Lofty lochs: understanding Scotland’s deepest lochs

Just how deep is Scotland’s deepest loch? Set in the wilds of Lochaber in the Highlands, Loch Morar takes the crown, plunging to a depth of 310 metres – that’s deeper than most of the seabed off Scotland’s west coast! To put that in perspective you could almost submerge London’s Shard – the tallest building in the UK – in its mysterious waters. 

What’s more, it’s also the third deepest loch in Europe. Take a dip, with plenty of secure points where you can enter the water safely to wild swim, or venture across the dazzling beach and turquoise waters of the nearby Silver Sands of Morar. 

Did you know? According to local legend, Morar is said to harbour a huge creature, the elusive Morag, who is said to bear more than a passing resemblance to the Loch Ness Monster.

Visit the Silver Sands of Morar

Loch Ness needs no introduction. Not only is it Scotland's second-deepest loch, it’s also the largest by volume, spreading through the dramatic Great Glen. At its deepest point, Loch Ness is around 230 metres – about the same height that the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, sits above water!  

Wander its atmospheric shores, pausing to take in the view of Urquhart Castle, it’s solemn ruin standing watch on a craggy promontory overlooking this vast body of water. If you’re intrigued by history and legends – not least its famous monster – drop into the Loch Ness Experience.

Did you know? Loch Ness contains more freshwater than all the lakes in England and Wales combined!  

Visit Loch Ness

All you need to know about the Loch Ness Monster

In third place is Loch Lomond, a loch so spellbinding it has inspired poetry and music, most famously the beloved song The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond. Set against mountains and undulating hills, its glistening waters conceal an astounding depth of almost 190 metres at its deepest point. That’s the equivalent of stacking two of New York's Statue of Liberty monuments on top of each other! 

It’s also surprisingly accessible, located just 30 minutes from Stirling and Glasgow. An annual swimming event, is held every September for wild swimmers, particularly good if you’re new to swimming in natural bodies of water, with experts on-hand to provide guidance and support.

Did you know? Interestingly, Loch Lomond is also the biggest loch in Great Britain by surface area, spanning a whopping 71 sq km and 36 km long.

Plan a visit to Loch Lomond

With a name that it is impossible to forget, Loch Lochy is another of the stunning lochs found in the Highlands. Tucked between the towering mountains of Lochaber, its waters descend to 162 metres, making it the fourth deepest in Scotland. That’s about the same as four Boeing 737-800 planes (at around 40 m each) stacked from tail to nose, reaching from the bottom of the loch to the surface. If you fancy a dip, there a pretty pebble beach overlooking the loch near the lighthouse – just take care when submerging yourself in its chilly waters. It’s also a lovely spot to soak up the mountainous scenery and the serenity of the Great Glen.

Did you know? Loch Lochy’s name is said to derive from a Gaelic expression meaning ‘loch of the dark goddess’.

Enjoy Loch Lochy

Loch Ericht is a long, silvery ribbon of water surrounded by mountains and rugged moorland. Reaching a depth of 156 metres, it could just about swallow Blackpool Tower whole. The best way to reach it is via Dalwhinnie which has a railway station. Once here, uncover little beaches tucked along the shoreline while taking in the reflection of towering peaks, including Ben Alder rippling across the surface of the water. You could even pay a visit to the nearby Dalwhinnie Distillery to learn about whisky-making and sample a dram or two.

Did you know? Compared to its length, the loch is relatively narrow, coming in at about 0.80 km wide at the widest point.

Find out more about Loch Ericht

Loch Katrine is the sparkling jewel at the heart of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and Scotland’s sixth deepest loch. Stretching to depths of about 150 metres, Loch Katrine is roughly the same height as the immense Spring Temple Buddha statue in China.  

If you’re tempted to go for a wild swim, inform staff at Loch Katrine ahead of time and keep a distance from the cruise routes. Alternately, explore the loch from the deck of the SS Sir Walter Scott, a vintage steamship dating from 1900, on a relaxing cruise. Or simply hop on bike rented from Trossachs Pier at Katrine Wheelz and pedal around the shoreline.

