Top 12 Lochs in the Highlands of Scotland
There are about 30,000 lochs located across Scotland from the Scottish Borders to the Highlands. This post lists the best lochs in the highlands of Scotland.
The most well-known lochs by tourists are Loch Ness, Loch Lomond and Loch Leven.
Many of the lochs are set in amazing landscapes and offer lovely walks around them. Also, they are brilliant places to get active with water sports such as fishing, swimming and canoeing.
The word “loch” comes from the Scottish Gaelic word for a lake or a sea inlet, so if you are wondering if a difference between a loch and a lake. Basically, there is no difference.
Scotland has a higher volume of lochs compared to many countries in the world. The majority of them are located in the area known as the Highlands.
The Highlands region is frequently noted as the most epic part of Scotland due to its rugged mountainous landscape. Also, there is a beautiful coastline with lots of sea inlets and the region contains many lochs.
Scotland’s landscapes and lovely view of lochs are one of the reasons why many people chose to live in Scotland. The glens listed below are perfect to visit in a day from Inverness.
Loch Ness, Drumnadrochit
Loch Ness is located 15 minutes south of Inverness. This is one of the most popular locations in Scotland and the loch is the place of the famous sightseeing of the Loch Ness monster.
The well-known loch contains more freshwater than all the lakes of England and Wales and Loch Ness is part of the Caledonian Canal.
This amazing loch is shrouded in mystery. Tales of a large monster living deep beneath the dark expanses of Loch Ness has been circulated since the first photograph emerged in 1933.
With over 1,000 eyewitness account sightings and unexplained evidence, scientists are baffled by the existence of Nessie.
Loch Ness is set in a stunning rugged landscape and there are many attractions along the shores. Put on your boots and admire the scenery from the south Loch Ness Trail or the Great Glen Way.
Urquhart Castle is a ruined castle located on the west side of the loch. On the east side of the loch at Foyers, there is a dramatic tall waterfall which drops into Loch Ness.
The Falls of Foyers is one of the most impressive waterfalls on the North Coast 500 and in the Scottish Highlands.
Fort Augustus is a small village located on the southern shores of Loch Ness. At the northern shore, there is a viewpoint from Dores and you can meet Steve the real Loch Ness monster hunter.
There are cruises which go across the Loch Ness. Also, there is a museum where you can learn about all the “Nessie” monster and some of the famous sightings.
Nearby Accommodation: Morlea B&B
Loch Etive, Argyll
One of Scotland’s most majestic lochs stretches from the only tidal saltwater falls in Europe. Stretching from the Falls of Lora at Connel Bridge to the hills of Glen Coe through the bonawe narrows.
The Falls of Lora stands guard over its seaward-facing mouth. Ben Cruachan towers over 3,000 feet up from the loch.
Also, at the north end of the loch, you can take in the views up to Glen Etive to the twin peaks of Buachaille Etive.
This is one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland, and the ever-changing weather makes this a stunning place to take photos.
You are likely to spot seals sunbathing on the rocks. Many species of wildlife gather here, if you are lucky you might even catch a glimpse of a White Tailed Sea Eagle.
Follow the ancient high land route that runs the length of Loch Etive, to catch the best views.
Nearby Accommodation: Bonawe House Holiday Cottages
Loch Lochy, Lochaber
A freshwater large ten-mile freshwater loch is located just south of Loch Ness. The loch is part of the Caledonian Canal and is surrounded by steep mountains which keep the breeze away.
Incredible views across the small bay make it a smashing place to visit. This is a lovely green space in the Highlands.
Sron a’Choire ghairbh and Meall na Teanga, commonly known as the Loch Lochy Munros, rise steeply above Loch Lochy opposite A82. Once on top of the hills, the views of superb.
Nearby Accommodation: Invergloy Riverside Lodges
Loch Fyne, Inveraray
On the west coast, you will find many spectacular sea lochs cutting deep into the Scottish mainland.
Loch Fyne is 40 miles long and runs from the Kyles of Bute to Achadunan. For those interested in history, visit Inveraray Castle, Inveraray Jail and Auchindrain Township.
Loch Fyne is surrounded by an attractive area which is on the Argyll Coastal Route.
