Top 20 Lakes in the Northwest Highlands
Best lakes in the Northwest Highlands are characterized by extensive lochs, dramatic mountains, and diverse wildlife. This region offers a range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. The landscape features ancient castles, historical sites, and numerous scenic trails. Visitors can explore a variety of natural features, from clear waters to ancient pinewoods.
Best lakes in the Northwest Highlands
- The most popular lakes include Loch Achaidh na h-Inich, a viewpoint that offers a beautiful hiking trail along its lakeside through woodlands. This spot provides views across the lake and opportunities for picnics.
- Another must-see spot is Loch Shiel Lakeside Gravel Track, a trail running alongside Loch Shiel. This forestry track offers views over the water and is suitable for cycling, with sections for picnics or swimming.
- Visitors also love Loch a' Choire Dubh to Suilven Summit, a challenging trail that includes a climb to a summit. The loch itself is a place for a lunch stop or a swim, with views of Canisp from the saddle.
- Northwest Highlands is known for freshwater lochs, mountain lochs, and lochs with historical sites. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from those with ancient ruins to those surrounded by dramatic mountains.
- The lakes in the Northwest Highlands are appreciated by the komoot community, with 19 upvotes and 58 photos shared across 167 highlights.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Loch a' Choire Dubh to Suilven Summit
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Loch Shiel Lakeside Gravel Track
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
There are a few places where you can pull in by the water for a picnic or even a swim. Overall it's quite a flat track but there are some lovely undulating parts that wind around the loch.
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Tobermory Harbour
Highlight • Settlement
Today it's a well-loved tourist attraction, featuring the Tobermory Distillery and was the setting of children's TV show Balamory. You'll find plenty of places to eat, drink and stay here, as well as gorgeous shops filled with local arts and crafts.
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Coigach Peninsula Scenic Road (Loch Lurgainn & Loch Bad a' Ghaill)
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Lochan a' Ghurrabain
Highlight • Forest
The loch is filled with water lilies and has a rich bird population. Herons, mallards, goosanders, and red-breasted mergansers are often seen on the loch. Blackcaps, firecrests, and treecreepers can be found in the trees surrounding the loch.
You can walk all the way around this loch.
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Loch Achaidh na h-Inich
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Kinloch Hourn
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Ruins at Loch Ma Stac
Highlight • Historical Site
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Loch Shiel and Glenfinnan Monument
Highlight • Monument
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Loch Allt an Daraich
Highlight • Natural
The latter can be seen from here but is the much larger loch lower down.
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Tips from the Community
Lochan a Ghurrabain is an artificial loch that was constructed as an energy source for the mill, but is now a beautiful spot for birdwatchers, hikers, and anglers. The Tobermory Angling Club rents the loch, which is stocked with rainbow trout. The loch is filled with water lilies and has a rich bird population. Herons, mallards, goosanders, and red-breasted mergansers are often seen on the loch. Blackcaps, firecrests, and treecreepers can be found in the trees surrounding the loch. You can walk all the way around this loch.
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As you get close to Suilven you wonder how yuo are going to get up there - but there is a steep path that takes you to the lowest point in the ridge.
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Kinloch Hourn is the end of the road, beyond here to the west beckon the wilds of Knoydart. You'll find a car park and B&B accommodation here. The undulating path along the southern shore of Loch Hourn leads to one of Scotland's greatest Munros: Ladhar Bheinn. This path also features on the Cape Wrath Trail.
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Loch Allt an Daraich is a small mountain loch at an altitude of approximately 518 meters in the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. It lies along the descent of the Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail and provides a visual respite after reaching the summit. The loch has an irregular shoreline of approximately 550 meters and is relatively shallow. Its location in an open quartzite plateau offers a serene atmosphere and a chance to cool off on hot days. The loch marks the start of the final section of the trail.
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A 19th century shooting lodge and boathouse on the Corrimony estate. When it was built, the level of the loch was higher, at least up to the level of the ground floor, which was the boathouse section. The two upper floors were the accommodation. There is possibly another boathouse ruin where the original shore of the loch was, plus the remains of a causeway for access to what was an island. The level of the loch was lowered when the Glenmoriston hydro scheme was built in the 1950s.
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Lochan a Ghurrabain is known as the water lilies loch. It's an artificial loch, created to provide a steady stream of water to power the local mills. The water power is no longer needed, so it's a haven for wildlife with a pretty and fairly easy walk around it. Look out for Heron, Mallard, Goosander and Goldeneye on the loch and other birds in the surrounding woodland.
