With their rugged beauty, dramatic landscapes, and deep-rooted legends, Scotland’s lochs are nothing short of captivating. Some of these freshwater lakes are surrounded by epic mountain backdrops, others steeped in myth—home to mysterious creatures that stir the imagination. With over 31,000 lochs scattered across the country, each offers something special. Whether you’re after breathtaking hikes, peaceful waters, or legendary tales, Scotland’s lochs are a dream for adventurers, nature lovers, and photographers alike.
10. Loch Trool
Tucked away in Galloway Forest Park, Loch Trool is often considered one of the most scenic lochs in southwestern Scotland. It’s also famously one of the darkest spots in the UK at night, making it perfect for stargazing. Close by is the tallest peak in southern Scotland. History buffs will appreciate Bruce’s Stone, which commemorates Robert the Bruce’s 1307 victory over the English. A challenging but rewarding 9-km (5.5-mile) hike loops around the loch, taking about three hours to complete.
9. Loch Morar
Set in the Scottish Highlands, Loch Morar holds the title of the deepest freshwater lake in the British Isles, plunging over 300 meters (1,000 feet) deep. At its western edge lies the River Morar, one of the shortest rivers in Britain. During WWII, Swordland Lodge on the loch’s north shore served as a secret training ground for special operations. Adding to its intrigue, locals speak of Morag—a mysterious creature said to haunt the waters, described by some as a mermaid, by others as a dark omen.
8. Loch Arklet
Nestled between Loch Katrine and Loch Lomond, Loch Arklet is a picturesque, lesser-known gem in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. While steep in some areas, trails connect it to neighboring lochs, offering scenic hikes. This loch is a haven for anglers, though fishing is restricted to non-gasoline-powered boats due to its role in the public water supply. Wildlife watchers may spot ospreys circling overhead or wild goats roaming nearby.
7. Loch Tummel
Anglers often come to Loch Tummel for its trout, but it’s the panoramic views that truly steal the show. One of the best vantage points is Queen’s View, once visited by Queen Victoria and possibly named after Queen Isabella, wife of Robert the Bruce. Located in Perthshire, Loch Tummel draws visitors from all over who come to soak in what many claim are the finest vistas in Scotland.
6. Loch Shiel
Recognizable to Harry Potter fans as the setting for the Hogwarts’ Black Lake, Loch Shiel also made an appearance in the Highlander films. Framed by mountains on one end and wetlands on the other, it’s a place of stark beauty and layered history. You’ll find the ruins of a chapel, the site of a historic 12th-century battle, and the very route Bonnie Prince Charlie took in 1745 to launch the Jacobite uprising.
5. Loch Lomond
Immortalized in a traditional folk song, Loch Lomond sits on the boundary between the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands. At 39 km (24 miles) long, it’s the largest inland stretch of water in Britain and home to Inchmurrin—the largest island in the British Isles. A favorite among water sports lovers, it offers everything from kayaking and boating to paddleboarding. The “bonnie banks” of Loch Lomond are as romantic and scenic as they come.
4. Loch Katrine
Fans of literature might know Loch Katrine as the setting for Sir Walter Scott’s epic poem The Lady of the Lake. The name “Katrine” comes from the Gaelic for “cattle thief,” a nod to local legend Rob Roy MacGregor, who was born nearby. Located in the Stirling district, this 18-km (11-mile) loch is a popular destination for day-trippers from Glasgow—and it even supplies the city with fresh water.
3. Loch Maree
Arguably one of the most beautiful lochs in the Highlands, Loch Maree boasts five large and 60 small islands. Some say a creature called the muc-shelich—a massive eel or lake monster—lurks beneath its surface. The Isle Maree adds to the allure with ancient monastery ruins, sacred oak and holly trees linked to Druid legends, and a centuries-old chapel. In the past, the waters were believed to cure mental illness.
2. Loch Awe
Known for its exceptional trout fishing, Loch Awe is Scotland’s longest freshwater lake. Its islands are dotted with castle ruins, including the frequently photographed Kilchurn Castle. Nearby, the village of Lochawe provides a charming local base. This loch is also the starting point for the “Three Lakes Challenge,” a relay swim through lakes in Scotland, England, and Wales.
1. Loch Ness
No list of Scottish lochs would be complete without the legendary Loch Ness. As the second deepest lake in Scotland, it’s the rumored home of Nessie, the infamous Loch Ness Monster. While visibility in the loch is often limited due to its high peat content, it doesn’t stop visitors from keeping their eyes peeled. Beyond mythical creatures, you’ll find Urquhart Castle’s dramatic ruins along the shore and lighthouses at Lochend and Fort Augustus.