Loch Maree

Infobox_lake
lake_name = Loch Maree
image_lake = Loch Maree.jpg
caption_lake = View of the islands
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Northwest Highlands, Scotland
coords = coord|57|41|23|N|5|27|27|W|region:GB_type:waterbody|display=inline,title
type =
inflow =
outflow =
catchment = Beinn Eighe, Slioch, Fisherfield, Glen Docherty, Coulin, Slattadale, Talladale
basin_countries = United Kingdom
length = 20 km
width = 4 km
area = 28.6 km² (11.0 sq mi)
depth = convert|125|ft|abbr=on
max-depth = convert|375|ft|abbr=on
volume = convert|38500000000|cuft|km3|abbr=on
residence_time =
shore =
elevation =
islands = 30 (Isle Maree)
islands_category= Islands of Loch Maree
cities =

Loch Maree (loch Ma-ruibhe in Gaelic) is a loch in Wester Ross in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. At 20 kilometres long and with a maximum width of 4 kilometres, it is the fourth largest freshwater loch in Scotland; it is the largest north of Loch Ness. Its surface area is 28.6 square kilometres (11.0 square miles).

Loch Maree contains five large wooded islands and over 25 smaller ones. Isle Maree has the remains of a chapel, graveyard, holy well, and holy tree on it, believed to be the 8th century hermitage of Saint Maol Rubha (d. 722), who founded the monastery of Applecross in 672. The same island also contains ancient stands of oak and holly which have been linked with ancient Scottish druids. The waters of the loch were also thought to have curative effects, with being submerged in the water thought to be a cure for lunacy. All of the loch's islands are conservation areas. The largest is the only island in Britain to contain a loch that itself contains an island.

Like Loch Ness, Loch Maree has its own monster in the form of the "muc-sheilch". It is often referred to as the most beautiful loch in the Highlands.

Because of its remote location there is little industry and tourism surrounding Loch Maree, although it does offer good trout fishing.

Loch Maree was designated a Ramsar site on Septemper 19, 1994.

See also

* Wish Tree