old stone packhorse bridge arching over a river amid autumn treesAttractionsCarrbridge3.9 miles
The packhorse bridge arching over the River Dulnain.AttractionsThe Old Packhorse Bridge3.9 miles
A steam train at Boat of Garten.AttractionsStrathspey Railway5.2 miles

Recommend to a friend

Stay nearby

Places to stay near the loch, and when each is next free.

Timber-clad lodge with balcony overlooking a loch, framed by bare branchesStrathspey Lodge
  • Sleeps 8
  • In Carrbridge
  • 4 miles from Loch Vaa
Check datesEast Dell in spring sunshine, a low stone cottage with a red door and a mossy roof beside its garden and an old oak.East Dell
  • Sleeps 5
  • In Nethy Bridge
  • 6 miles from Loch Vaa
Check datesA wooden gate in a picket fence opens onto Little Dell's green garden, with cow parsley and a wooden bench beyond.Little Dell
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Nethy Bridge
  • 6 miles from Loch Vaa
Check datesWest Dell, a whitewashed stone cottage with a red door and a slate roof, in low winter sun.West Dell
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Nethy Bridge
  • 6 miles from Loch Vaa
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in the CairngormsAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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