The Most Beautiful Loch in Scotland, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the loch you think is the most beautiful!
Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:19
In the picturesque landscapes of Scotland, scattered among rolling hills and ancient forests, the lochs hold a special allure. Each one offers a unique blend of tranquility and rugged beauty, drawing visitors from near and far. Yet, with so many to choose from, determining which loch stands out as the most beautiful can be a daunting task. This is where the power of collective opinion comes into play, providing a clearer picture based on shared experiences.
By casting a vote for your preferred loch, you contribute to a broader communal verdict that helps others identify the top scenic spots. This dynamic list not only aids travelers in making informed decisions but also celebrates the natural heritage of Scotland. As votes accumulate, the list continuously updates, reflecting new opinions and perhaps revealing lesser-known gems worth exploring.
What Is the Most Beautiful Loch in Scotland?
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153votes
Abubakr Hussain, Mohammed-Hayat Ashrafi, Maaz Farooq, Farmaan Akhtar, Mohammed Shah · CC BY-SA 2.5Loch Lomond
NaturalLoch Lomond - known for its stunning scenery, clear waters, and diverse wildlife. It is the largest freshwater loch in Scotland and is surrounded by mountains, forests, and picturesque villages.Loch Lomond is a breathtakingly beautiful lake located in the Trossachs National Park in Scotland. It is known for its stunning scenery, pristine blue waters, and surrounding mountains. Loch Lomond stretches over 24 miles in length and is the largest inland body of water in Great Britain. The loch has a rich history and is home to numerous islands, including Inchmurrin, the largest freshwater island in the British Isles. Loch Lomond is a popular tourist destination, offering a wide range of activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting. Its proximity to Glasgow makes it easily accessible for day trips or longer visits.- Location: Trossachs National Park, Scotland
- Size: 24 miles in length
- Type: Freshwater Loch
- Islands: Over 30 islands, including Inchmurrin
- Depth: Maximum depth of 190 meters (620 feet)
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235votes
Sam Fentress · CC BY-SA 2.0Loch Ness is famous for its mythical monster, this loch is also a stunning natural wonder. It is the second largest Scottish loch and is surrounded by rugged hills and forests.Loch Ness is a picturesque freshwater loch located in the Scottish Highlands. It is known for its breathtaking beauty and the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, which has made it an iconic tourist destination. The loch stretches approximately 23 miles long and covers an area of about 22 square miles. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, Loch Ness offers stunning panoramic views and is a favorite spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.- Length: Approximately 23 miles
- Area: About 22 square miles
- Location: Scottish Highlands
- Depth: Maximum depth of 754 feet
- Water Source: Mainly fed by rivers, streams, and subterranean springs
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319votes
Roger McLachlan · CC BY-SA 2.0Loch Maree
Natural formationLoch Maree is located in the northwest Highlands, this loch is surrounded by ancient Caledonian pine forests and is home to a variety of wildlife, including golden eagles and otters.Loch Maree is a breathtakingly beautiful freshwater loch located in the northwest Highlands of Scotland. It stretches over an area of approximately 28.6 square kilometers and is surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes. The name 'Loch Maree' translates to 'Lake of Maria' in Gaelic, in honor of the Virgin Mary. Its crystal-clear waters and tranquil atmosphere make it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.- Size: 28.6 square kilometers
- Location: Northwest Highlands, Scotland
- Mean Depth: 34 meters
- Max Depth: 114 meters
- Islands: Over 60 islands
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411votesLoch Awe - the third largest Scottish loch, Loch Awe is known for its stunning scenery, including the ruined Kilchurn Castle and the island of Innis Chonnel.Loch Awe is a breathtakingly beautiful freshwater loch located in Scotland. It is widely regarded as one of the most stunning natural wonders in the country, showcasing both the tranquility and grandeur of the Scottish Highlands. Surrounded by rolling green hills, dense forests, and majestic mountains, Loch Awe offers a captivating setting that enchants visitors from around the world.
