Scotland is a magnificent part of the world. One of the reasons is that it sparkles with more than 35000 lakes of various sizes.
In this article, discover 50+ of the best lochs in Scotland including my own choice for the 10 most beautiful Scottish Lochs list.
And with photos to inspire your next trip!
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Scotland:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Scotland: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: Seal spotting on Loch Linnhe from Fort William
My favorite excursion from Edinburgh: Glenfinnan and Glencoe
My favorite places to stay:
- Edinburgh: see best rated hotels – e.g. Balmoral Hotel
- Glencoe: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Glencoe House Hotel
- Portree: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Cuillin Hills Hotel
- Inverness: see best rated hotels – e.g. Kingsmills Hotel
About the lochs of Scotland – Facts
The photos of the best lochs in Scotland start after this section. But here are a few basic facts to know about the Scottish Lochs:
- A loch mean lake or fjord in Scottish Gaelic
- Lochs are bodies of water going inland.
- Lochans are small lochs
- Lochs can be closed and containing freshwater – or – open to the sea and subject to tides
- Reservoirs can retain the name loch where they were just modified
- How many lochs in the Scotland? According to Wikipedia, there are more than 30000 freshwater lochs and lochans in Scotland.
The 10 Best Lochs in Scotland – list
Let’s start right away with photos of my selection of the best Scottish lochs, and by best I mean the most scenic, the most breathtaking…
1. Loch Leven (Glencoe)
Located in the Glencoe area, Loch Leven is often overlooked as the main road goes on a bridge over it. However I strongly recommend taking the road going all the way around it. Some of the higher summits of Scotland are located in this area, and many stops offer beautiful views. For me, it was without contest the best loch in Scotland. (Note that a smaller Loch Leven exists also in the East of Scotland, do not mix them up)
Many Photos and Planning info on the Loch Leven article.
2. Loch Coruisk
Accessible only by boat from Elgol or after a long hike, Loch Coruisk is on the West shore of the iconic Isle of Skye. Stuck between the black Cuillin Mountains and the sea, it offers magnificent views.
Many Photos and Planning info on the Loch Coruisk and Elgol Boat tour article.
Get the puzzle of Loch Coruisk
3. Loch Shiel
Loch Shiel is a famous stop in Scotland on the ‘Road to the isles’. This long lake is overseen by the Glenfinnan monument. There is an easy path to a great viewpoint which also allows you to see the Glenfinnan viaduct (made famous by the Harry Potter movies)
More Photos and Planning info on the Road to the isles article.
4. Loch Duich
The Eilean Donan Castle (one of the most famous Scottish Castles) is located where 3 lochs meet. If you drive pas the castle towards the Isle of Skye, you get a fantastic view of the high peaks surrounding Loch Duich and the castle at its entrance.
More Photos and Planning info on the Eilean Donan Castle article.
5. Loch Atriochtan
Loch Atriochtan is often overlooked in Glen Coe. A82 go through the magical landscapes. Towards the West the valley narrows and get filled with a small loch. I found this huge wall very impressive.
More Photos and Planning info on the A82 through Glen Coe article.
6. Loch Etive
At the end of Glen Etive, a stunning valley you can drive through on a single lane road, you will be able to enjoy the magnificent Loch Etive. Its wilderness and remoteness make it very attracting. I just wished I had a kayak to go explore.
More Photos and Planning info on the Glen Etive and Loch Etive article.
Get the puzzle of Loch Etive, Glencoe
7. Loch Langaig
North of the Isle of Skye, past all the famous sites of Storr, Kilt Rock and Quiraing, lies hidden from the road the small loch Langaig. The lake has nothing special but the stunning ridge behind made me select it as one of the best lochs in Scotland. The view was really magnificent.
8. Loch Maree
In the Wester Ross region, North West of Scotland, Loch Maree is a long loch niched in the mountains. The road even takes you higher with nice views of the valley.
More Photos and Planning info on the Loch Maree article.
9. Lochs of the Deep Freeze Mountains
Driving towards the Northern shore of Scotland, I was amazed by the scenery of the Deep Freeze Mountains with the many lochs spotting the area.
10. Loch Assynt
Almost 10km long, Loch Assynt is a freshwater loch, North West of Scotland. This remote region offers stunning landscapes as well. This lake has high summits and small islands with few trees. Quite intriguing.
More Photos and Planning info on the Coigach-Assynt reserve article. (also for the deep freeze mountains lochs #9)
Regarding the choice of the best lochs in Scotland
- As you can imagine I have not seen all the lochs of Scotland but I have seen many and planned my trip based on research to see as many as possible of the most scenic ones.
- This list of Scottish lochs include those accessible by car (except 1 by boat). Other lochs are more remote and only be seen when hiking. They must be spectacular too.
- I recognized that I may have misjudge a couple if the weather was not good but generally I had great weather and was able to admire them all in great conditions
Map of Scottish Lochs
It is not possible to create a map with all those lochs that can been seen as a 1 page. But I did a light version for you with the Top 20 listed above and below. Here is your map of the Scottish Lochs :
If you are planning a trip to Scotland and want to include those lakes, have a look at my eBook about Scotland. It includes practical maps of all the regions with the most beautiful sites to visit for easy planning of your road trip:
Plan your dream trip in Scotland thanks to my guide
- 15 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 170+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 170+ original photos to help you choose
And 10 other famous Scottish Lochs
Let’s continue in picture with a selection of 10 other lochs which are quite famous in Scotland even if their names are not…
11. Loch Leathan
The name is not familiar, but because of its location, Loch Leathan is quite famous. As you can see it is a the foot of the Trotternish ridge with amazing views of the Old Man of Storr.
