Loch Awe

About Loch Awe

Loch Awe, or Loch Obha in Scottish Gaelic, is a large freshwater lake in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Its total surface area is 38.5 km2 (14.8 mi2), making it the third largest loch in Scotland. It’s also the longest, measuring 41 km (25.4 mi) from end to end, with an average width of 1 km (0.6 mi).

Activities

It is well known for trout and salmon fishing. Water quality is high and fish thrive in the variety of environments in the many bays – shallow, sandy, rocky or reedy. Other fish include char, perch and some very large pike. Fishing permits are available locally. 

Visitors can also enjoy boating, kayaking and canoeing, as well as walking, hiking, and climbing.  There are several islands in the loch, including Innis Chonnell and Inishail. Some feature ruined castles on them. The lake has two hydroelectric projects, one created by the damming of the river and one, Cruachan Dam, is a pumped storage project. This dam has a visitor center.