Loch Shiel

Infobox lake
lake_name = Loch Shiel
image_lake = Loch Shiel.jpg
caption_lake = Looking north east
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Lochaber, Highland, Scotland
coords = coord|56|47|08|N|5|35|12|W|region:GB_type:waterbody|display=inline,title
type = freshwater loch
inflow =
outflow = River Shiel
catchment =
basin_countries = United Kingdom
length = 25 km
width =
area =
depth =
max-depth = 120 m
volume =
residence_time =
shore =
elevation =
islands =
cities =

Loch Shiel (Scottish Gaelic: Loch Seile) is a 25 km freshwater loch, 120 m deep, situated 20 km west of Fort William in Lochaber, Highland, Scotland. Its nature changes considerably along its length, being deep and enclosed by mountains in the north east and shallow surrounded by bog and rough pasture in the south west, from which end the 4 km River Shiel drains to the sea in Loch Moidart near Castle Tioram.

Loch Shiel should not be confused with Glen Shiel, 40 km further north in Skye and Lochalsh, which contains a longer River Shiel and a much smaller Loch Shiel.

The surrounding mountains are picturesque but relatively rarely climbed as none quite reaches the 3,000 ft (914 m) required for Munro status. The area is well wooded compared to the many Highland areas that have suffered from overgrazing, and much of the shore is designated a Special Area of Conservation. No roads run down either side of the loch and, uniquely for a major lochFact|date=February 2007, the flow is not regulated. Boat trips for tourists have recently started on the loch.

Loch Shiel is only marginally above sea level and was in fact a sea loch a few thousand years ago when sea levels (relative to Scotland) were higher.

History

A ruined chapel can be found on the largest island said to be the first home on the Scottish mainland of St. Finan, a teacher of St. Columba. Acharacle, at the south of the Loch, is the site of the 1140 battle in which Somerled defeated the Norse to found the ruling dynasty of Lord of the Isles. During these times, the loch had strategic importance as a communications route through the mountains, as the short River Shiel was easily navigable inancient times, however is no longer navigable as the depth drops to less than a foot. In 1745, after disembarking at Moidart, Bonnie Prince Charlie was rowed the length of the loch in order to raise his standard at Glenfinnan.

In Fiction

Loch Shiel is the location of the fictional Hogwarts Lake in the film versions of the Harry Potter series. It is also the fictional birthplace of Connor MacLeod from the "Highlander" franchise.