Loch Brandy

Tucked into a dramatic glacial corrie above Glen Clova, Loch Brandy is a sparkling mountain loch that feels wild and remote—yet is surprisingly easy to reach. Surrounded by towering cliffs and heather-covered slopes, it’s one of the most scenic short walks in the Cairngorms National Park. The walk starts behind the Glen Clova Hotel, quickly gaining height on a well-maintained path that zigzags up the hillside. As you ascend, expansive views open up across Glen Clova, with its rolling farmland, craggy peaks, and winding rivers. Reaching Loch Brandy feels like stepping into a hidden Highland amphitheatre. The loch lies nestled in a steep-sided corrie carved by glaciers, its still, dark waters reflecting the cliffs above. It’s an ideal place to rest, enjoy a picnic, or even spot golden eagles soaring overhead. For the adventurous, the walk can be extended up to The Snub for panoramic views down the glen—but the loch itself is a worthy destination.