Loch Maree

Loch Maree lies in Wester Ross in the Northwest Highlands, stretching 21.7 km along a northwest-southeast axis. It is the fourth-largest freshwater loch in Scotland and the largest north of Loch Ness, with a surface area of 28.7 km². The loch contains five large wooded islands and over 60 smaller ones, many with their own lochans. Its largest island, Eilean Sùbhainn, holds a loch that itself contains an island, a unique feature in Great Britain. Isle Maree features the remains of a Pre-Reformation chapel linked to Saint Máel Ruba, a Celtic Church missionary from the 8th century. The loch is important for wildlife, hosting one of the largest breeding concentrations of black-throated diver in Great Britain. It also supports a significant population of Eurasian otter and some of the best native Caledonian pinewood in Scotland. Twelve species of dragonfly have been recorded here, and the waters, islands and shoreline are protected by conservation designations. The loch’s deep basins include the Grudie Basin, which reaches 112 m in depth between Isle Maree and the head of the loch. Slioch, a 3,000 ft Munro, dominates the eastern end of the loch above Kinlochewe. The northeastern shore forms part of the Letterewe, Heights of Kinlochewe & Tournaig Estate, while the southwestern side includes the Torridon Forest and Beinn Eighe, capped with white quartzite. The A832 road runs along much of the southwestern shore, offering views of the loch’s mountainous surroundings. The loch’s remote location and protected status make it a quiet place for nature and walking.