Scotland the best
Gorgeous lochs
We love lochs! Leave behind the stresses of everyday life and savour picture-postcard views
Loch Arkaig
An enigmatic loch long renowned for its fishing. From the A82 beyond Spean Bridge (at the Commando Monument) cross the Caledonian Canal, then on by single-track road through the Clunes Forest and the Dark Mile past the Witches’ Pool (a cauldron of dark water below cataracts) to the loch. Bonnie Prince Charlie came this way before and after Culloden; one of his refuge caves is marked on a trail.
Lochs of the Trossachs
Loch Achray is the small loch at the centre of the Trossachs between Loch Katrine, and Loch Venachar. The A821 from Callander skirts both Venachar and Achray. Many picnic spots and a fishing centre, and Venachar Lochside is excellent. Ben Venue and Ben A’an rise above: great walks and views. A one-way forest road goes round the other side of Loch Achray through Achray Forest.
Loch Morar
Forty-three miles west of Fort William by A850 (a wildly scenic but a smooth route). Morar village is four miles from Mallaig. A single-track road leads from the coast to the loch then to Bracara. It’s the prettiest part with wooded islets, small beaches, lochside meadows and bobbing boats. The road stops at a turning place but a track continues from Bracorina to Tarbet and it’s possible to connect with a boat and sail back to Mallaig on Loch Nevis (check locally). Loch Morar, joined to the coast by the shortest river in Britain, also has the deepest water. There is a spookiness about it and just possibly a monster called Morag. Nearby, epic beaches.
Loch Ken
Between Castle Douglas & New Galloway. Ken is long and thin. On spring days it shimmers and lots of people boat and surf and hang out; this is a loch of life. Then there’s New Galloway. Many trails (and deer) around.
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99