Loch Shiel

Glenfinnan, Highlands, Scotland

Loch Shiel — photo 1 Photo by Anna Saveleva on Unsplash

Loch Shiel is a stunning freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands stretching for around 17 miles (28 km) from Glenfinnan south-west into the remote wilderness. Its northern tip lies at Glenfinnan, just a short walk from the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, making it easy to visit both landmarks together. The loch stood in for Hogwarts' Black Lake throughout the Harry Potter films, while its shores were also used in Highlander for the memorable training scenes between Connor MacLeod and Ramirez. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and unspoilt scenery, Loch Shiel is one of Scotland's most iconic film locations.

Filmed here

On screen
On screen
In real life
In real life

Loch Shiel as Hogwarts Black Lake

On screen
On screen
In real life
In real life

The Highlander

Map

Tags

Harry Potter filmsHighlander

Campsites near Loch Shiel

Linnhe Lochside Holidays 17km away
Linnhe Lochside Holidays
Fort William, Scotland
  • Stunning loch and mountain views
  • Multiple accommodation types for different budgets
  • Dog-friendly facilities
MountainRuralDog friendly
View campsite
Glen Nevis Holidays 23km away
Glen Nevis Holidays
Fort William, Scotland
  • Award-winning caravan and camping park
  • Stunning mountain views
  • Self-catering lodge accommodation
MountainRuralFamily
View campsite
Acharacle - LochShiel Campsite 26km away
Acharacle - LochShiel Campsite
Acharacle, Scotland
  • Lochside location with scenic views
  • Member-exclusive certificated site
  • Tranquil Highland setting
RiversideRural
View campsite
Invercoe Highland Holidays 29km away
Invercoe Highland Holidays
Glencoe, Scotland
  • Touring and camping pitches
  • Self-catering lodges and cottages
  • Mini lodges available
MountainRuralFamily
View campsite
Glencoe Camping and Caravanning Club Site 31km away
Glencoe Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Ballachulish, Argyll, Scotland
  • Mountain location with spectacular views
  • Highly rated with 5-star reviews
  • Excellent facilities
MountainRural
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Blackwater Hostel and Campsite 34km away
Blackwater Hostel and Campsite
Kinlochleven, Scotland
  • Directly on the West Highland Way
  • Remote Highland wilderness setting
  • Camping and hostel accommodation
MountainRuralDog friendly
View campsite

Getting to Loch Shiel

Location

Glenfinnan, Highlands, Scotland

Nearest airports

Glasgow Airport — 127km ·
Tiree Airport — 97km ·
Inverness Airport — 112km ·
Barra Airport — 123km ·

Nearest train station

Glenfinnan —
Locheilside —
Lochailort —

Plan your journey

From the station
Glenfinnan
Walk from Glenfinnan station for 18 minutes (1.4 km) to reach Loch Shiel.
From the airport
Glasgow Airport
From Glasgow Airport to Loch Shiel takes 4 hours 26 minutes using a combination of buses and walking. Start by walking to Inchinnan Industrial Estate, then take buses 757, Scottish Citylink 976, Scottish Citylink 913, and finally bus 500 to Slatach Road End, with a final 5-minute walk to reach Loch Shiel.

ℹ️ Travel directions are correct at time of publishing and regularly reviewed, but routes and timetables can change. Please double-check before travelling.

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