5 Scenic Lochs To Visit In Scotland

Scotland’s lochs (the Scottish Gaelic word for “lakes”) are among its most iconic natural features—shrouded in mist, steeped in legend, and fringed by rugged mountains or rolling glens. With over 30,000 lochs scattered across the country, they range from vast freshwater expanses to sea lochs penetrating deep into the Highlands. Here’s a closer look at lochs and the five best ones to visit.

A loch can refer to a freshwater lake or a sea inlet (fjord-like) in Scotland. They are shaped by glacial activity and geological formations that date back thousands of years. Each loch carries a distinct character, often wrapped in myth, from ancient Celtic lore to modern tales like the Loch Ness Monster.