Ardverikie Estate, Highland, Scottish Highlands
Lochan na h-Earba
Lake
Place photograph
6.7
Wildland
Half day
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.7Lochan na h-Earba is the name given to two freshwater lochs in a narrow Highland glen. A route reaches them by a steady climb, with mountain scenery opening around the water.
Two connected lochs sit beneath a broad Highland mountain landscape, giving the walk a clear destination and a strong sense of place. The worthwhile experience is the journey in as much as the water: allow time for the steady climb, check access with the estate, and be prepared for soft ground and navigation challenges.
Peaceful · Wild · Remote
Find your way
Open mapArdverikie Estate, Highland, Scottish Highlands
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Follow the listed out-and-back route towards the lochs, allowing 2–2.5 hours for the 6.3-mile walk. Expect a steady incline; route reports mention beautiful views, while also noting soft ground, snow and the need to take care with navigation. Confirm estate access and conditions before travelling.
Things to do
Walk the out-and-back route
The listed route is 6.3 miles, with a long, steady incline and the loch as its destination. Allow 2–2.5 hours and check navigation and ground conditions before leaving.
2–2.5 hours
Take in the mountain-framed lochs
Pause at the water and look across the lochs towards the surrounding hills. The place name covers two lochs linked by a short watercourse.
Explore by mountain bike
Mountain biking routes and a gravel-road highlight are listed in the area. Use a route appropriate to your ability and verify current access and conditions before riding.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 2–2.5 hours
The loch approach
- 01
Check current Ardverikie Estate access and route conditions before setting out.
- 02
Follow the listed out-and-back route towards Lochan na h-Earba; allow for the long, steady incline.
- 03
Pause at the loch to take in the mountain views, then return by the same route.
Verified history
The lochs lie on Ardverikie Estate and have been used as filming locations, including for the BBC series Monarch of the Glen and for scenes from Mrs Brown and Outlander. Both lochs were surveyed in 1902 as part of the Bathymetrical Survey of the Fresh-Water Lochs of Scotland.
Hidden details
One name, two lochs — Lochan na h-Earba refers to two lochs rather than one. A short watercourse connects them, and they occupy a narrow glen running roughly parallel to Loch Laggan.
A screen location in the Highlands — The lochs have appeared in Monarch of the Glen and in scenes from Mrs Brown and Outlander.
When to go
· Choose a clear-weather window for views; check the forecast and route conditions before setting out.
The supplied route source notes that snow and soft ground can affect conditions, but does not establish the best season.
Highland weather and ground conditions can change. Route reports mention deep snow and soft ground; check current conditions and carry suitable navigation.
The route
- ascent
- 377 ft
- surface
- Not fully specified; route reports mention gravel track and soft ground.
- distance
- 6.3 miles
- duration
- 2–2.5 hours
- difficulty
- Moderate
- route shape
- Out and back
- start point
- Check route details and current access before visiting; a confirmed start point is not supplied.
- parking start
- Parking information is not confirmed. Check before visiting.
- Two lochs in a narrow Highland glen
- Mountain scenery
- Long, steady incline
Worth pairing with
Laggan Bridge coffee shop
Ardverikie Estate lists a coffee shop in nearby Laggan Bridge. Confirm current opening details before making it part of your plans.
Loch Laggan
Ardverikie Estate describes Loch Laggan as a nearby loch with mountain views and a shore walk. Check current access and conditions before visiting.
What to look for
- 01
Notice how the two lochs sit in a narrow glen and how the mountain scenery changes as the path climbs. The lochs are linked by a short watercourse
- 02
the northern shore is described as offering broad views across the water.
The story
Filming location: Lochan na h-Earba has appeared in Monarch of the Glen and other screen productions.
Best time to go
Check conditions before travelling; the supplied route information notes that snow and soft ground can affect the walk.
Choose a clear day for the mountain and loch views, and check the forecast and ground conditions before setting out. Seasonal access or best visiting months are not established by the supplied sources.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers
Practical information
Opening & access
A route to the loch is listed as a 6.3-mile out-and-back walk, estimated at 2–2.5 hours. The lochs lie on Ardverikie Estate; confirm current access arrangements and any estate restrictions before setting out. Check conditions and navigation, especially in winter or on soft ground. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
Check before visiting
Parking
Parking information is not confirmed. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting. Ardverikie Estate lists a coffee shop in nearby Laggan Bridge; confirm current opening details before travelling.
Check before visiting
Dogs
The source row marks the location as dog-friendly, but current estate rules are not supplied. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The listed route is a 6.3-mile out-and-back walk with a long, steady incline. It is not confirmed as wheelchair accessible. Check current route conditions and access before setting out.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Two freshwater lochs connected by a short watercourse. Swimming or paddling permission is not established; do not assume either is permitted.
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Lochan na h-Earba
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