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Worth it for the excellent views
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This highlight should be named Loch Allt an Daraich NOT Loch Maree. The latter can be seen from here but is the much larger loch lower down.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most picturesque lakes to visit in the Northwest Highlands?
The Northwest Highlands are home to many stunning lochs. Loch Maree is often described as a hidden gem, known for its clear waters, numerous islands, and ancient pinewoods of Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. Another beautiful option is Loch Assynt, dramatically set beneath mountains like Canisp and Quinag, featuring the iconic Ardvreck Castle ruins. For breathtaking vistas, consider the Coigach Peninsula Scenic Road, which offers stunning views of Loch Lurgainn and Loch Bad a' Ghaill.
Are there lakes with historical significance in the Northwest Highlands?
Yes, several lochs in the region boast rich history. Loch Shiel is historically important as the heartland of the 1745 Jacobite Rising, with the Glenfinnan Monument nearby. The Isle of Maree in Loch Maree contains the remains of an ancient 8th-century chapel. Additionally, Loch Assynt features the romantic 16th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, while Loch Ma Stac has ruins on the slopes of Meall a Chràthaich.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around the lakes in the Northwest Highlands?
The lakes offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling along the Loch Shiel Lakeside Gravel Track or the scenic Coigach Peninsula Scenic Road. Hiking is popular, with trails like the one leading to Loch a' Choire Dubh to Suilven Summit, offering challenging climbs and rewarding views. Many lochs also provide opportunities for picnics and swimming. For more extensive cycling routes, explore the Cycling in the Northwest Highlands guide, or for mountain biking, check out MTB Trails in the Northwest Highlands.
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities in the Northwest Highlands?
Absolutely. Many lochs offer gentle trails and picnic spots suitable for families. The Loch Achaidh na h-Inich viewpoint, for instance, has a beautiful hiking trail through woodlands perfect for a family stroll and picnics by the water. The Loch Shiel Lakeside Gravel Track is also suitable for cycling with children, offering places to stop and swim.
Where can I find challenging hiking trails near the lakes?
For a challenging experience, the trail from Loch a' Choire Dubh to Suilven Summit is highly recommended, featuring a steep ascent to an iconic mountain. The area around Loch Hourn is known for its wild character, with an undulating path leading to Ladhar Bheinn, part of the challenging Cape Wrath Trail. You can find more demanding routes in the Mountain Hikes in the Northwest Highlands guide.
What unique natural features can be found around the lochs?
The Northwest Highlands boast diverse natural features. Loch Maree is famous for its over 60 islands, including a rare island-within-an-island. The loch is also a haven for wildlife like the black-throated diver bird and is bordered by the ancient pinewoods of Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. Loch Allt an Daraich, a small mountain loch, offers a serene atmosphere within the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, providing a chance to cool off on warm days.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes in the Northwest Highlands?
The best time to visit the lakes in the Northwest Highlands is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, the weather is milder, days are longer, and the midges are less prevalent, especially in May and early June. This period is ideal for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the scenic beauty.
Are there any famous landmarks or viewpoints near the lakes?
Yes, several lochs are close to notable landmarks. The Glenfinnan Monument, commemorating the Jacobite Rising, stands proudly near Loch Shiel, which is also famous for the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Loch Assynt is overlooked by the dramatic ruins of Ardvreck Castle. For stunning panoramic views, the Loch Achaidh na h-Inich viewpoint offers beautiful perspectives across the lake and woodlands.
What is the general terrain like around the lakes in the Northwest Highlands?
The terrain around the lakes in the Northwest Highlands is incredibly varied and dramatic. You'll find extensive freshwater lochs nestled among rugged mountains, ancient woodlands, and open moorland. Some areas feature challenging, rocky ascents, while others offer gentler, undulating paths or gravel tracks suitable for cycling. The region is characterized by its wild and remote beauty.
Can I find cafes or facilities near the lakes?
While many areas are remote, some locations offer facilities. Kinloch Hourn, at the end of the road to Loch Hourn, serves as a gateway to the wilds of Knoydart and has a cafe. Larger settlements like Ullapool or those on the Isle of Mull, such as Tobermory Harbour, provide more extensive amenities including cafes, restaurants, and accommodation.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in the Northwest Highlands?
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking views and the sense of peace and isolation offered by the lochs. Many enjoy the rewarding feeling of reaching summits after challenging hikes, with incredible vistas as their reward. The opportunity for picnics by the water, swimming in clear lochs, and exploring ancient historical sites also contribute to a memorable experience. The diverse landscapes, from ancient pinewoods to dramatic mountain backdrops, are frequently highlighted as major attractions.
Most popular routes in the Northwest Highlands
Most popular attractions in the Northwest Highlands
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