Loch Lochy

Fort William featuring mountains and a lake or waterhole
Loch Lochy
Fort William showing a house, a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes
Fort William which includes a lake or waterhole and a house
Fort William showing mountains and a lake or waterhole


Rent a boat to take out on this lake and appreciate spectacular views of forested hills. Learn about the Battle of the Shirts that took place nearby.

Loch Lochy is a vast freshwater lake in a valley surrounded by mountains. Its sides contain forests with a blend of wildlife and vegetation. Enjoy views of the water while having a picnic with your family along the lush green banks.

Walk along the perimeter of the lake. Venture into the forest and appreciate the peaceful setting. The lake is 10 miles (16 kilometres) long from north to south.

Dine at one of the restaurants and hotels decorating the sides of the lake. Enjoy an upscale meal while watching the boats float along. Watersports are popular on the lake. Rent equipment from one of the hotels with a jetty for access to the water. Watch fishermen at work, rods ready for a big catch.

The picturesque region is ideal for people-watching. Crowds of revellers often gather for weddings beside a hotel. Spot yachts and large vessels docking at the pontoons. Encounter the Laggan Locks in the northern part of the loch.

Hear tales of the mythical River Horse that is said to rise from the lake in the figure of a horse. Legend says that the being has the power to capsize boats.

The lake has an average depth of 230 feet (70 metres), making it among the deepest in Scotland. Learn about the region’s intriguing history, involving the Battle of the Shirts that took place on the northern side of the lake in 1544. It is the site of other clashes, including the Stand-off at the Fords of Arkaig in 1665.

Embark on a cruise on one of the vessels, such as the Fingal of Caledonia. The name of this loch is Gaelic for “Lake Lakey.”

The southern tip of Loch Lochy is 10 miles (16 kilometres) northeast of Fort William. Loch Arkaig joins it from the west and Loch Eil from the south. Visit the famous Loch Ness, 10 miles (16 kilometres) northeast.

Tours & day trips

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Water activities

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History & culture

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Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

The Whispering Pine Lodge

The Whispering Pine Lodge

4 out of 5
Loch Lochy, Spean Bridge, Scotland
The Whispering Pine Lodge
Black Sheep Hotels Cabins

Black Sheep Hotels Cabins

4 out of 5
Loch Lochy,, Letter Finlay, Spean Bridge, Scotland
Black Sheep Hotels Cabins
Corriegour Lodge Hotel

Corriegour Lodge Hotel

4 out of 5
Loch Lochy, Spean Bridge, Scotland
Corriegour Lodge Hotel
Ox Hotel Spean Bridge

Ox Hotel Spean Bridge

2 out of 5
Spean Crescent, Spean Bridge, Scotland
Ox Hotel Spean Bridge
Toradh Cabin

Toradh Cabin

3 out of 5
1 Stronaba, Spean Bridge, Scotland
Toradh Cabin
Taigh Nan Daraich located in Spean Bridge

Taigh Nan Daraich located in Spean Bridge

Spean Bridge
Taigh Nan Daraich located in Spean Bridge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Loch Lochy

Loch Lochy offers stunning walking trails that showcase the area's natural beauty. The best walks include the scenic trek along the loch's shoreline, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, and the more challenging routes through the nearby Great Glen Way. These paths cater to all abilities, ensuring visitors can experience the tranquil landscapes and wildlife that make this destination special.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is Highland Soaps, located 6.4km from Loch Lochy, offering delightful handmade soaps and gifts. If you're up for a drive, the Clog and Craft Shop, 26.4km away, features unique crafts and traditional Scottish items that make perfect souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience rejuvenation at Great Glen Water Park, where you can unwind in a serene atmosphere and enjoy various wellness activities. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Dragons Tooth Golf Course offers a delightful golfing experience amidst stunning scenery, perfect for both relaxation and invigorating sport.

Adventure

At Nevis Range Mountain Experience, enjoy breathtaking views via the cable car gondola, located 9.7km from Loch Lochy. For hiking enthusiasts, the West Highland Way offers stunning scenery 16.1km away. Additionally, Aonach Mor Ski Resort, 12.9km away, is perfect for skiing and winter sports adventures.

Nightlife

In Loch Lochy, the friendly local pubs like The Old Station serve up traditional ales and live music, creating a warm atmosphere. For a more relaxed evening, the scenic Loch Lochy shores provide a tranquil spot for stargazing, enhancing your Scottish experience.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Loch Lochy

Loch Lochy and its surroundings offer a delightful mix of historical ruins, memorials, and museums, perfect for travellers seeking cultural enrichment and outdoor adventures. The scenic beauty of the area enhances the experience, making it an ideal destination for those wishing to immerse themselves in the rich history and stunning landscapes of Scotland. Enjoy exploring this captivating region that promises both relaxation and exploration.

  • Inverlochy Castle: Explore the enchanting ruins of Inverlochy Castle, located 12.9km from Loch Lochy. This 13th-century fortress offers a glimpse into Scotland's rich history and is surrounded by stunning landscapes, making it a perfect spot for photography and reflection.
  • Commando Memorial: Situated only 4.8km away, the Commando Memorial is a poignant tribute to the bravery of the British Commandos during World War II. The striking statue overlooks the breathtaking Nevis Range and provides a serene space for remembrance and contemplation.
  • Clan Cameron Museum: Just 4.8km from Loch Lochy, the Clan Cameron Museum delves into the captivating history of the Cameron clan. This intimate museum showcases artefacts and stories that celebrate the clan's heritage, offering a rich cultural experience.

Best time to go to Loch Lochy

The best time to visit Loch Lochy can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Loch Lochy falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Loch Lochy falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is very cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January28.4°F (-2.0°C)Light RainVery CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February29.1°F (-1.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March32.4°F (0.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April37.4°F (3.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainVery CloudyAverageSlightly High
September45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainVery CloudySlightly HighAverage
October39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainVery CloudySlightly LowAverage
November33.6°F (0.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December29.5°F (-1.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Loch Lochy

To save money during your trip to Loch Lochy, consider visiting in the off-peak months of January to February or November, as accommodation prices are lower compared to the summer months. Booking your hotel around one month in advance or taking advantage of last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can yield significant savings. Look for the best prices on Wednesdays, as Saturdays tend to be the priciest. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package can further reduce costs, while using filters to find eco-friendly options can help you stay within budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Loch Lochy are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Loch Lochy is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Loch Lochy is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Loch Lochy is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will reveal sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Loch Lochy hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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