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Loch Awe showing Islands. Photo by Johnny Durnan.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Loch Awe

Loch Awe is a large body of freshwater in Argyll and Bute, North West Scotland. It’s the longest freshwater Loch in Scotland measuring forty-one meters long and occupying thirty-eight and a half square kilometers. 

1. It is the Third Largest Fresh Water Loch in Scotland

It is the longest freshwater loch in Scotland, measuring 41 kilometers from end to end with an average width of 1 kilometer, and with a surface area of 38.5 square kilometers.

The loch runs approximately southwest to northeast, roughly parallel to the two sea lochs of Loch Etive and Loch Fyne. River Awe and Loch Etive drain westward from its northern end, and thus into the Atlantic Ocean.

At the narrowest section of the loch are North Port and South Port. It was once used by cattle drovers, a ferry ran between these shores to facilitate crossing to markets beyond.

Transatlantic Cable, which runs through the village of Kilchrenan, was laid across at this point in 1955.

2.Its home to three beautiful Gardens 

While visiting Loch Awe one will be astonished by the Natural ecosystems and also well cured gardens and lawn among them is  two beautiful gardens that include;

• Ardanaiseig Woodland Garden; Is a 100 acres of forest and woodland walks. Its Primarily a spring garden and originally laid out in the 1820s, there are many varieties of rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and other exotic shrubs and specimen trees.
• Angus’ Garden; Angus’s Garden was created out of a mother’s love for her son. Angus Macdonald was killed in Cyprus in 1956 and the garden was started the following year. Betty Macdonald’s wish was for the creation of a spring flowering garden within a natural woodland setting and for it to be a place of forgiveness and reconciliation.

A visit to these two gardens is refreshing and therapeutic and every visitor will calm their otherwise busy life to resonate with mother nature.

3.There are Six Amazing Castle Ruins on the Loch

 Innisconnel Castle Ruins, near Kilmartin.Photo by Wojsyl.

There are six amazing castle ruins on the Loch, amongst them is Innisconnel and Fraoch Eileen castles, that are within the Lochs Islands. One can tour them by use of a locally hired boat and enjoy the artefacts in the castles. 

4.The Fascinating Kilmartin Museum is Found here.

This area has  the richest concentrations of prehistoric monuments and historical sites in Scotland.

In 1997 Rachel Butter and David Clough  founded Kilmartin Museum and have been involved in  interpreting, explaining and conserving the archaeological and natural heritage of Kilmartin Glen. 

5.Used as a Venue for World Fly Fishing Championship

Loch Awe is a famous fishing destination for the legendary Ferox Brown Trout and monster pike that inhabit its deep waters.

The largest Brown Trout caught in the British Isles at 31lb & 12 oz was landed at Loch Awe in 2002

The two previous British records also came from the loch and it is widely believed that it is only a matter of time before a 40lb fish is taken.

There are many tails of monster pike in the loch and numbers of Salmon, Sea Trout and Atlantic Char are growing steadily.

The Loch’s reputation was further enhanced by being chosen as the venue for the World Fly Fishing Championships in 2009.

This has led to many fishermen, experts and novices alike, return to its bountiful waters year after year.

6.It is Located in Argyll  and Bute, Scotland

One of the oldest Argyll clans, the Macarthurs, owned lands around Loch Awe which was populated in close proximity with MacGregors, Campbells and Stewarts.

Clan Macarthur artefacts, including the four-poster state bed, are held at Inveraray Castle.

It was from Loch Awe and surrounding area that Clan Campbell established itself as a powerful family.

7.Kilchurn Castle is the Most Impressive and Photographed Ruins on Loch Awe

Kilchurn Castle Photographed from Loch Awe. Photo by Boaworm.

The dramatic ruins of Kilchurn castle are situated on the north-west end of Loch Awe.

Kilchurn castle was built in the mid-1400s by Sir Colin Campbell, 1st Lord of Glenorchy and is now managed by Historic Scotland. The view from the top of the castle over Loch Awe is amazing

 Visiting the castle is not as straightforward as with many other castles as it’s not signposted from the main road, the A85, which runs north of Loch Awe.

 Access is possible but be careful, the entrance to the track and wee car park is hard to find.

In summer, one may visit using short boat trip from Loch Awe hotel.

8.The Wildlife in Loch Awe area is the Richest in UK

The wildlife in this area is amongst the richest in the UK.

It’s the best and most beautiful destination for bird watchers, naturalists and photographers.

There are Osprey, White tailed Sea Eagles and Golden Eagles nesting on and around the loch.

There is also healthy populations of Red Squirrel and Pine Marten in the surrounding forests.

9.It is a renowned Tourist’s Destination in the UK

Loch Awe is renowned for its trout fishing.

 Salmon pass through the loch, past the barrage in the River Awe and continuing into the River Orchy.

Loch Awe also contains several ruined castles on islands, with unique and beautiful features.

At the northern end has one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, Kilchurn Castle, which in summer may be visited by a short boat trip or by a half mile walk from a small car park just after the bridge over the River Orchy.

Saint Conan’s Kirk and Chapel of St Fyndoca are located in Loch Awe and they attract a lot of tourist.

10.It is Surrounded by Magical and Unexploded Environment

Loch is surrounded by forests and hills which are relatively unexplored, therefore, remains undisturbed and peaceful.

The scenery surrounding the loch is breath taking and enormously varied; including the mountains of Ben Cruachan and Ben Lui at its head.

There is beautiful Inverliever Forest, stunning glens, rivers and waterfalls, the high moorlands towards Inveraray and numerous inlets and Islands on the loch itself.