- Location: Argyll and Bute, Scotland
- Surface Area: 38.5 square kilometers
- Length: 41 kilometers
- Max Depth: 93 meters
- Islands: More than 20 islands, including Innis Chonnell and Innis Chonan
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513votes
Paul Hermans · CC BY-SA 3.0Loch Tay - located in the central Highlands, Loch Tay is known for its scenic beauty and historic landmarks, including the ancient standing stones of the Croft Moraig stone circle.Loch Tay is a breathtakingly beautiful freshwater loch located in the central Highlands of Scotland. This stunning loch stretches for about 24 kilometers and is surrounded by majestic mountains and picturesque villages. The tranquil and serene atmosphere of Loch Tay, coupled with its natural beauty, makes it a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers alike.- Size: 24 kilometers long
- Location: Central Highlands of Scotland
- Type: Freshwater loch
- Surroundings: Majestic mountains and picturesque villages
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by road
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610votes
Richard Webb · CC BY-SA 2.0Loch Katrine is situated in the Trossachs National Park, Loch Katrine is known for its tranquil beauty and is a popular destination for boating and hiking.Loch Katrine is a stunning freshwater loch located in the heart of the Trossachs National Park in Scotland. This loch is renowned for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, with breathtaking panoramic views of rolling hills, dense forests, and sparkling waters. With its tranquil atmosphere and picturesque surroundings, Loch Katrine has become a popular destination for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful escape.- Location: The Trossachs National Park, Scotland
- Area: 12.4 square kilometers
- Length: 13 kilometers
- Maximum Depth: 150 meters
- Surrounding Mountains: Ben Venue, Ben A'an
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712votes
Pip Rolls · CC BY-SA 2.0Loch Ericht
Natural formationLoch Ericht is located in the remote wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park, Loch Ericht is a stunningly beautiful loch surrounded by rugged mountains and forests.Loch Ericht is a breathtakingly beautiful loch located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Surrounded by majestic mountains and dense forests, it offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers alike. The loch stretches approximately 23 kilometers in length and is the tenth largest freshwater loch in Scotland. Its deep blue waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Loch Ericht is situated in a remote and untouched part of Scotland, providing visitors with an unparalleled sense of tranquility and solitude.- Location: Scottish Highlands
- Length: Approximately 23 kilometers
- Freshwater: Yes
- Size: Tenth largest in Scotland
- Surroundings: Majestic mountains and dense forests
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85votesLochinver is situated in the northwest Highlands, Lochinver is a picturesque fishing village that overlooks Loch Inver, a stunningly beautiful sea loch surrounded by rugged hills and moors.Lochinver is a picturesque loch located in the Assynt region of the Scottish Highlands. Surrounded by rugged mountains and dotted with small islands, it is often regarded as one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the breathtaking scenery, creating a serene and tranquil setting.
- Location: Assynt, Scottish Highlands
- Size: Approximately 6 square kilometers
- Depth: Maximum depth of 70 meters
- Islands: Several small islands scattered throughout the loch
- Wildlife: Home to various bird species and occasionally visited by seals and otters
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97votes
dave souza · CC BY-SA 4.0Loch Fyne is located in the west coast of Scotland, Loch Fyne is a stunning sea loch known for its seafood, including oysters and salmon. It is also surrounded by beautiful scenery, including forests and hills.Loch Fyne is a captivating and picturesque loch located in Scotland. It stretches along the western coast of the Argyll and Bute region, offering stunning views and serene surroundings. The loch is renowned for its natural beauty and is often regarded as one of the most scenic lochs in Scotland.- Length: 65 kilometers
- Width: 1-5 kilometers
- Depth: Max. depth of 70 meters
- Location: Argyll and Bute, Scotland
- Surroundings: Impressive mountains, lush forests, and charming coastal villages
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109votesLoch Long is situated in the Argyll and Bute region, Loch Long is a beautiful sea loch that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. It is also a popular destination for boating and water sports.Loch Long is a stunning sea loch located in the west coast of Scotland, within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and lush green landscapes, it stretches approximately 20 miles from Arrochar to the Firth of Clyde, offering breathtaking views at every turn.
- Length: Approximately 20 miles
- Location: West coast of Scotland
- National Park: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
- Surroundings: Mountains and beautiful landscapes
- Connection: Links Arrochar to the Firth of Clyde
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Ranking factors for beautiful loch
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Scenery and SurroundingsConsider the overall beauty of the loch and its surroundings, including the landscape, mountains, forests, and any nearby landmarks.
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Water clarity and colorAnalyze the clarity and color of the water - clear, calm waters with unique and stunning hues are often considered more beautiful than murky or polluted water.
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WildlifeTake into account the variety of wildlife in and around the loch, such as unique or rare bird species, deer, and otters, as well as the amount and diversity of aquatic life.
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Activities and AttractionsConsider the different activities and attractions available in and around the loch, including hiking, fishing, boating, historic sites, and picnic areas.
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AccessibilityFactor in the ease of access to the loch, including whether it is reachable by car, public transport, or only via walking/hiking trails.
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Popularity and CrowdsAssess the popularity of the loch, as some people may prefer a more peaceful and serene experience with fewer tourists, while others might prefer a busy hub with local restaurants and shops.
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WeatherInvestigate the local weather patterns, as a consistently sunny and pleasant climate will likely make the loch seem more beautiful and enjoyable for visitors.
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Seasonal ChangesConsider the loch's appearance throughout the year, as some landscapes may be more beautiful in certain seasons or during specific weather events, such as snowfall or autumn foliage.
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Local Culture and HistoryTake into account any unique cultural or historical aspects tied to the loch, such as legends, myths, or historic events that may contribute to its overall charm and appeal.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful loch in Scotland. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or loch is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1606 views
- 173 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each loch once every 24 hours. The rank of each loch is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most beautiful loch in scotland
Scotland is home to over 30,000 lochs, each with its own unique charm and beauty. These bodies of water, formed by glaciers during the Ice Age, dot the Scottish countryside and offer breathtaking views to visitors from around the world. While all of Scotland's lochs are stunning in their own right, some stand out above the rest for their sheer natural beauty and cultural significance. In this article, we'll explore some of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland and why they are worth a visit. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Scotland's lochs offer something for everyone.
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