Uath Lochans

Uath Lochans (pronounced roughly 'oo-ah') is a cluster of small, dark, reed-fringed lochans in the Inshriach pinewoods on the western edge of the Cairngorms near Kincraig - a compact, intimate spot rather than a grand vista, and all the better for reflection shots. From the Forestry and Land Scotland car park a short flat trail reaches the water. On a windless dawn the lochans lie glassy black and throw perfect mirror images of the Scots pines and, beyond, the Cairngorm massif; a slow vertical pull from just above the reeds up to reveal the whole scatter of pools and the Feshie hills is a gorgeous move. The Farleitter Crag viewpoint above adds a higher option. The catch is wildlife sensitivity: this pinewood sits against the Invereshie and Inshriach National Nature Reserve and is prime capercaillie country - a rare, seriously declining bird that is highly disturbance-prone, especially during spring lekking and the nesting season. Fly high and briefly, keep well away from the standing pinewood and any birds, and ideally avoid March-June low flying over the trees altogether. Otherwise a quiet, sheltered, easy-access flight that rewards early calm light. Autumn brings warm larch and birch colour around the water.