In Argyll and Bute, Scotland’s northwest, there is a sizable freshwater lake called Loch Awe. It is Scotland’s longest freshwater loch, measuring 41 meters in length and covering 38 and a half square kilometers.
1. It is Scotland’s third-largest freshwater loch.
With a length of 41 kilometers, an average width of 1 kilometer, and a surface area of 38.5 square kilometers, it is the longest freshwater loch in Scotland.
The loch runs almost parallel to the two sea lochs, Loch Etive and Loch Fyne, from southwest to northeast. From its northernmost point, the River Awe and Lake Etive drain westward into the Atlantic Ocean.
North Port and South Port are located at the loch’s narrowest point. A ferry operated between these coasts, which was historically utilized by cattle drovers to make the journey to markets further away.
The Transatlantic Cable, which passes through the community of Kilchrenan, was installed here in 1955.
2. There are two lovely Gardens there.
On visiting Loch Awe, one will be astounded by the natural ecosystems as well as the well-kept gardens and lawns, two of which are particularly lovely.
Ardanaiseig Woodland Garden: 100 acres of forest and woodland paths make up the garden. There are numerous species of rhododendrons, azaleas, and magnolias, as well as other exotic shrubs and specimen trees, in this garden that was initially designed in the 1820s and is primarily a springtime oasis.
Angus’ Garden: A mother’s love for her kid inspired the creation of Angus’ Garden. The garden was started the year after Angus Macdonald was killed in Cyprus in 1956. The development of a spring floral garden in a rustic woodland setting, together with its designation as a site of remorse and reconciliation, was Betty Macdonald’s dream.
Every tourist will quiet their otherwise hectic life to resonate with mother nature after seeing these two healing gardens.
3. On the Lake, There Are Six Incredible Castle Ruins.
Innisconnel and Fraoch Eileen castles, which are located among the Lochs Islands, are two of the six spectacular castle remains that can be found on the Loch. With a boat that can be rented nearby, one can visit them and take in the castle artifacts.
4. Here, you can find the fascinating Kilmartin Museum.
In Scotland, this region boasts the highest concentration of historic and prehistoric monuments.
The Kilmartin Museum was formed in 1997 by Rachel Butter and David Clough, who is also responsible for preserving the archaeological and environmental history of Kilmartin Glen.
5. World Fly Fishing Championships are held there.
Because of the fabled Ferox Brown Trout and enormous pike that live in its deep waters, Loch Awe is a well-known fishing location. At 31 pounds and 12 ounces, the heaviest Brown Trout ever caught in the British Isles was landed at Loch Awe in 2002.
The two previous British records were both caught in the loch, and it is generally accepted that a fish weighing 40 pounds will soon be caught. The lake has numerous huge pike tails, and the populations of salmon, sea trout, and arctic char are steadily increasing.
The World Fly Fishing Championships were held at the Lake in 2009, significantly enhancing its status. This has caused a lot of fishermen, both experienced and amateur, to return to their abundant seas year after year.
6. It is situated in Scotland’s Argyll and Bute.
The Macarthurs, one of the earliest Argyll clans, had territory near Loch Awe that was also home to the MacGregor, Campbell, and Stewart families.
Inveraray Castle is home to Clan Macarthur artifacts, including the four-poster state bed. The region around Lake Awe is where Clan Campbell first made its name as a dominant family.
7. The Most Magnificent and Photographed Remains on Loch Awe is Kilchurn Castle.
On the northwest corner of Lake Awe lie the spectacular ruins of Kilchurn Castle.
Midway through the 1500s, Sir Colin Campbell, the first Lord of Glenorchy, constructed the Kilchurn fortress, which is currently under the care of Historic Scotland. Breathtaking views of Lake Awe may be seen from the castle’s turret.
Although the castle is not marked by the major road, the A85, which runs north of Lake Awe, accessing it is more difficult than with many other castles. Entry is feasible, but use caution as the entrance to the track and little parking lot is obscured.
In the summer, visitors can travel there by quick boat from the Loch Awe hotel.
8. Wildlife is the richest in the UK in the Loch Awe region.
For nature enthusiasts, photographers, and bird watchers, it is the best and most stunning location. On and around the loch are nesting Osprey, White-tailed Sea Eagles, and Golden Eagles. In the nearby forests, Red Squirrels and Pine Marten have thriving populations.
9. In the UK, it is a well-known tourist destination.
Salmon flow from the lake into the River Orchy through the barrage of the River Awe. Lake Awe also has a number of abandoned castles on islands, each with distinctive and lovely features.
A short boat ride or a half-mile walk from a small parking lot just after the bridge over the River Orchy are the two summertime options for visiting Kilchurn Castle, one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, which is located at the northern end of the island.
Located in Lake Awe, Saint Conan’s Kirk and Chapel of St. Fyndoca are popular tourist destinations.
10. A beautiful and untouched environment surrounds it.
Since the hills and forests around Loch are largely undiscovered, it is still serene and unspoiled.
The mountains of Ben Cruachan and Ben Lui, which are at the head of the lake, are part of the breathtaking and extraordinarily diversified landscape that surrounds it.
There are various inlets and islands on the loch itself, as well as the lovely Inverliever Forest, breathtaking glens, rivers, and waterfalls.
