The starting point for this and many of the Inverdruie/Rothiemurchus based rides can vary to suit. Park at Loch An Eilein Visitors
Centre (car park fee, toilets), or better still, extend the ride by a couple of miles or so each way by parking at the free car park
at Inverdruie. Across the road is the Rothiemurchus shop and cafe and the car park is right by Bothy Bikes for those
hiring mountain bikes. Maps are available for paths & trails on the estate. Distance is about 10 miles depending
on starting point, variations etc.
Use OS Map 36 plus Trailmaps - Strathspey Map 1
Starting from Inverdruie you can
take the road south to Loch An Eilein or better still follow the signs for mountain bikers, just a few yards below the car park.
This takes you through a lovely bit of off-road, past Lochan Mor (Lily Loch) on your left, to the lane leading to the Loch
An Eilein Visitors Centre. Turn left when you reach this lane.
The loch is about 3.5 miles around and is the setting for many
bits of Monarch of the Glen. It is rated as the 3rd most romantic place in Scotland and is sometimes busy, but never heaving
- a popular place, so be courteous to others.
The ride is now all off-road but easy, with a couple of climbs, which are no problem
at all. From the Visitors Centre, bike in a clockwise direction. Now and again you will move out of sight of the loch
but throughout the ride are wonderful views all around. There are a few benches to have a rest. There is an old castle in the
loch.
Return either via the road (lovely in Autumn) or back via the off-road section to the car park at Inverdruie.
Variation
{1}
Simply - do it anti-clockwise. The views are so different and we prefer this direction in autumn and in summer when the heather
is fully out.
Variation {2}
This is a simple extension really.
If you consider the starting point from the Visitors Centre to be
at roughly 6 o'clock, bike clockwise (East) and at about 9 o'clock there is a sign post for Gleann Einich, Cyclists and the Lairig
Ghru (see picture bottom right). This is a beautiful half to 3/4 mile each way extension (photos on the Loch An Eilein to Loch
Morlich Route page).
Fantastic views on this section and a couple of little burns to ford (use the little bridges). Be aware
though that in dry conditions the track is soft, sandy and gravely in places and we've seen bikers come a cropper by going too fast
(showing off).
At the entrance to Gleann Einich, by Lochan Deo, retrace your steps (save the other trails for another day) and pick
up the circuit of Loch an Eilein again.
