We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.

Loch Shiel, Scotland, United Kingdom

Also known as:  Loch Seile

Surrounded by one of the few remaining areas of true wilderness in Scotland, the picturesque scenery around Scotland’s Loch Shiel has been featured in movies such as Harry Potter and Highlander. Loch Shiel is a natural freshwater lake formed from a retreating glacier at the end of the last ice age nearly 10,000 years ago. At a length of 17 miles, this lake is one of the…
Keep scrolling to read more.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Loch Shiel! Article topics include:

Looking for Loch Shiel cabins or other accommodations? Save time and use this interactive map to find, compare and book at the best rates. Or explore more of our favorite travel partners.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a small referral fee at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.

Explore Area Hotels

Nearby offer more hotel accommodations:

  • Check TripAdvisor
  • Check Expedia
  • Check Hotels.com
  • Check Booking.com

    • All About Loch Shiel, Scotland

    Lake Locations: United Kingdom - Scotland, United Kingdom - Highlands & Moray Region, Scotland -

    Surrounded by one of the few remaining areas of true wilderness in Scotland, the picturesque scenery around Scotland’s Loch Shiel has been featured in movies such as Harry Potter and Highlander. Loch Shiel is a natural freshwater lake formed from a retreating glacier at the end of the last ice age nearly 10,000 years ago. At a length of 17 miles, this lake is one of the longest in Scotland. Its unregulated water levels are fed by the Rivers Finnan, Amhainn Shlatach, Callop, Glenaladale, and Polloch; River Shiel is the primary outlet. The area is a remote and unspoiled part of the Scottish Highlands that you won’t want to miss.

    The fluctuating scenery along Loch Shiel’s 4,942-acre surface area attracts many wildlife enthusiasts. Enclosed by mountains to the northwest and surrounded by bog and rough pasture to the southwest, the lake hosts a variety of species. Wildlife such as red deer, black-throated divers, and 10 species of dragonflies and damselflies inhabit the area. Woodlands of oak and birch are also home to rare insects and mammals like the chequered skipper butterfly, wildcat, and red squirrel. Near the lake is an estate where the rare Diapensia Lapponica, a plant that survived the ice age, can be found; however, the location is kept a secret to preserve it. You are guaranteed to see nature at its purest since Loch Shiel has a remarkable concentration of national and international designations for nature conservation.

    Visitors to Loch Shiel will find self-catering holiday cottage accommodations and vacation rentals at the northern and southern tips of the lake. Eagle-watch cruises showcase the golden eagle and capture the magnificent and historic scenery of Loch Shiel. With isolated beaches perfect for romantic picnics and family barbecues, this lake provides peaceful privacy on your getaway.

    The town of Glenfinnan is located at the north end of Loch Shiel. The town’s train station, most famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films as the Hogwarts Express, takes you to a railway museum. Acharacle is a town at the southern end of the lake that offers a magnitude of activity ideas. In the summer you can expect water sports, canoeing, kayaking, and a game of golf on some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. If you visit in the winter you can enjoy the warmth of a cozy cottage with a spectacular view.

    Loch Shiel also provides plenty of trout fishing. Trolling, dapping, and fly fishing are permitted along the lake between April and September. Salmon numbers are on the rise, but Loch Shiel is famous for its late runs of sea trout. You will find a plentiful amount of brown trout that in recent years have reached over 13 pounds. A favorite method of fishing is trolling, and later in the season these fish rise eagerly to the fly.

    History buffs know that Loch Shiel was once used as a communications route through the mountains during the 1140 battle where Somerled defeated the Norse to found the ruling dynasty of Lord of the Isles. The River Shiel was easily navigated during that time period, but today the depth drops to less than a foot in some areas. There are also historical structures such as St. Finnan’s Church, located on one of Loch Shiel’s islands, and the Glenfinnan Monument in commemoration of Bonnie Prince Charlie (18th century Prince Charles Edward Stuart).

    These days it’s hard to find a piece of nature that is unblemished by society, but Loch Shiel is just that with a quaint population of around 350. If you are seeking a trip with exquisite views and ample privacy, Loch Shiel is the perfect place to settle down with plentiful real estate and vacation resorts.

    Things to Do at Loch Shiel

    These are some activities in the Loch Shiel, Scotland area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Golf
    • Picnicking
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • Museum

    What Kind of Fish Are in Loch Shiel?

    Loch Shiel has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Brown Trout
    • Salmon
    • Trout
    divider

    Find Places to Stay at Loch Shiel

    If you’re considering a Loch Shiel lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Loch Shiel Vacation

    Our interactive Loch Shiel lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

    Check TripAdvisor
    Check Expedia
    Find a Campspot
    All Travel Resources

    Loch Shiel Statistics & Helpful Links

    divider

    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Surface Area: 4,942 acres

    Shoreline Length: 48 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 15 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 12 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 16 feet

    Average Depth: 133 feet

    Maximum Depth: 420 feet

    Water Volume: 729,642 acre-feet

    Water Residence Time: 1.4 years

    Lake Area-Population: 354

    Drainage Area: 86 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Northern oligotrophic to southern mesotrophic

    Loch Shiel Map

    More local lakes to explore in this area:

    LakeLubbers heart icon

    Loch Ness, Scotland

    LakeLubbers heart icon

    Loch Shin

    LakeLubbers heart icon

    Loch Assynt

    We strive to keep information on LakeLubbers as accurate as possible. If you’ve found something here that needs updating, please touch base by filling out our Content Correction form.

    Shop Loch Shiel Gifts

    Custom Lake Tumblers

    Create Your Own Captain / First Mate Custom 20oz Tumbler

    ORDER HERE
    Custom Lake T Shirt

    Create Your Personalized My Boat My Rules Unisex T-Shirt

    ORDER HERE
    Custom Lake Coffee Mug - On Lake Time

    Create a Custom Coffee Mug – 11oz or 15oz

    ORDER HERE
    VIEW ALL CUSTOM LAKE PRODUCTS

    More Loch Shiel news from LakeLubbers.com

    • Advertise your vacation rental property or local business: DETAILS HERE
    • The Loch Shiel forum has been discontinued: HERE’S WHY
    • New Loch Shiel photos coming soon!
    • You’re invited to join our lake-lovin’ community on Facebook and Instagram!
    • Share this Loch Shiel article with your fellow LakeLubbers: