Scotland is certainly at no deficit when it comes to natural beauty. The Highlands were crowned in National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World 2023’ list and award-winning waterfalls, glens and UNESCO heritage sites are just some examples of the natural beauty spoiling us for choice here.
Scottish weather can be unpredictable, but as we enjoy summer the sun is taunting us more and more, so while the going is good let’s get going and discover another one of Scotland’s marvels; lochs.
As it appears in Scottish Gaelic, a “loch” is the Scots equivalent of a “lake or sea inlet” and Scotland has over 30,000 of them according to Nature Scot. From the likes of Loch Lomond that inspired famous Scottish musicians to the intriguing Loch Ness which is near and dear to Scottish folklore enthusiasts, there’s a loch here for all.
Here are our top 17 picks of beautiful Scottish lochs that you should visit (especially while we enjoy the sunny weather!)
. Loch Ness
Loch Ness is a freshwater loch that is located 37 kilometres southwest of Inverness. It is famed as the home of ‘Nessie” the world-famous Loch Ness monster. Photo: franky242 on Canva Pro
. Loch Shiel
You can find Loch Shiel around 20 kilometres west of Fort William in Scotland’s Highland council area. It stretches out for 28 kilometres from the famous Glenfinnan. Photo: mangrove99 on Canva Pro
. Loch Maree
You can find Loch Maree in Wester Ross (northwestern Scottish Highlands). The loch is 20 kilometres long and has a max width of 4 kilometres, making it the fourth largest freshwater loch in the country. Photo: Leamus on Canva Pro
. Loch Quoich
This loch is located west of Loch Garry which is roughly 40 kilometres northwest of Fort William (Lochaber). Loch Quoich dam is known for being the ‘largest rockfill dam in Scotland’. Photo: lucentius on Canva Pro
. Loch Coruisk
This inland freshwater loch lies at the foot of Black Cuillin in the Isle of Skye. It is 2.5 kilometres in length but only measures at 400 metres (max) in width. Photo: Lukas Bischoff on Canva Pro
. Loch Affric
This freshwater loch is situated within Glen Affric. Visit Scotland said: “Glen Affric is a magical mix of native woods, glistening lochs and haunting moorland.” Photo: Tim Haynes on Canva Pro
1. Loch Ness
Loch Ness is a freshwater loch that is located 37 kilometres southwest of Inverness. It is famed as the home of ‘Nessie” the world-famous Loch Ness monster. Photo: franky242 on Canva Pro
2. Loch Shiel
You can find Loch Shiel around 20 kilometres west of Fort William in Scotland’s Highland council area. It stretches out for 28 kilometres from the famous Glenfinnan. Photo: mangrove99 on Canva Pro
3. Loch Maree
You can find Loch Maree in Wester Ross (northwestern Scottish Highlands). The loch is 20 kilometres long and has a max width of 4 kilometres, making it the fourth largest freshwater loch in the country. Photo: Leamus on Canva Pro
4. Loch Quoich
This loch is located west of Loch Garry which is roughly 40 kilometres northwest of Fort William (Lochaber). Loch Quoich dam is known for being the ‘largest rockfill dam in Scotland’. Photo: lucentius on Canva Pro