The 10 most beautiful lochs to discover in Scotland

Activities
Nature

Urquhart,Castle,On,The,Shores,Of,Loch,Ness

Emilie

Published on 14/10/2025

Scotland, a land of mystical legends and breathtaking landscapes, is home to more than 30,000 lochs that make this unique country famous. These freshwater and saltwater lakes, the natural gems of the Highlands and Lowlands, offer breathtaking panoramas and unforgettable experiences. From the crystal-clear waters of Loch Katrine to the mysterious depths of Loch Ness, each loch tells its own story of wilderness, ancient folklore and sheer beauty. Discover our selection of the 10 most beautiful lochs to see in Scotland for a journey to the heart of the Scottish soul.

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1. Loch Coruisk – Inner Hebrides

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Located on the beautiful Isle of Skye (Héan-Eilean Sgitheanach, Isle of Skye, United Kingdom, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 52,000 reviews), Loch Coruisk is one of Scotland’s most spectacular lochs. Surrounded by the imposing Cuillin Mountains, this freshwater lake offers a natural spectacle of breathtaking beauty, where the calm waters perfectly reflect the surrounding rocky peaks.

Loch Coruisk is only accessible on foot after a hike of several hours, or by boat from the small hamlet of Elgol during the summer season. This limited accessibility makes it a true natural sanctuary, untouched by mass tourism. The deep, crystal-clear waters of the loch contrast magnificently with the black basalt cliffs of the Cuillin. Visitors can observe a rich fauna including red deer, otters, golden eagles and numerous water birds in an unspoilt and mystical environment.

2. Loch Maree – Highlands

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Loch Maree, located in the Western Highlands, is the fourth largest lake in Scotland at 20 kilometres in length. This natural jewel has inspired many a British poet with its harmonious combination of ancient woodland along the shore and majestic mountains surrounding it, creating a setting that is both impressive and serene.

Accessible from Inverness (Inverness, Highland, UK, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 15,000 reviews) via the scenic A832 road in around 2 hours, Loch Maree offers clear waters dotted with wooded islands against a backdrop of the Slioch range to the west. Water-based activities such as canoeing and trout fishing are popular. The lake has a rich history with the legend of Saint Maol rubha who built a hermitage on an island in the 7th century. Local wildlife includes red deer, otters, red squirrels and bald eagles in the surrounding forests.

3. Loch Morar – Highlands

Loch Morar holds an impressive record: it is the deepest loch in the UK, reaching a maximum depth of 337 metres. Situated in the heart of the Western Highlands, between Mallaig (Mallaig, Highland PH41, United Kingdom, rated 4.2/5 on Google for 2,800 reviews) and Fort William, this mysterious lake is said to be home to a creature called Morag, even more imposing than the famous Loch Ness monster.

Loch Morar is 19 kilometres long and can be reached from Fort William (Fort William, Highland, United Kingdom, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 8,500 reviews) in 1? hours via the A830 to Mallaig. Its deep, dark waters, surrounded by rugged mountains and dense forests, create a mysterious atmosphere. The loch is renowned for its exceptional fishing, with salmon and trout in abundance. Kayakers enjoy its 19 kilometres of unspoilt wilderness. Wildlife includes red deer, otters, various species of fish, as well as golden eagles and peregrine falcons in the surrounding forests and mountains.

4. Loch Awe – Highlands

Loch Awe has the distinction of being the largest freshwater loch in Scotland by area. What makes it truly unique are the majestic ruins of Kilchurn Castle (Kilchurn Castle, Dalmally PA33 1AF, UK, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 3,200 reviews) that line its shores, adding drama and history to the already sumptuous natural landscape.

Easily accessible from Glasgow by a 2? hour journey via the A82, A83 and then the A819 to Inveraray, the loch offers an enchanting mix of wooded shores, gentle hills and towering mountains. There’s plenty to do here, from walking and cycling on the many footpaths to hiring motorised and non-motorised boats, and fishing for brown and rainbow trout. Local wildlife includes red deer, otters, golden eagles and ospreys. Kilchurn Castle, with its ghost stories and tales of historic battles, is the loch’s must-see attraction.

5. Loch Voil – Highlands

Loch Voil is a hidden treasure in the heart of wild Scotland, far from the tourist crowds. This rare gem boasts a Buddhist retreat centre on its shores, where the serenity of nature blends perfectly with the spiritual beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Located in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Loch Voil can be reached from the A81 road north of Glasgow (Glasgow, UK, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 25,000 reviews) towards Aberfoyle in around 1 hour 30 minutes. The journey leads to the Balquhidder Valley along a road offering breathtaking views. The loch offers panoramic views of hills, forests, farmland and mountains reflected in the clear water. It is also the burial place of Rob Roy MacGregor, a famous Scottish outlaw and folk hero. Activities include fishing, canoeing and walking, which are particularly spectacular in autumn when the landscape takes on a golden, russet hue.

6. Loch Shiel – Highlands

Loch Shiel is famous for the impressive Glenfinnan Monument (Glenfinnan Monument, Glenfinnan PH37 4LT, United Kingdom, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 5,800 reviews) on its outskirts. This historic structure invites you to admire the superb views over the loch and surrounding mountains, creating a stunningly beautiful panorama of the Highlands.

