LOCH MAREE

Loch Maree’s banks are clad in Caledonian pine forest and crowned by the sweeping mountains of the Beinn Eighe ridge. The UK’s first National Nature Reserve, some of the pines watching over the loch are more than 350 years old. The remote nature of Loch Maree’s over 60 islands, safe from grazing and felling, means that they are covered in some of the finest examples of native Scot’s pine woodlands. The nearest thing to natural woodland left in the UK. Many quintessentially Scottish species inhabit the rugged shores. Watch mesmerised as a golden eagles circles over the hills and be haunted by the eerie call of black throated divers as they call out from their nests on the loch.

Paddle information

The loch is most easily accessed from the car park at Slattadale. Launch from one of the small beaches with a fantastic view of the loch and your paddle to come reaching out in front of you. Paddle at little north along the shoreline before setting your sights on the closest of the islands, Eilean Ruairidh Mor. As you approach the shore you will see the coastline develop into myriad small islands and bays. Paddle around the west side of Eilean Ruairidh Mor, with the island on your right. Now the islands become even more fun, breaking into a delightful jumble of bays and inlets to explore at your leisure. The narrow winding waterways between the pine-clad islands lend you paddle the feeling of walking on the woods.

The largest of the islands, Eilean Subhainn has a loch on it which has an island of it's own, making it the only place in Scotland to be an island on a loch on an island on a loch. You can find the hidden loch by pulling up in the long, narrow inlet running east-west towards the south of the island. Head directly north cross country from the inlet and there it is. Carry your board the short distance and you can paddle to an island on a loch on an island on a loch, not many people can say that they have done that.

The small, wooded Isle Maree has a good sandy landing spot and makes an ideal place for a lunch break, or camping spot. There is an old burial ground on the island which makes interesting exploring.

The return paddle takes you via the southern side of the islands which have equally interesting exploring. The area is such a paddling delight that you might choose to bring a tent and make an extra special trip of it. The rocky and tree covered islands don’t offer too many camping spots but there are a number of sandy beaches, predominantly on the northern side of Eileen Subhainn where you could happily set up camp.

Extra excitement

The dramatic Victoria Falls waterfall, ~1km SE of the launch at Slattadale is well worth a look.

Discover the highlights of the dramatic natural beauty and wildlife at Beinn Eighe. A number of way-marked trails of varying difficulty and strenuousness leave from the visitor centre just outside Kinlochewe or the Coille na Glas-Leitir car park on the shores of Loch Maree.

For the more serious hillwalker or mountaineer, there are lots of options on Beinn Eighe. Find information on these routes in the many guidebooks covering the area or on the WalkHighlands website.

Fact file:

Launch point: Slattadale 57.68774, -5.54448

Distance: ~12km will see you lots of exploring around most of the islands

Rating: You can make this anything from a short and easy paddle to a multi day expedition.

Facilities: Overnight car parking and toilets at the launch site.