Loch Lochy Lake

Address: Loch Lochy, Highlands, Scotland (A82 runs along the southern shore)

Admission: Free

Loch Lochy is a freshwater loch in the Great Glen of the Scottish Highlands, part of a linear series of glacial lochs that cross the Highlands. It is approximately 16 kilometres (10 miles) long and lies west of Loch Ness.

The loch is framed by steep hills and moorland and is used for angling, boating and scenic drives; a number of small roadside car parks and viewpoints line the main road. The shoreline and surrounding terrain offer walking routes and opportunities to see Highland landscapes.

Loch Lochy is a glacially carved valley feature and forms part of the Great Glen landscape that has shaped transport and settlement routes across the Highlands. Its waters and shores have long been used for local fishing and travel.

The loch sits in Lochaber between the towns of Fort William and Inverness in the western Highlands, set amid rolling hills and moorland typical of the Great Glen.

• Road access: The A82 road runs along the loch’s eastern shore, providing easy roadside views and access points for fishing and walking.

By road: follow the A82 between Spean Bridge and Fort William-Loch Lochy runs alongside the A82; multiple lay-bys provide access points. By public transport: nearest rail station is Spean Bridge (about 8 km west of the loch); local buses run along the A82 but service is infrequent.

• If fishing is intended, check local permits and the River Lochy regulations-some stretches are fishing-restricted.
• Early morning mist creates atmospheric photos; midges can be bad at dawn-bring repellant.
• Walk the short riverside trails at either end of the loch rather than hugging the road to avoid drivers and see otter tracks.