Lochs in Scotland

Lochs in Scotland feature high on the ‘must-see’ list of many visitors and rightly so, but with over 30,000 freshwater lochs alone it can be hard to know which ones to see.

In this article you will learn about five great lochs in the Scottish Highlands.

Loch an Eilein

On the Rothiemurchus Estate near Aviemore, you will find Loch An Eilein meaning Loch of the Island. It is a beautiful spot surrounded by pine trees and mountains, and has an island castle ruin too.

There is a 3 mile circular walk around offering stunning views of the loch and the surrounding forest. As the route is mostly flat, it is suitable for all ages and walking abilities. Due to the location there is plenty of opportunity to spot the local wildlife, including red squirrels, Scottish crossbills and crested tits.

Loch Laggan

Loch Laggan has the most wonderful backdrop of natural beauty. It is surrounded by mountains making it a very popular destination with hillwalkers and climbers. The loch has been used as a filming location in several movies and TV shows, including The Crown, James Bond and Monarch of the Glen.

On the south side of the loch you will find Ardverikie House, a beautiful example of 19th Century Baronial Castles in Scotland.

Loch Morar

Loch Morar is located about 7 miles from the fishing village of Mallaig. It is the deepest loch in Scotland, with a maximum depth of 305 meters. Local legend has it that Morag, a mythical creature and cousin to Nessie from Loch Ness, lives in the loch!

The loch is surrounded by steep hills and mountains, including Sgurr na Ciche, which is the highest peak in the area.

Loch Morlich

Loch Morlich is a freshwater loch in the Cairngorms National Park, not far from the town of Aviemore. It is surrounded by pine forests and is overlooked by the Cairngorm Mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports.

In the summer months, it can become very busy as the loch’s sandy beach is a popular choice for swimmers and sunbathers.

Loch Ness

Loch Ness is one of the most famous lochs in Scotland due to the mythical Loch Ness Monster. The loch has the largest volume of freshwater in Great Britain, stretching for about 23 miles, with a depth of 240 metres in some parts.

The loch is surrounded by some wonderful Scottish scenery, so as well as ‘Nessie Hunting’ why not take a boat trip on the loch from Fort Augustus for a change of perspective?