Did you know? The loch has served as a filming location for the TV series sensation, Outlander.

Make the most of your visit to Loch Katrine

While Loch Tay is the seventh deepest loch in the country, it's the largest in Perthshire and reaches depths of around 150 m. At its deepest point, you could stack more than two of India's glorious Taj Mahal buildings on top of each other. For those looking for a truly revitalising experience, unwind with a treatment or wood-fired sauna session at Taymouth Marina Spa before shooting down a slide into the bracing waters of the loch. If that's not enough, Unique Adventure Tours Scotland offer private half-day or full day stand-up paddleboarding sessions.    

Did you know? Ancient settlers once lived upon the loch. Step inside an authentically recreated Iron Age dwelling at the Scottish Crannog Centre. 

Experience Loch Tay

Fringed by golden beaches and rugged Highland Perthshire mountains, Loch Rannoch has long been a popular place to relax and unwind. Scotland’s eighth-deepest loch plunges to around 130 metres – almost the height of the London Eye. Yet its tranquil waters belie a dramatic history, traces of which remain today. From the sandy shoreline, look out for the remains of a crannog, an artificial island where Clan MacGregor outlaws hid in the 18th century. Enjoy a spot of wild swimming or try a range of watersports with experienced instructors ready to show you the ropes. 

Did you know? Loch Rannoch is a prime location of wildlife spotting. Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels, pine martins, otters and red deer. Listen carefully – you might even hear the call of the elusive capercaillie emanating from the woodlands.

Discover Loch Rannoch

Winding through the west Highlands, Loch Shiel is a place steeped in mythology and movie magic. Scotland’s ninth deepest loch, it comes in at about 120 metres in depth – or about the same height as the Glasgow Tower that stands over the city’s skyline. At that depth, it naturally has its own monster, a creature known as Seileag – an enormous eel said to enter the loch from the sea.

Did you know? The loch has been used as a backdrop of the Hogwarts school in the Harry Potter films and for the scenes where the characters are at the ‘Black Lake’. For those looking to explore more of the Harry Potter filming locations, check out our film and book itinerary.

Visit Loch Shiel

With its silver-grey waters, pine-forested islands and spectacular mountain backdrop, Loch Maree is a serious contender for Scotland’s most beautiful loch. With a maximum recorded depth of 112 metres, Loch Maree is about the same in depth as two Leaning Towers of Pisa in Italy would be in height. Enjoy an array or watersports, take a wild swim in Tollie Bay, or chart a boat or canoe around the loch’s many islands. You might be surprised to learn that these isles are among the last untouched places by humans in the UK, home to an abundance or rare flora and fauna. Together they form the Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree Islands NNR which is open to visitors albeit with restrictions in place to protect these fragile habitats.

Did you know? Loch Maree is another loch said to be the home of a monster, so wild swimmers should beware! Muc-sheilche (which loosely translates to 'turtle-pig') is said to live in the Loch Maree and the nearby lochs.

Discover Loch Maree

Last but by no means least, we have Loch Arkaig. Tucked away between Fort William and Inverness, it is Scotland's eleventh deepest loch with depths of roughly 91 metres and is as deep as the Forth Bridge is at its highest point above water. Slow down and enjoy the beauty of this hidden gem. Take a peaceful meander along the shoreline, stopping for an invigorating wild swim in shallows of the loch or in the pools of the  Eas Chia-aig (The Witch's Cauldron) waterfall.

Did you know? Legend has it that Loch Arkaig is home to some hidden treasure. In 1745, seven caskets of Spanish gold came to Scotland to finance Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite uprising in Scotland is said to be buried here.

Explore Loch Arkaig

Stay safe

The terrain and depths of Scotland's eleven deepest lochs vary massively across the board. That’s why it’s vital that you take all precautions to be safe when out in Scottish nature and respect the environment along the way.  

To ensure essential outdoor safety when exploring Scotland’s lochs and blue spaces, please familiarise yourself with our Outdoor Safety Guide and follow the Water Safety Code from Water Safety Scotland.