Loch Achall

Loch Achall is a long, narrow freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands, just 3 kilometres northeast of Ullapool. It sits in a valley surrounded by rugged hills, with steep slopes rising from its shores. The loch is fed by two rivers, the Rhidorroch and the Allt a’Ghiubhais, while the River Ullapool flows out from its western end. Its name in Gaelic, Loch Ach a’ Challa, means ‘loch of the hazel field’, hinting at the landscape around it. The water is calm, reflecting the surrounding peaks on still days. It is a quiet spot, far from busy roads or towns. The loch is framed by two Marilyn hills—Beinn Eilideach to the south and Meall Liath Choire to the northeast. Beinn Eilideach reaches 559 metres, while Meall Liath Choire stands at 549 metres. These peaks add to the loch’s dramatic setting, making it a place for walkers and those who enjoy wild landscapes. The hills are steep and rocky, with few trees on their upper slopes. The contrast between the dark water and the light-coloured rocks is striking. The area is part of the wider Ross and Cromarty region, known for its remote beauty. Visitors find a peaceful place where the only sounds are wind in the grass and water lapping at the shore. The loch is long and narrow, stretching far into the distance, with no buildings or crowds in sight. The hills around it are wild and open, with heather and grass covering their lower slopes. The River Ullapool, flowing from the loch’s western end, leads towards Loch Broom and the sea. It is a spot for those who want to escape the noise of modern life and enjoy the quiet of the Highlands.