Discover the Wild and Magnificent Loch Maree Scotland , one of the jewels of the Highlands and the Wester Ross area. With the ancient pinewoods of Beinn Eighe and its 66 island, Loch Maree is really a gem you should admire. Have a look in photos and video:
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Loch Maree in Video
With 20km in length, Loch Maree is the 4th largest freshwater lochs in Scotland... and one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland !
It is a wild protected area between the forest of the Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve and the Slioch Mountain on the other side.
Loch Maree Scotland is famous for its stunning scenery and rare plants and animals, as as for its wooded islands.
The funny thing is that one of the islands on Loch Maree has itself a loch with a small island inside...
Below is a short video of Loch Maree and a little bit of the rest of the Wester Ross region. I seem to have been so in awe of the scenery that I did not film much. Sorry!
Planning tips - Loch Maree Scotland
Getting to Loch Maree Location
- A832 is the road going along Loch Maree
- Kinlochewe is the village nearby inland and Poolewe is the nearby village on the ocean side
- Slattadale in the middle of the Loch is A 4h30min drive from Glasgow and 1h30min drive from Inverness
- It is located in the magnificent Wester Ross Region
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Things to do at Loch Maree
Considering this is a protected area, there are no activities developed around the Loch.
Mostly you come to enjoy nature - there are several walking trails, or you can simply drive around and enjoy the views.
But you can also Kayak / Canoe on Loch Maree. It will take you to Isle Maree with the ruins of a chapel - check out the program and book
Loch Maree Walks
- You can enjoy many walks of varying difficulty in the area. Walk Highlands lists the walks in the wider area.
- The Main walks around Loch Maree are the climb of Slioch, the Beinn Eighe Trails indicated further down and the Slattadale to Poolewe walk.
Accommodations near Loch Maree
- At the West end, you can stay in the coastal town of Poolewe is a great choice with a charming atmosphere - check out accommodation options
- Along the loch you can find the Loch Maree Hotel - check out pictures and availability
- And at the East end, you can sty in Kinlochlewe - check out the accommodation options
Loch Maree Viewpoint at Glen Docherty
As you drive on A832 Through Glen Docherty getting closer to Loch Maree Scotland, you will notice a sign for a parking and a viewpoint.
On a clear day it is a great place to have a break. The light was not good for photography but you still get an idea of the view the the road leading to Loch Maree.
Loch Maree Viewpoint
Beinn Eighe Reserve
Loch Maree is on the east side of the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. The mountainous area established in 1951 is Britain's oldest national nature reserve.
It covers 48km2 to protect the largest remnant of ancient Scots pinewood in the western Highlands.
Below is the map of the reserve with the walking Trails.
Beinn Eighe Reserve map
Beinn Eighe - Glas Leitir Trails Carpark
As you reach the shores of Loch Maree Scotland, you will see a sign for the Glas Leitir Trails parking.
The Area is will set up with picnic tables and toilets. You can learn more about the woods and the history of the region.
A trail trough the pinewood forest starts here. Or you can just relax on the shore of Loch Maree and admire the view.
This was one of my favorite stops. The roots of the trees around the rocks were fascinating.
Driving along Loch Maree with views of Slioch
Located to the North of Loch Maree Scotland, Slioch reaches a height of 981m (3218ft). It translates to the Spear and its shape is intriguing and easily recognizable. (Learn more on Wikipedia). Ascension is mostly from one side as the others are too steep.
Like with all the Lochs in Scotland, it can be frustrating to drive along Loch Maree because of the trees and private land. You know the view is amazing but you cannot see it...
Luckily further along the road, there are no more trees and you can see the panorama unobstructed with Slioch.
I found another parking area but it was surrounded by trees and the sign kind of stopped my exploring.
But I still found a little spot from the parking where I could admire the mountain of Slioch.
Islands of Loch Maree
After leaving the shore of the Lochs, the roads gets you back along the water and you can see some of the islands.
Loch Maree is home to 66 islands. Some of them protect pristine remnants of Pine wood. Some of the trees are over 350 years old.
Slattadale
The last stop before the road leaves the Loch is at Slattadale. I did not stop, but you can go by the shore and enjoy a picnic (parking, tables, toilets).
A one way 5miles walk will take you to the Tollie Farm near Poolewe
West head of Loch Maree from the Wester Ross Coastal trail
If you continue exploring Wester Ross on A832, it takes you towards to coast before turning North. At one point you get the chance to discover another view of Loch Maree Scotland as the road drive by the North West head of the Loch (before Poolewe).
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