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Lake

Lochaber Loch

Photos of Lochaber Loch

Today at Lochaber Loch

7–12°C

Cold

Cold water ahead. Cold shock is a real risk on entry. Limit your time in.

Modelled from recent air temperature — the band's width is ours, not a published error figure · the label is our plain summary of the numbers, not advice

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About

A tranquil and secluded loch with lovely forest views. There is a small jetty and boathouse used by fisherman and a bird hide on the far side. A decent sized, deep Loch for long or short swims.

Location

Getting there

From Beeswing take the New Abbey Road and drive past Loch Arthur. Take the first turning on your right past the Small white cottage. Drive up the hill and keep on the road a few miles until you reach a parking area marked Trostan Woods. Take the pathin the OPPOSITE side of the road. After about half a mile you each a crossroads turn right onto the forest track and follow for 15-20 minutes until you see a path down to the loch and boathouse on your left. Or cycle in through Mabie Forest.

Accessibility

Water easily accessible but quick drop-off. Good changing area at jetty. Bit of a walk in. Watch out for logging lorries which can occasionally go down thed forest roads.

What swimmers say

Activities

Swimming Long swim Walking

Landscape

Big drop off Quiet location Easy to walk to

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Run Lochaber Loch, or a café, sauna or club beside it?

Every swimmer at your spot asks the same question: how’s the water today? A free poster or a live screen answers it — and brings your swimmers into a community that reports back.

  • Completely free No fee for venues, no fee for swimmers. Print the poster, open the screen, and it runs itself.
  • Wild Pro is optional Swimmers who want days two to seven of the forecast can subscribe — £3.99/mo or £29.99/yr. Today’s conditions and all official water quality are free for everyone, with no account.
  • Safety first Water temperature, wind, waves, tides and the official bathing-water rating, shown plainly so people can decide for themselves.
  • Live conditions Forecasts from Open-Meteo, tides from WorldTides, sea temperature from Copernicus Marine, and water quality from the agencies that test it.
  • Built on community Swimmers post what they found. A poster or a screen at your spot turns every swim into a report the next swimmer can use.
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Frequently asked questions

Is this lake safe for swimming?

Check the Conditions tab for surface state and wind conditions. Review the Quality tab if this is a designated bathing water. Always read recent community reports for local advice.

How cold is the water?

Check the Temperature tab for the current estimate and 7-day trend. Lakes hold heat longer than rivers but can develop a thermocline. The water below the surface can be dramatically colder.

What should I bring?

A tow float for visibility (especially important where boats operate), warm layers for after, and consider a wetsuit in colder months. Check for designated swimming areas.

What should I know before swimming here?

Cold water shock is real. Enter slowly and control your breathing. Lake water can be much colder below the surface (thermocline). Stay close to shore until you know the conditions. Watch for boat traffic and stay visible with a tow float. Check for blue-green algae warnings before swimming. Conditions change fast. Always check the latest data, read recent community reports, and swim within your ability.

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