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Our Loch Morar Guide The Deepest Loch in Scotland

Our Loch Morar Guide: The Deepest Loch in Scotland

Loch Morar is the deepest loch in Scotland (why should I move to Scotland?), reaching 1,017 feet deep.

It’s also the fifth-largest loch in the country, spanning 26.7 square kilometres. But there’s more to this lake than meets the eye.

It’s home to the sea monster Morag – aka Nessie’s cousin – with 34 recorded sightings. Plus, it’s a lovely place to try several exciting activities.

Here’s a quick travel guide to aid you in planning your visit to Scotland’s deepest loch.

Best Time to Go

The best time to go to Loch Morar is summertime. You’ll get to appreciate the glistening lake and explore the surrounding area with warm weather and bright skies.

How to Get Around

Bikes: The easiest way to get around Loch Morar is by bike since there are designated lanes for this in the area. It helps you reach the different parts of the lake quickly.

Car service: Although not all parts of Loch Morar can be accessed by car, you can drive towards the loch in your personal or rental car.

Ferries: For a cruise around the loch and its nearby areas, you should ride a ferry back and forth to Loch Morar. Western Isles Cruises is one of our top picks, which takes you from Tarbet to Mallaig, including Loch Morar.

Where to Stay Near Loch Morar

Loch Morar Private Suite

Loch Morar Private Suite
Image from roadtotheisles.com

Address: Chapel House, Morar, Mallaig, PH40 4PB, UK

Phone: +44 1687 460290

Pricing: ££

Book Now

Offering stunning views of the deep loch, Loch Morar Private Suite is a comfortable accommodation that comes with a cosy bedroom, a private garden and a patio.

It also has a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave and fridge for your self-catering needs. 

It’s also within walking distance from Morar village and a few kilometres away from a series of pretty beaches.

The Morar Hotel

Address: Columba Rd, Morar, PH40 4PA, UK

Phone: +44 1687 310410

Pricing: ££

Book Now

Situated between Loch Morar and the Silver Sand Beaches, the Morar Hotel is a three-star lodging that’s known for its millennia of Scottish heritage. 

It’s a classic accommodation choice that’s fit for any traveller, whether you’re by yourself or with a group. Aside from a stunning panoramic view of the loch from their veranda, the hotel offers high-quality local food with seafood to vegan options.

Plus, it’s a pet-friendly hotel so you can bring along your furry buddies during your trip.

What to Do in Loch Morar

Hiking

Ben Nevis, one of the Scottish Highlands’ highest peaks, is found a few miles southwest of the loch, making it an ideal place for a challenging hike. In fact, most tourists love traversing this path to get a better view of the mystic lake – you might even spot Morag!

But of course, reaching the summit of The Ben is a big feat in itself – the reward is a stunning panoramic view from the top!

Walking

Loch Morar is also called a Walker’s Paradise, featuring different paths fit for a casual stroll or exciting trek.

One of the easiest ones is the Arisaig Village circuit, taking barely two hours to finish with a 4.22 miles distance.

Meanwhile, the West Beach to Land Sea and Island Centre loop from Morar is an intermediate trail you might like. It takes about four hours to finish this 9.24-mile journey.

The most challenging one, suitable for experts, is the Land Sea & Island centre loop from Arisaig. It’ll take around six hours to complete the 13-mile trail.

Fishing

Known as a great fishing spot, many locals visit Loch Morar for this activity as the lake’s home to several fishes like brown trout, Arctic char and salmon.

But take note that you should get a permit to fish in the loch, as it’s now a sustainable way to maintain the healthy population of fish in the area.

Wildlife Watching

Loch Morar is one of the best places to spot different kinds of wildlife like red deer, sea eagles, golden eagles, sheep and more. Bring a pair of binoculars for this trip to make it easier for you to watch these animals from a distance.

Canoeing & Kayaking

Canoeing & Kayaking
Image from rivertoseascotland.co.uk

To get a better and closer look at the loch, you can canoe or kayak around the lake with your family or friends. The western end of the loch is the best place to start paddling until you reach the middle and its nearby islands.

Swimming

Swimming
Image from tripadvisor.co.uk

For a refreshing dip, you can swim in the loch with your furry buddies in certain areas along the lake. There’s also a white sand beach near the River Moran Estuary that you can consider for a fun soak.

Sailing

Sailing is also another lovely activity to do on the loch as you explore every nook and cranny of it. Some even ride on power boats as they fish or simply sightsee around the lake.

Apps to Download for a Trip to Loch Morar

Google Maps: For navigating your way around the loch with an offline feature

iOs | Android

Moovit: An all-in-one transportation app with routes and schedules to get to Loch Morar

iOs | Android

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MD: Want to know more about the deepest loch in Scotland? Here’s a full guide on Loch Morar.

RS (v1): 66.6

RS (v2): 68.1

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