Hidden away in the pinewoods just off the A95 between Aviemore and Boat of Garten, Loch Vaa is a secluded gem. This short walk makes a straightforward circuit around the loch.
Informal woodland paths and tracks.
Buses pass the start but there is no stop.
Loch Vaa car park next to Laggantrygown Cemetery off A95 north of Aviemore.
The walk begins from next to Laggantrygown Cemetery, which is just off the main A95 between Aviemore and Boat of Garten. The parking for Loch Vaa is on the left with the locked cemetery car park to the right - there is further parking in a layby towards Aviemore. Begin the walk on the clear path outside the left edge of the cemetery. This soon swings left and climbs up a wooded ridge; known as an esker, this was formed by glacial action. The path then forks; keep ahead on the main path which curves left downhill to the shores of Loch Vaa.
The loch is a beautiful and secluded place set amidst stunning pine and birchwoods, although it is only a stones throw from the busy road. Continue along the shores (depending on the water levels) to the left towards the very attractive boathouse.
Head into the woods to the left of the boathouse. Further on a track leads through the forest. Stay on the main track, ignoring a path off to the right. Eventually a (locked) gate is reached; pass to the right of this, turning right along the track beyond.
Keep along this track. Ignore a path off right, then a fainter track after 500m. After 1km from the gate, look out for another track off right that has two branch points, the second with a small boulder amidst smaller rocks at the turning. Follow this track, which leads back towards Loch Vaa.
It eventually becomes a path (with a view through the trees to the loch down to the right) - ignore the path heading steeply down to the loch, instead continuing ahead to cross a stile over a fence. Beyond this the path climbs a low wooded hill with good views over the loch.
When the narrow path forks again take the right branch which descends steeply. The path then undulates, with a final steeper climb where a fence comes alongside on your right (and the loch beyond). Continue along the fence path until a stile. Cross this and follow a path along the top of a esker until it reaches the outward route near the start. Turn left here to head back to the cemetery and car park.
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