Nearby Accommodation: Newton Hall Guest House
Loch Awe, Lochawe
Loch Awe is located in Argyll and Bute and is a common stop for those who are visiting Oban or the Western Isles. This loch is Scotland’s longest loch and stands at 25 miles long and it is very narrow.
Also, fishing enthusiasts will know that Loch Awe is popular for trout fishing. This is one of the largest lochs in Scotland, the third largest freshwater loch in fact! Similar to Loch Tay, ancient crannog sites were found on the loch.
The village of Lochawe lies at the end of Loch Awe approximately 3 miles west of Dalmally. This loch is so beautiful and calm. It is very popular with kayakers, fishermen and campers.
To the west of the town lies Cruachan Hydro Power Station. The northern shores are surrounded by the summits of Ben Cruachan and Ben Lui, while the south end embraces a fleet of small islands.
On the shores of a large freshwater lake is a ruined 15th-century castle known as Kilchurn Castle. Kilchurn was an iconic Clan Campbell stronghold.
There is a large car park and a well-maintained path leading to the castle and the water’s edge.
In addition, the Scottish baronial-style St Conan’s Chapel built in 1883, the railway station, streamer pier and the Hollow Mountain Visitor Centre are worth visiting.
Nearby Accommodation: Orchy Bank House
Loch Morar
The deepest loch in Scotland and the United Kingdom is 310 metres deep and nearly 12 miles long. In total the freshwater loch is 65 miles square, the fifth-largest loch by surface area.
To get to Loch Morar you can follow the Road to the Isles or board the Jacobite Steam Railway. A loch is a perfect place to canoe or kayak and there are a few nice islands to explore.
There are lovely crystal clear and the calm islands are blissfully deserted. Also, if you look hard enough, there are even a couple of hidden-away sandy beaches.
As well as being a popular location for water sports, Loch Morar offers visitors a number of superb loch side walking trails and several secluded beaches.
At the loch side, you feel like you are a million miles away from civilisation, even though there are popular tourist beaches and villages nearby.
The golden sand at Camusdarach and the Silver Sands in Mallaig is a wonderful places for tourists. You might spot Scotland’s other and less well-known, loch-dwelling monster – Morag.
Also, the combination of low area and the shoreline and the tall peaks of the surrounding hills means there are habitats that are suitable for a wide range of animals. Keep your eyes peeled for red deer, sea eagles, golden eagles and otters.
I visited Loch Morar on my trip trip around Glencoe and Fort William.
Nearby Accommodation: The Wee Lodge
Loch Shiel, Glenfinnan
At the northern tip of Loch Shiel at Glenfinnan, you can get one of the most scenic viewpoints in Scotland. Harry Potter fans might recognise Loch Shiel as Black Lake which sits below Hogwarts.
Glenfinnan Viaduct adjacent to the loch was used in the filming of the flying car in the Chamber of Secrets. The Hogwarts Express and Glenfinnan are two of the most popular attractions in the Highlands.
Loch Shiel is the 4th-longest loch in Scotland. At the southern end, the loch narrows out and flows into Loch Moidart.
This is a designated Special Protected Area and also a National Scenic Area due to the wildlife that lives along its steep banks.
Moreover, there is a good chance that you will get to see golden eagles, falcons, kestrels, ospreys and the white-tailed sea eagle – Britain’s largest bird. If you to go Loch Shiel on a sunny day, you can see bold eagles and some other wild animals.
The spectacular scenery that you see around the lake is astonishing. You can spend an entire day exploring the area and enjoy the special environment which leaves a strong positive memory for a long time.
Nearby Accommodation: The Armoury
Loch Maree, Kinlochewe, Highlands
This loch is one of the best lochs in Wester Ross, the northwestern Highlands. A popular stop on the North Coast 500.
Loch Maree is located in the Beinn Eighe National Park north of Beinn Eighe.
This mountain nature reserve is one of the oldest in the United Kingdom, established in 1951. The area is very popular with hillwalkers.
The loch itself is very popular for fishing and wildlife watching. There are more than forty islands scattered in the loch which have natural woodland on them.
