Loch Morar

About Loch Morar

Loch Morar is Britain’s deepest freshwater lake, measuring 310 m (1,017 ft) deep and has a surface area of 26.7 km2 (10.3 mi2). It is located in Morar, Lochaber in the Highlands of Scotland.

Flora and Fauna

The landscape around the loch is varied and includes natural woodland, sheep and cattle pasture, open hillside, and planted mixed coniferous and broadleaf woodlands. Wildlife that may be spotted includes badgers, bats, otters, red and sika deer, hedgehogs, pine marten, wild cats and shrews. Birds in the area include sea eagles (recently reintroduced to the area), grey wagtails, dippers, and sometimes kingfishers. Frogs, toads and newts can also be seen.

Activities

It is famous for the legend of the monster called the Scottish female name "Morag" that is said to live in its depths, and visitors can take a boat cruise to try and spot her. It is also a prime spot for salmon and trout fishing - Loch Morar is one of the few lochs in Scotland not affected by fish farming, so the trout are truly wild. The fishing season runs from 15 March to 6 October.

Walking in the area is magnificent and offers views to Ben Nevis in the east and the Cuilins to the west. There are only three clearly way-marked paths, the longest of which is 7.5 km (4.6 mi), and runs along the side of the loch from Bracorina to Tarbet.