Loch Iorsa

Loch Iorsa lies on the island of Arran in North Ayrshire, set deep inside Glen Iorsa. The loch stretches west-south-west for about 700 metres, never wider than 100 metres, and is fed and drained by the Iorsa Water. This river leaves Loch na Davie ten kilometres to the north-east and reaches the Kilbrannan Sound after another 3.5 kilometres. The valley sides rise steeply around the water, giving the loch a quiet, enclosed feel. The loch is best known for its salmon and trout fishing, with a fish weir built at the outflow. Several walking routes of varying difficulty run beside the water, letting visitors explore the glen at their own pace. The surrounding hills are popular with hill walkers heading further into Arran’s interior. Red deer often graze the higher slopes while golden eagles circle overhead. At the western end of the loch the land flattens towards the coast, where views open across the Kilbrannan Sound to the Ayrshire hills. The path from the coast climbs gently to the loch, passing through birch and oak woodlands that shelter red squirrels. The still water reflects the surrounding crags, creating a calm scene that changes with the shifting light of the day.