Loch Trèig

Loch Trèig is a deep freshwater loch in a steep-sided glen east of Fort William. The West Highland Line runs along its eastern bank, though no roads follow the shore. Originally a natural loch over 120 metres deep, it became part of the Lochaber hydro-electric scheme in 1929. The Treig Dam raised its water level, submerging two hamlets at the southern end. These were once stopping points on a cattle drovers’ road linking Lochaber to markets in Perthshire. The loch’s transformation into a reservoir makes it worth the journey. It forms part of a larger hydro-electric system that reshaped the landscape in the early 20th century. The drowned villages add a layer of history beneath the water’s surface. A solitary figure, Ken Smith, has lived alone on its shore for forty years. His life as a hermit has drawn attention, even featuring in a documentary and a memoir. Visitors find a quiet, remote setting framed by steep hills. The railway line runs parallel to the eastern shore, offering a distant view of the water. The loch’s deep blue surface reflects the surrounding glen. A rough cabin marks the spot where Ken Smith once lived alone. The scene blends natural beauty with traces of human history.