Loch Fyne

Loch Fyne is a long sea inlet on Scotland’s west coast, stretching 65 kilometres inland from the Sound of Bute. It lies between the Cowal Peninsula on the east and the Kintyre Peninsula on the west. The Crinan Canal joins its northern end to the Sound of Jura, giving small boats a shortcut past the Kintyre headland. Mountain ridges rise along the northern shore, including the Arrochar Alps and Glen Shira. Nearby hills like Beinn Bhuidhe overlook the loch, while Glen Fyne and Glen Croe lead inland.

The loch is known for its wildlife and history. Dolphins, seals and otters live in its waters, and basking sharks appear in summer. In 2014 it became a Marine Protected Area covering the whole loch north of Otter Ferry. During the Second World War a large training camp stood south of Inveraray, where Allied troops learned beach landings. The site is now an Argyll caravan park. The loch also gave its name to Loch Fyne oysters and the famous Loch Fyne kippers.

Visitors find castles along the shores, including Inveraray Castle and Dunderave Castle. The 38-metre Inveraray Bell Tower stands above the loch and can be seen from far away. Crarae Garden, ten miles south of Inveraray, offers National Trust for Scotland gardens with views over the water. A vehicle ferry runs between Portavadie on the east shore and Tarbert on the west. The Crinan Canal has fifteen locks along its nine-mile length, built in the late 18th century and improved by Thomas Telford.