Loch Oich Lake

Address: Loch Oich, Great Glen, Scotland - between Fort Augustus and Invergarry

Hours: Always open (outdoor loch)

Admission: Free (Caledonian Canal/boat services may charge)

Loch Oich is a freshwater loch in the Great Glen of the Scottish Highlands, situated between Loch Lochy to the southwest and Loch Ness to the northeast. The loch is linked into the Caledonian Canal system and lies along one of Scotland’s principal geological valleys.

The loch and its shores are relatively narrow and framed by rising ground on either side; the waterway and surrounding land have long been used for transport, canals and routes across the Highlands.

The loch occupies the central section of the Great Glen and is reachable from regional roads that follow the glen corridor; it sits within the Highland and nearby council areas of northwestern Scotland.

• Part of the Great Glen and Caledonian Canal: Lies in the Great Glen between Loch Lochy and Loch Ness and forms part of the Caledonian Canal route across the glen.

Loch Oich is accessible from the A82 between Fort Augustus and Invergarry; nearest rail stations are at Fort William or Inverness with onward road travel.

• If canoeing the Great Glen, use Loch Oich as a restful midpoint - the view north to Ben Nevis is unexpectedly open.
• Visit the nearby Commando Memorial viewpoint for a classic panorama that includes Loch Oich.
• Watch for salmon leaping in late spring and early summer near the loch's inflows and outflows.