Loch Shiel

Loch Shiel is a deep freshwater loch in the Highlands, 20 kilometres west of Fort William. It stretches 28 kilometres, making it Scotland’s fourth longest loch, and reaches depths of 120 metres. The loch’s character changes along its length, from steep mountainsides in the north-east to shallow bogs and rough pasture in the south-west. A short river at the southern end drains the loch to the sea near Castle Tioram. The surrounding hills include several Corbetts, lower than the 910-metre Munro threshold, and the area is more wooded than many overgrazed Highland landscapes. The loch is a Special Protection Area for black-throated divers and golden eagles, with other birds such as white-tailed sea eagles and peregrine falcons also present. Fish include salmon, sea trout and brown trout, and fishing permits are issued from Acharacle. Remnant Caledonian Forest survives on islands like Eilean Camas, while oak and alder woodlands along the shore form a Special Area of Conservation. Otters live along the shoreline, and Claish Moss to the south is a rare raised bog preserving 8,000 years of plant history. The loch’s largest island, Eilean Fhianain, holds a ruined medieval chapel dedicated to St Finan, possibly built on a seventh-century cell. Acharacle was the site of a battle in 1140 where Somerled defeated the Norse, and the loch once served as a key communications route. Bonnie Prince Charlie landed nearby in 1745 and was rowed the length of the loch to raise his standard at Glenfinnan. The West Highland railway and A830 road pass the northern end, while cruises operate from Glenfinnan, Acharacle and Polloch.