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Loch Maree

2.11 miles (3.4 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This walk visits the beautiful Victoria Falls next to Loch Maree in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland.
The loch is over 13 miles long making it the fourth largest freshwater loch in Scotland.
You can start your walk at the Victoria Falls car park which is located on the southern side of the loch. The splendid falls are named after Queen Victoria who visited the site in 1877. There are nice trails to follow through the surrounding Caledonian Pinewood Forest and great views over Loch Maree from the elevated position of the falls. The water at the falls comes from the Beinn Eighe mountain to the south. After viewing the falls you can stroll down to the loch shore and visit another viewpoint and car park just to the west at Slattadale.
The area is great for wildlife so keep your eyes peeled for crossbills, Black-throated divers and sea eagles as you make your way along the footpaths.

Postcode

IV22 2HW - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Please click here for more information

Loch Maree OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Loch Maree Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

Just to the east of the falls there's the Loch Maree Hotel for post walk refreshment. The hotel dates from 1872 and was visited by Queen Victoria in 1877. They have a small restaurant serving good quality food.

Dog Walking

The expansive woods and lochside paths are ideal for dog walking.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Head south from the falls and you could pick up the Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail. On the circular trail there are more waterfalls and great views back down to the loch.
To the east there's the wonderful Corrieshalloch Gorge to visit. Here the River Droma runs through a flora rich gorge, dropping dramitcally through a series of waterfalls, including the 46 metre Falls of Measach.
At nearby Loch Broom there's another hidden gem at the delightful Ardessie Falls in the Ardessie Burn gorge.
Also nearby is the town of Ullapool where you can climb to the viewpoint at Ullapool Hill and catch the ferry over to Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides.
To the west there's the Loch Gairloch where you can pick up the Gairloch Waterfall Walk in the lovely Flowerdale Glen.
Head north and you could visit the village of Poolewe and enjoy a stroll around the beautiful Inverewe Garden. The lochside gardens are a lovely place for a stroll with some nice footpaths taking you to subtropical plants, fine lawns and beautiful flowers. You can also enjoy fine views over Loch Ewe in this scenic area.
To the south there's fine waterside trails along the still waters of Loch Clair and Loch Coulin.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Scottish Highlands Walks page.

Photos

Footbridge above Victoria falls - geograph.org.uk - 460230

Footbridge above Victoria falls

View towards Beinn Airigh Charr - geograph.org.uk - 719337

View towards Beinn Airigh Charr Edge of Slatterdale forest across Loch Maree to Beinn Airigh Charr.

View towards Loch Maree and Slioch - geograph.org.uk - 1075531

View towards Loch Maree and Slioch. Looking over the cottages of Slattadale.

Victoria Falls - geograph.org.uk - 7156

Victoria Falls. The one at Slattadale, by Loch Maree - not as large as its African namesake, but worth a visit nonetheless.

Loch Maree from Victoria Falls

View of Loch Maree in the Scottish Highlands, from the car park for Victoria Falls. The island is Eilean Ruairidh Mòr and the peak of Beinn Àirigh Charr is visible on the far side of the loch.

Cascade at Loch Maree - geograph.org.uk - 1574348

Cascade at Loch Maree. Taken opposite the layby near Slattadale, northwest shore of Loch Maree. The small cascade runs down from Slattadale Forest. 

Lagoon amongst islands, Loch Maree - geograph.org.uk - 349769

Lagoon amongst the islands of the loch.

From Garbh Eilean, Loch Maree - geograph.org.uk - 332174

From Garbh Eilean. View from Garbh Eilean on Loch Maree, with Beinn Eighe mountains beyond. Slattadale Forest on the far shore.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Loch Maree.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Loch Maree.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)