Loch Shiel

Loch Shiel is a 25km freshwater loch 120m deep situated 20km west of Fort William. Its nature changes considerably along its length, being deep and enclosed by mountains in the NE and shallow surrounded by bog and meadow in the SW, from which end the 4km River Shiel drains to the sea in Loch Moidard at Castle Tioram. The surrounding mountains are picturesque but relatively rarely climbed as none quite reaches 3000 ft required for Munro status. The area is well wooded compared to the many Highland areas that have suffered from overgrazing, and much of the shore is a designated a Special Area of Conservation. No roads run down either side of the loch and, uniquely for a major loch, the flow is not regulated. Tourist cruises have recently started on the loch.

Loch Shiel is only marginally above sea level and was in fact a sea loch a few thousand years ago when sea levels (relative to Scotland) were higher. A ruined chapel can be found on the largest island said to be the first home on the Scottish mainland of St. Finan, a teacher of St. Columba. Acharacle, at the south of the Loch, is the site of the 1140 battle in which Somerled defeated the Norse to found the ruling dynasty of Lord of the Isles. During these times, the loch had strategic importance as a communications route through the mountains, as the short River Shiel is easily navigable. In 1745, after disembarking at Moidard, Bonnie Prince Charlie was rowed the length of the loch in order to raise his standard at Glenfinnan.

Loch Shiel is not connected to Glen Shiel, some 40km further north which contains a longer River Shiel and a very small Loch Shiel.