Loch Shiel is less than an hour west of Fort William on the A830, where spectacular mountains and vast valleys await visitors at Glenfinnan. The loch is a great place to spot Scottish wildlife, including bald eagles and deer. Cruises on the lake allow you to hear fantastic tales while discovering its rich history. The Glenfinnan Memorial marks the spot where Prince Charles Edward Stuart sparked the Jacobite Rising of 1745, adding a major historical dimension to the visit.

7. Loch Katrine – Highlands

Loch Katrine occupies a special place in British literature as the birthplace of inspiration for the great Sir Walter Scott. It was here that the writer drew his inspiration for the narrative poem “The Lady of the Lake”, rendering this place eternal through the words and beauty of his verses.

Situated in the Trossachs National Park, an hour and a half’s drive north of Glasgow on the A81 via Aberfoyle, Loch Katrine reveals a typically Scottish landscape. The 13-kilometre lake has several cycle paths and picnic tables offering superb views. Trout fishing is popular. For a unique experience, board the SS Sir Walter Scott, a historic steamship that has plied these waters since 1900. The loch is closely linked to the legend of Rob Roy MacGregor, an outlaw and folk hero born according to tradition in a house on its shores. The wildlife includes deer, red squirrels and many species of birds such as golden eagles and peregrine falcons.

8. Loch Lomond – Lowlands

At 36 kilometres long and 71 km² in area, Loch Lomond holds the title of Britain’s largest loch by surface area, surpassing even the largest French lakes by an impressive margin. This veritable freshwater giant is distinguished by its exceptional size, making it one of the UK’s most remarkable natural gems.

Loch Lomond is just 50 minutes from Glasgow on the A82, making it a very accessible getaway. From Edinburgh (Edinburgh, UK, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 38,000 reviews), the journey takes 2 hours. Between steep hills, Ben Lomond and other mountains, lush forests and valleys, Loch Lomond is a pure Scottish wonder. Numerous islands dot the loch, including Inchmurrin with its ancient ruins. Rich in folklore, the loch has a fascinating history of ghosts, legendary creatures and battles. Water activities include kayaking, canoeing and wakeboarding, as well as a variety of cruises. The diverse wildlife includes red deer, otters, ospreys and golden eagles.

9. Loch Ness – Highlands

Although not the most picturesque of Scotland’s lochs, Loch Ness is world famous. Its mysterious atmosphere, intensified by the often bleak climate of the Highlands, is the perfect setting for legends, notably that of Nessie, the famous Loch Ness monster whose tales date back to 565 AD.

Located near Inverness, a 20-minute drive to the north, Loch Ness stretches for 37 kilometres with deep, dark waters up to 230 metres deep. The lake is renowned for its magnificent scenery of wooded hills and surrounding mountains. From the ruins of Urquhart Castle (Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit IV63 6XJ, United Kingdom, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 12,800 reviews), enjoy exceptional panoramic views over the water. Numerous cruises allow you to learn more about the history and geology of the area. The cold, deep waters are home to trout and salmon, while nearby wildlife includes red deer, otters and golden eagles.

10. Loch Muick – Aberdeenshire

Located in the heart of the Cairngorms Park, Loch Muick enjoys a special reputation as a lake favoured by British royalty. Its proximity to the royal estate of Balmoral (Balmoral Castle, Ballater AB35 5TB, United Kingdom, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 8,900 reviews) gives it an aura of prestige and mystery that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Loch Muick lies in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, south-west ofAberdeen (Aberdeen, United Kingdom, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 18,000 reviews). Access from Edinburgh takes 3 hours by car via the A90 to Aberdeen, then the A93 to Ballater. This loch is surrounded by superb mountains, including the Lochnagar massif, and offers numerous walks to discover a wealth of wildlife, including red deer, golden eagles, red squirrels and Scottish hares. The British royal family’s special relationship with Loch Muick is explained by its proximity to their holiday home at Balmoral. Queen Victoria was particularly fond of the area for its natural beauty and tranquillity.

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Although Navaway does not yet offer a specific tour for Scotland, Scotland’s 10 most beautiful lochs offer an unforgettable experience for all lovers of nature and history. These natural gems, scattered across the Highlands and Lowlands, are silent witnesses to thousands of years of Scottish history and continue to inspire visitors and artists from all over the world.

In conclusion, Scotland’s lochs are much more than mere bodies of water: they embody the very soul of this proud nation, combining ancient legends, outstanding natural beauty and priceless historical heritage. Each loch tells a unique story, from the mysterious depths of Loch Morar to the inspiring waters of Loch Katrine, creating a collection of destinations that make Scotland an exceptional land for lovers of authentic nature and memorable adventures.

Frequently asked questions about Scotland’s lochs

What’s the difference between a loch and a lake?

The word “loch” comes from Scottish Gaelic and refers to a natural body of water, whether fresh or salt. It is the Scottish equivalent of the word “lac” in French. So lochs can be freshwater lakes in the mountains or marine fjords on the coast.

Can you swim in the Scottish lochs?

Swimming is possible in some lochs, but the water remains very cold even in summer (generally between 12°C and 16°C). Shallower lochs such as Loch Lomond are more suitable for swimming than very deep lochs such as Loch Ness or Loch Morar.

What’s the best time of year to visit the Scottish lochs?

The best period is from May to September, with milder temperatures and longer days. Autumn (September-October) offers magnificent colours, while spring (April-May) brings fewer tourists and a rebirth of nature.

How long does it take to visit the main lochs?

To visit the 10 most beautiful lochs presented in this article, you should allow at least 7 to 10 days by car. Each loch deserves at least half a day to be fully appreciated, not counting the journey times between the various sites.