• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to footer

ZigZagonEarth

Plan unforgettable road trips!

  • FRANCE
    • CORSICA
    • NORMANDY
    • PARIS
  • EUROPE
    • ANDALUCIA
    • CANARY ISLANDS
    • CRETE
    • ICELAND
    • ICELAND WINTER
    • MADEIRA
    • MALLORCA
    • MENORCA
    • PORTUGAL
    • SANTORINI
    • SCOTLAND
    • SLOVENIA
  • REST OF WORLD
    • NEW ZEALAND
    • OMAN
  • TIPS
  • EBOOKS
  • SHOP
  • ABOUT
  • English
    • Dutch
    • Italian
    • Danish
    • Portuguese (Portugal)
    • Swedish

50+ Best Lochs in Scotland (Most scenic) – Map + Photos

Last updated on November 21, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission (more)

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
best lochs in Scotland - list Scottish lochs
Content
About the lochs of Scotland – Facts
The 10 Best Lochs in Scotland – list
Map of Scottish Lochs
And 10 other famous Scottish Lochs
More Beautiful Lochs in Scotland
Scottish Lakes along the Great Glen
West Highlands Scottish lochs
East Highlands lochs in Scotland

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)

Best loch in Scotland - in my opinion
Best loch in Scotland – in my opinion

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

Best Lochs in Scotland - 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.

Scotland Jigsaw Puzzle – Loch Coruisk, isle Skye
Get the puzzle of Loch Coruisk

3. Loch Shiel

Best Lochs in Scotland - 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

Best Lochs in Scotland - 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

Best Lochs in Scotland - Loch Attriochtan

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

Best Scottish Lochs - 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.

Scotland Jigsaw Puzzle – Loch Etive, Glencoe
Get the puzzle of Loch Etive, Glencoe

7. Loch Langaig

Best Scottish Lochs - 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

Best Scottish Lochs - 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

Best Scottish Lochs - Loch 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

Best Scottish Lochs - 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 :

Best Scottish lochs - map 
Best Scottish lochs – map 

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
eBook Travel Guide Mallorca
  • 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
Discover it!

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

Famous lochs of Scotland - 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

Famous lochs of Scotland - 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

Famous lochs of Scotland - 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

Famous lochs of Scotland - 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

Famous lochs of Scotland - 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!

See all my tips

See available cars

16. Loch Alsh

Famous lochs of Scotland - 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

Famous lochs of Scotland - 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

Famous lochs of Scotland - 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

Famous lochs of Scotland - 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

Famous lochs of Scotland - 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.

Scotland Jigsaw Puzzle – Landscape Loch Tummel
Get the puzzle of Loch Tummel

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!

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

Claire, I pay you a coffee!

Scottish Lakes along the Great Glen

21. Loch Linnhe

List of Scottish lochs - Loch Linnhe

22. Loch Lochy

List of Scottish lochs - Loch Lochy

23. Loch Oich

List of Scottish lochs - 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

List of Scottish lochs - Loch Eilt

Located on the road to the isle towards Mallaig

25. Loch Ailort

List of Scottish lochs - Loch Ailort

26. Loch nan Uamh

List of Scottish lochs - Loch nan Uamh

27. Loch Cluanie

List of Scottish lochs - Loch Cluanie

Located on the Road to Skye

28. Loch Ainort

List of Scottish lochs - Loch Ainort

On the isle of Skye

29. Loch Slapin

List of Scottish lochs - Loch Slapin

On the isle of Skye

30. Loch Carron

List of Scottish lochs - Loch Carron

31. Loch Dughaill

Scottish lochs list - Loch Dughaill

32. Loch a Chroisg

Scottish lochs list - Loch a Chroisg

33. Loch Tollaidh

Scottish lochs list - Loch Tollaidh

34. Loch Ewe

Scottish lochs list - Loch Ewe

35. Lochan Fearna & the Drumbeg loop lochs

Scottish lochs list - Loch Fearna

36. Loch a Chairn Bhain

Scottish lochs list - Loch a Chairn Bhain

37. Loch Eriboll

Scottish lochs list - Loch Eriboll

38. Loch Hope

Scottish lochs list - 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!

See all my tips

See available cars

East Highlands lochs in Scotland

39. Loch Restil

List of Lochs of Scotland - Loch Restil

40. Loch Fyne

List of Lochs of Scotland - Loch Fyne

41. Loch Ard

List of Lochs of Scotland - Loch Ard

42. Loch Chon

List of Lochs of Scotland - Loch Chon

43. Loch Arklet

List of Lochs of Scotland - Loch Arklet

44. Loch Ba

List of Lochs of Scotland - Loch Ba

45. Loch Lubnaig

List of Lochs of Scotland - Loch Lubnaig

46. Glencoe Lochan

List of Lochs of Scotland - Glencoe Lochan

47. Loch Long

Lochs of Scotland list - Loch Long

48. Loch Rannoch

Lochs of Scotland list - Loch Rannoch

49. Loch Tay

Lochs of Scotland list - Loch Tay

50. Lochan Na Lairige

Lochs of Scotland list - Loch na Lairige

51. Loch Freuchie

Lochs of Scotland list - Loch Freuchie

52. Loch Earn

Lochs of Scotland list - Loch Earn

53. St Mary’s Loch

Lochs of Scotland list - 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
eBook Travel Guide Mallorca
  • 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
Discover it!

And keep track of your own trip!

Scotland road trip Journal

Want to see more of SCOTLAND?

PREVIOUS: 

BEST SCOTTISH CASTLES

NEXT: 

21 TOP SCOTLAND ATTRACTIONS

Travel Scotland Destination Guide

Inspired? Share it on your favorite platform!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Clazz - An Orcadian Abroad says

    July 24, 2017 at 12:15 PM

    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! 🙂

    • Claire Robinson says

      July 24, 2017 at 1:54 PM

      Thanks Clazz.
      I wish you a wonderful trip!

  2. jeanette Molloyb says

    January 28, 2019 at 11:52 AM

    Lovely photographs and Informative . I’ve sent it to my cousin in Australia.

    • Claire, the Travel Planning Geek says

      January 28, 2019 at 7:16 PM

      Thanks. So much to see!

  3. Melanie Chadd says

    June 14, 2020 at 11:46 AM

    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.

  4. Clive Henderson says

    February 17, 2021 at 5:49 PM

    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.

Footer

  • English
  • Nederlands
  • Italiano
  • Dansk
  • Português
  • Svenska

Par Claire Robinson
Region Lovers SARL
76600 Le Havre
FRANCE
VAT FR21845103191

CONTACT ME

Search

Follow ZigZag on Facebook

Follow ZigZag on Pinterest

Website in French: ZigZagvoyages.fr

Website in German: ZigZagreisen.de

Website in Spanish: ZigZagviajes.com

And discover the French regions:

Normandielovers.fr
LoireLovers.fr
CorsicaLovers.fr
Provencelovers.fr

 

Privacy / Terms of Use / Disclosure Policies / Refund policy

Become an affiliate for the ZigZag road trip guides

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ZigZagOnEarth.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.uk and Amazon.ca

Copyright © 2025 ZigZag On Earth · Log in

If you continue browsing this site you agree with the use of cookies in this website.OkRead more