Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe, Argyll
VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
10 Beautiful lochs in Scotland
They are places of great natural beauty, mystery and adventure – Scotland’s lochs are part of what makes our landscapes so unique.
1. Loch Awe, Argyll & Bute
Stretching 25 miles from the village of Loch Awe in the north to the village of Ford in the south, Loch Awe is Scotland’s longest freshwater loch. Explore the ancient Atlantic oakwood on the western side of the loch and follow paths lined with vibrant ferns to discover gurgling waterfalls and lovely views back over the water. At the northern end, the ruins of Kilchurn Castle are reflected in the calm surface of the loch. While the castle is currently closed for visitors, you can still walk around it to see the impressive stone walls up close and enjoy the fantastic view.
2. Loch Maree, Wester Ross
Loch Maree is the fourth largest freshwater loch in Scotland and regarded as one of the most scenic areas in the country. To the south of the loch, visit the Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree Islands National Nature Reserve, the oldest in Britain. Watch shimmering dragonflies dart across the water in the warmer months and look up to catch a glimpse of golden eagles circling high in the sky. In autumn, the roars of majestic rutting stags can be heard echoing between the mountains while winter frames the loch with snow-capped peaks.
Loch Maree, con Slioch como telón de fondo
3. Lake of Menteith, Stirling
The Lake of Menteith is Scotland’s only natural lake. It is sometimes known as Loch Inchmahome, sharing its name with Inchmahome Priory on the island in the middle of the lake. Make the most of the excellent trout fishing and relish the feeling of getting away from it all as you steer your boat across the water, waiting for your next big catch. You can also visit Inchmahome Priory. Hidden among the trees, experience the special atmosphere of this secluded spot that served as a place of refuge for the young Mary Queen of Scots.
El Lake of Menteith, Aberfoyle
4. Lochs of Harray and Stenness, Orkney
These two beautiful lochs on Orkney’s Mainland are only separated at their narrowest point by a slender causeway. The views over green fields, all the way to the horizon, seem never-ending. The area surrounding the lochs contains some of the richest Neolithic archaeology in Europe, with fascinating traces of ancient civilisations waiting around every corner. Walk around the magnificent Ring of Brodgar and other nearby sites belonging to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire what the people of Orkney built thousands of years ago or try to spot a variety of bird species that call these lochs home.
Explore the lochs of Harray and Stenness
El Anillo de Brodgar, Orcadas
5. Loch Ken, Dumfries & Galloway
Loch Ken is set within a wonderfully scenic and quiet part of southwest Scotland. The loch is a haven for an amazing array of watersports, making it a great base for an extended holiday. Spend a day or two at the Galloway Activity Centre to tackle the wobbly waterpark and try your hand at sailing or stand up paddleboarding. You can also visit the nearby Red Kite Centre to experience local wildlife up close. Make sure to arrive around feeding time in the early afternoon to watch beautiful birds of prey appearing in droves for a unique spectacle that is particularly impressive in the winter months.
Vistas de Loch Ken hacia el Parque Forestal de Galloway, Dumfries y Galloway
6. Loch Alsh, Kyle of Lochalsh
Loch Alsh can be found on the west coast of Scotland, stretching from the village of Kyle of Lochalsh and the Skye Bridge to Loch Duich in the east. The meeting point of Loch Alsh and Loch Duich is where you’ll find one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, Eilean Donan Castle, where you can dive into a world of history and clans. Make sure to stop at Balmacara Estate to learn more about how crofting shaped the distinctive local landscape we see today. Follow walking trails past crofting land with coastal views or through precious Scottish rainforest, where you will feel the calming effects of the fragrant forest air.
El Skye Bridge, Kyle of Lochalsh
7. Loch Fyne, Inveraray
On the west coast, you'll find many spectacular sea lochs cutting deep into the Scottish mainland, the longest of which is Loch Fyne. Running 40 miles from the Kyles of Bute to Achadunan, this loch is a foodie paradise. Try the delicious Loch Fyne oysters grown in these waters and head to Fyne Ales Brewery to find out more about beer brewing before enjoying a refreshing drink in the beer garden. The town of Inveraray is also well worth a visit. Stroll along the water or explore nearby Inveraray Castle and its award-winning gardens filled with colourful rhododendrons and azaleas, as well as autumn-flowering heather.
El Loch Fyne, Inveraray
8. Loch Tay, Perthshire
The Highland Perthshire setting of Loch Tay, Scotland's sixth largest loch, is simply stunning. There's a long history of settlement in this area dating back to the Iron Age, when residents lived in man-made dwellings called crannogs. Visit the Scottish Crannog Centre to step into a reconstruction built above the sparkling loch and join workshops to learn traditional crafts like willow weaving and pottery. Go for an exhilarating adventure high up in the mountain wilderness with Highland Safaris or spend a day at Taymouth Marina, where you can relax in the sauna before sliding into the serene water of Loch Tay.
Loch Tay, Kenmore
9. Loch Ness, Inverness
Loch Ness is the biggest loch in Scotland and contains more freshwater than all the lakes of England and Wales put together. It’s probably most famous for being the home of Nessie, Scotland’s most elusive monster. Nessie is the main character at the Loch Ness Experience in Drumnadrochit, where an immersive tour takes you deep into the mystery that has fascinated visitors for decades. Step into mighty Urquhart Castle for a journey back to a time when the thick castle walls had to withstand wars and raids. A more serene experience awaits on the Great Glen Canoe Trail, offering a chance to see the surrounding Highland landscape from a new perspective.
El castillo de Urquhart, Inverness
10. Loch Lomond, Balloch
Loch Lomond is the largest loch by surface area in Scotland and the UK's largest body of freshwater. The jewel in the crown of Scotland's first national park is easily accessible from Glasgow and a great destination for a day trip from the city. Follow the path to the top of Conic Hill along the West Highland Way for sweeping views of the loch and its islands. In late spring, take the boat over to the island of Inchcailloch for a fairytale wander through an old forest transformed by a carpet of flowering bluebells. Choose from a variety of watersports, enjoy a round of golf, or simply find a place to sit back, relax and admire the views.
Senderistas en Conic Hill, Loch Lomond
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This list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.