Scottish loch with mysterious castle in its centre named country's best kept secret
A journey through the Highlands of Scotland often promises dramatic loch-side views, but hidden among the vast glens and ancient forests are lesser-known gems waiting to be discovered. One of them, Loch an Eilein, has just been named Scotland's 'best kept secret' for wild swimming by Icelandair.
Tucked away in the heart of Rothiemurchus Forest near Aviemore, within the stunning Cairngorms National Park, Loch an Eilein, meaning "Loch of the Island" in Gaelic, offers breathtaking scenery and a sense of serenity that's hard to match. A ruined castle stands on an island at its centre, adding a touch of mystery and romance to the already spellbinding setting.
With the UK facing yet another stretch of high temperatures, it's no surprise that more and more travellers are looking to cool off in natural surroundings.
According to new research by Icelandair, one in four Brits are planning holidays around reconnecting with nature, particularly water.
Their report, which reveals the top travel trends for 2025, highlights the rising desire for calm, space and a digital detox. Among Scots surveyed, 71 percent said they need time in nature every month to support their mental health. Over half pointed to clean air and a fresh environment as the top motivators when choosing a holiday spot.
The findings also showed:
39 percent of Scots say they can't fully relax unless they're in or near water
35 percent are deliberately choosing destinations close to lakes, hot springs or the sea
40 percent are avoiding busy resorts in favour of peaceful, crowd-free escapes
As the popularity of wild swimming surges, Icelandair has compiled a list of the UK's most secluded spots to take a dip, and Loch an Eilein ranks among the most scenic. With few online mentions and surrounded by quiet woodland, it's perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
'Set within the ancient pine forests of the Cairngorms National Park and overlooked by the ruins of a 13th-century castle, Loch an Eilein is a serene haven,' the airline said.
'Surrounded by nature and with few crowds, its low visibility online makes it a well-kept secret for Scottish wild swimmers. Just pack a wetsuit, summer temperatures here rarely rise above 12C.'
The loch's atmospheric ruins date back to the 13th or 14th century and are thought to have been built as a refuge from feuding clan war bands.
It played a small role during the religious conflicts of the 1600s and was besieged in 1690 by Jacobite forces retreating after the Battle of Cromdale. At the time, it was sheltering women, children and the elderly from nearby communities.
According to legend, the attackers were repelled with the help of Dame Grizel Mor Grant, nicknamed 'Big Grace', the formidable widow of the fifth laird of Grant.
Another local tale suggests the island was once connected to the mainland by a causeway that was later submerged after a dam was built in the 18th century.
Today, Loch an Eilein is not only a sanctuary for birdlife but also widely regarded as one of the best picnic spots in the country. Less than a mile in length, the gentle circular walk around the water is a favourite with visitors, and nearby the independent White Croft Company shop provides refreshments and handmade gifts.
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On TripAdvisor, one visitor wrote: 'Absolutely beautiful, almost picture perfect.' Another review simply read: 'Beautiful. Serene. Piney. Not a difficult walk. Lovely experience.'
Loch an Eilein was one of ten locations highlighted by Icelandair in its roundup of the UK's most hidden wild swimming destinations. Other entries include Llyn Glaslyn in Snowdonia, Lough Shannagh in the Mourne Mountains, and the River Lugg in Herefordshire.
With international travellers also searching for peace, space and wild water, Icelandair suggests the perfect cooling-off trip could begin in Scotland's lochs before continuing on to Iceland's geothermal rivers or Croatia's emerald swimming holes.
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