More Photos and Planning info on the Old Man of Storr article.
12. Loch Lomond
Located in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National park, loch Lomond is very well-know as it is easily accessed from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Many activities have developed around the loch. Wide to the South, I prefer the narrower North section making it more scenic.
More Photos and Planning info on the Loch Lomond article.
13. Loch Katrine
The other main lochs in the Trossachs is Loch Katrine. It is not the most spectacular but it was made famous by the Sir Walter Scott steamship, which has been cruising its water for more than a century.
More Photos and Planning info on the Cruising Loch Katrine article.
14. Loch Ness
Maybe the most famous lochs in Scotland by name, the Loch Ness attracts the highest number of tourists intrigues by the legend of the Nessie Monster. Just be aware that in terms of landscape it is not very impressive. the loch is quite large and the surrounding summits not high.
More Photos and Planning info on the Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle article.
15. Loch Tulla
Most people don’t remember its name, but Loch Tulla is photographed a lot. As you drive on the best road in Scotland A82 through Glencoe towards the isle of Skye, a viewpoint is clearly indicate with a large parking. Hence everybody stops and photograph loch Tulla.
Need to rent a car in Scotland?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the single-lane roads
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
16. Loch Alsh
Again, this one is not very famous by name but being on the road to access the isle of Skye, everyone gets really excited as they drive along Loch Alsh. On a clear day, like on the photo above, you can clearly see the summits of the isle of Skye behind the Skye bridge.
More Photos and Planning info on the Road to Skye article.
17. Loch Awe
Located in the Argyll region, Loch Awe deserves its name. Towering summits and castle at one end and peaceful forest at the other, loch Awe has a lot to offer.
More Photos and Planning info on the Loch Awe article.
18. Loch Broom
With the small town of Ullapool on a promontory in the middle, Loch Broom is considered one of the best lochs in Scotland by photographers.
19. Loch of Stenness
No summits or incredible landscapes around Loch Stenness on the Orkney islands. But the place is of historical importance and home to major Unesco sites including the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. Quite magical.
Learn more about the site on the Standing Stones of Stenness article.
20. Loch Tummel
The long loch Tummel has become famous thanks to a viewpoint named the Queen’s view of Scotland and considered one fo the best in the region.
More Photos and Planning info on the Queen’s view of Scotland article.
More Beautiful Lochs in Scotland
Before I share pictures of more than 30 other lochs in Scotland :
- Scotland is cut in half by the Great Glen. A series of natural and man-made lochs along a line between Inverness and Fort Williams.
- The next lochs of Scotland have been gathered by geography (North or South of the Great Glen) in no particular order.
Don’t miss any of them. The last ones are also beautiful!
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Scottish Lakes along the Great Glen
21. Loch Linnhe
22. Loch Lochy
23. Loch Oich
The Loch Ness, introduced earlier in this article, also lays on the Great Glen, towards the North and Inverness.
West Highlands Scottish lochs
24. Loch Eilt
Located on the road to the isle towards Mallaig
25. Loch Ailort
26. Loch nan Uamh
27. Loch Cluanie
Located on the Road to Skye
28. Loch Ainort
On the isle of Skye
29. Loch Slapin
On the isle of Skye
30. Loch Carron
31. Loch Dughaill
32. Loch a Chroisg
33. Loch Tollaidh
34. Loch Ewe
35. Lochan Fearna & the Drumbeg loop lochs
36. Loch a Chairn Bhain
37. Loch Eriboll
38. Loch Hope
Need to rent a car in Scotland?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the single-lane roads
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
East Highlands lochs in Scotland
39. Loch Restil
40. Loch Fyne
41. Loch Ard
42. Loch Chon
43. Loch Arklet
44. Loch Ba
45. Loch Lubnaig
46. Glencoe Lochan
47. Loch Long
48. Loch Rannoch
49. Loch Tay
50. Lochan Na Lairige
51. Loch Freuchie
52. Loch Earn
53. St Mary’s Loch
Want to see more of the best Scotland has to offer?
- Most beautiful landscapes in Scotland – read article
- Best things to do in Scotland – read article
- Best Scotland destinations – where to go? – read article
- Best Scottish Castles – read article
- Most scenic drives in Scotland – read article
- The magnificent Isle of Skye – read my best-of guide
- The magnificent Wester Ross region – read article
- The Borders Abbeys including Melrose Abbey and the photogenic Jedburgh Abbey
Planning a trip to Scotland?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Scotland thanks to my guide
- 15 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 170+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 170+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
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What a fab guide! Thanks for this! We are doing a road trip through west coast Scotland next month and I’ve been looking for the best places to stop, so your guides are perfect! 🙂
Thanks Clazz.
I wish you a wonderful trip!
Lovely photographs and Informative . I’ve sent it to my cousin in Australia.
Thanks. So much to see!
A brilliant list.
As a wild swimmer I am always looking for new places for a dip. Whenever we go on a road trip I check out where the nearest lochs are to make sure I can have a swim.
Always looking for inspiration for exploring and paddle boarding and this provides it 🙂 Great pics and many lochs I hadn’t heard about. Thank you.