The islands are perfect for people who have kayaks or canoes. You can not camp on the islands and you are not allowed to stay on the island for more than 30 minutes.
There is a parking area just south of the loch right on the shores. The shore is popular for campers in the summer.
Nearby, you can visit Victoria Falls. From the falls, you will have wonderful views across Loch Maree and Poolewe.
Nearby Accommodation: Macrae Croft
Loch Assynt, Sutherland
This is a one of the beautiful lochs in the Highlands of Scotland along the North Coast 500.
It is one of the most unique lochs that I have come across on my travels with its surrounding hills, waterfall and shoreline Ardvreck Castle and Laird’s House.
Ardvreck Castle is one of the most iconic ruined castles on the North Coast 500. If you are brave enough you can climb onto the upper floors of the castle ruin to catch some commanding panoramic views of the loch.
Loch Affric
Loch Affric is less than an hour’s drive west from Inverness. An area of incredible natural beauty that is great for wild camping, walking and swimming.
Loch Affric is one of the most stunning lochs in the Highlands of Scotland.
The circuit around the loch takes 4-6 hours and is approx 11 miles. The path is well maintained although it is a little boggy at the western end of the northern half. It is a lovely flat route with little incline.
This is a beautiful glen with three separate parking places along the banks of the loch. The parking costs £2 per day.
Nearby Accommodation: Tomich Woodland Lodges
Green Lochan, Aviemore
This is a must-see destination when exploring Aviemore and the Cairngorms. Au Lochan Uaine translated to Gaelic means “Green Lochan”, and is pronounced oo-an-yi.
Loch Uaine is located at the bottom of mountain Sgor. There is a lovely walk to follow which begins at the alt ban car park.
The route takes you through stunning forests and the most beautiful green lochs. The loch is only a short walk from the Glenmore Visitor Centre.
Loch Uaine is one of the lochs in the Highlands of Scotland that is green due to the algae present in the water.
According to local folklore, the loch is said to get its colour from the local fairies washing their clothes in it. Also, it is said that it is important to wear something green to pay respect to the fairies.
Loch Muick, Ballater
Loch Muick is pronounced Loch “Mick”. The loch is located eight miles southwest of Ballater, in Aberdeenshire.
This loch in the Highlands of Scotland has royal connections and lies within the Balmoral Estate. On the north shore, you will find the Glas-allt-Shiel lodge which was beloved by Queen Victoria as she often stayed here.
White Mounth Munros is a long hill walk taking in the five Munros which surround Loch Muick and into the remote Cairngorms.
Lochnagar is a nearby mountain in the White Mounth Munros circuit. It is a beloved mountain of King Charles due to its sheer 200 metres cliffs.
As well as the area being popular with hill walkers, there is an eight-mile lower-level circuit around the walk which is also a very rewarding experience.
Also, you can take a detour to the Falls of Glas Allt which is not far from the loch. The falls are also a popular waterfall to visit from those who are coming from Aberdeen. Nearby there is a visitor centre and a car park.
Nearby Accommodation: Crofts Mill
What is the most famous loch in Scotland and why?
The most famous loch in the Highlands of Scotland is Loch Ness. Loch Ness is close proximity to Inverness and is one of the easiest lochs to get to in the Highlands.
Also, Loch Ness is known for the Loch Ness monster. Moreover, many walking trails go past Loch Ness including Great Glen Way.
As well to walking routes Loch Ness is a famous sightseeing spot due to the Caledonian Canel, Falls of Foyers, Urquhart Castle and the Loch Ness Centre.
Many hotels and camping areas are available near Loch Ness as well as hotels in Fort Augustus.
Final Note
There are hundreds of lochs in the Highlands of Scotland. Some others that have not made this list include Loch Monar and Loch Garry.
Most of the lochs are surrounded by high mountains. Climbing these mountains allows you to get the best views of them.
Also, the lochs are a great opportunity to do water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding. Alternatively, the loch shores are an ideal place to catch a good photograph, relax with a picnic or wild camping.
The lochs in the Highlands are harder to get which means you are more likely to have the place to yourself. From the central belt, the lochs in the Highlands of Scotland will take a few hours to get to.