Loch Shiel, a freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands, extends for 17.5 miles (28 km) and is characterized by its varied topography. The northeastern end features deep, fjord-like sections enclosed by mountains, while the southwestern end transitions into expansive lowland mossland. This diverse landscape, encompassing loch, woodlands, moorland, and peat bogs, provides a setting for several sports like hiking, jogging, road cycling, touring cycling, and more. The region's natural features, including its extensive semi-natural habitats and notable mountains like Ben…
71
Routes
4.5
(657)
Average rating
4207
People visited

4.7
(274)
1,365
hikers
3.63km
01:08
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.8
(117)
424
hikers
14.0km
03:55
220m
210m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.8
(45)
228
hikers
6.25km
01:51
180m
170m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(6)
136
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

33
runners
23.3km
03:35
1,170m
1,170m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

23
runners
21.7km
03:33
1,130m
1,130m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

20
runners
4.18km
00:32
80m
80m
Hard run. Great for any fitness level. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5
runners
18.6km
02:58
1,000m
1,000m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

77
riders
129km
05:35
1,120m
1,120m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

26
riders
114km
05:28
1,460m
1,460m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

5.0
(1)
18
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.0
(1)
14
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

4.8
(5)
38
riders
88.4km
05:46
1,200m
1,200m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

47
riders
9.17km
00:35
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
34
riders
40.9km
04:00
440m
440m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

14
riders
38.6km
02:34
580m
580m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

3.5
(2)
7
riders
21.4km
02:12
730m
730m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
6
riders
85.2km
07:04
1,220m
1,220m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
4
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
54.7km
04:30
960m
960m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Loch Shiel offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, jogging, road cycling, touring cycling, mountain biking, and mountaineering. The region features 3 routes with an average rating of 4.39 stars from more than 25,000 visitors. Guides like Hiking around Loch Shiel and Cycling around Loch Shiel provide detailed information.
Loch Shiel is a freshwater loch extending for 17.5 miles (28 kilometers). It is the fourth-longest loch in Scotland and the longest to retain a natural outflow without human regulation of its water level.
The terrain around Loch Shiel varies significantly. The northeastern end is deep and enclosed by mountains, featuring fjord-like topography with steep sides. The southwestern end transitions into expansive lowland mossland, including the Claish Moss National Nature Reserve. The region also includes Caledonian pine and oak woodlands, moorland, grassland, and peat bogs.
Yes, Loch Shiel offers easy hiking options. The Easy hikes around Loch Shiel guide provides routes for those new to hiking. Woodland walks like Ardmolich and Ariundle Oakwoods are also suitable for less experienced hikers.
Loch Shiel offers family-friendly hiking options. The Family-friendly hikes around Loch Shiel guide details suitable routes. The Glenfinnan Monument, with its historical significance and views, is also a popular family attraction.
Yes, there are dog-friendly hiking options in the area. The Dog-friendly hikes around Loch Shiel guide provides specific routes. Visitors should ensure dogs are kept under control, especially in areas with wildlife or livestock.
Key natural features include the freshwater loch itself, surrounded by mountains like Ben Resipol and Sgùrr Ghiubhsachain. The Glenfinnan Monument, marking the 1745 Jacobite uprising, is a significant historical landmark. The Glenfinnan Viaduct, known from popular culture, is also nearby.
Loch Shiel provides options for road cycling, touring cycling, and mountain biking. The Loch Shiel Lakeside Gravel Track offers scenic rides for touring or gravel bikes. Guides such as Road Cycling Routes around Loch Shiel and MTB Trails around Loch Shiel detail specific routes.
Loch Shiel is a Special Protection Area, important for breeding black-throated divers and golden eagles. Other species commonly sighted include white-tailed sea eagles, otters, red deer, and various ducks. The diverse habitats support a rich array of fauna.
Loch Shiel is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 25,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The region's 3 routes have an average rating of 4.39 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.
Komoot offers several guides for Loch Shiel, covering various activities and interests. These include Hiking around Loch Shiel, Family-friendly hikes around Loch Shiel, Cycling around Loch Shiel, and Dog-friendly hikes around Loch Shiel.
Yes, information for Loch Shiel cruises is available. The official website is lochshielcruises.co.uk. For direct inquiries, the phone number is +447498501566.

