Loch Shiel (Scottish Gaelic: Loch Seile) is a 19.3 km2 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 (910 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.Uniquely for a major loch[citation needed], 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.Location Lochaber, Highland, Scotland Lake type freshwater loch Primary inflows River Finnan, Callop River, River Polloch Primary outflows River Shiel Catchment area 248 km2 Basin countries United Kingdom Max. length 28 km Surface area 19.3 km2 Average depth 40.5 m
