Scotland's landscapes are always exhilarating, and its lochs are no exception. Swim in their refreshing waters, cruise across their glassy surfaces by boat or take in the view from on high after a challenging climb – however you choose to experience these beautiful bodies of water, you won't be disappointed. With no shortage of awe-inspiring spots across the country to tempt you, we've rounded up a list of the best lochs ripe for exploration…

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A jewel ensconced in an enchanting forest, Loch Trool can be found in Galloway. This corner of Scotland is often unfairly overlooked, so you’re likely to have this stunning wilderness to yourself. There are plenty of walks that encircle the lake and form part of the long-distance Southern Upland Way. At the eastern end you’ll find Bruce Stone’s, a memorial to King Robert the Bruce, King of Scots from 1306 until his death in 1329.

Surrounded by craggy mountains in Wester Ross, Loch Maree attracts keen fishers looking to catch wild brown trout, sea trout and salmon. The majority of Loch Maree’s fishing is controlled by the Loch Maree Hotel, although guests staying at Talladale and Kenlochewe hotels can also angle here. Next to the loch is a nature reserve and red deer have been known to swim out to the islands in the centre of the loch to make temporary homes.

Located in the Trossachs, moody Loch Katrine inspired Sir Walter Scott’s poem Lady of the Lake. Now incorporated into the National Park with Loch Lomond, it is the more tranquil of the two. Daily cruises that leave from Trossachs Pier and Stronachlachar are the best way to experience the beauty of the loch.

Snaking dramatically through forested hills, Loch Awe is the longest loch in Scotland. The freshwater is beautifully clear and perfect for swimming, while driving around the Loch makes for an incredible road trip – take the southern road for the best scenery and don't be in a hurry. The magnificent ruins of the 13th-century Kilchurn Castle stand on the loch’s shores, a testament to the stormy past of one of Scotland’s largest and most powerful clans, Clan Campbell.

Though small, Loch Tummel, located northwest of Pitlochry, was a favourite of Queen Victoria. You can stand in her preferred spot on the north side at Queen’s View. The vista to the distant peak of Schiehallion is best enjoyed in autumn, when the forest is resplendent in hues of gold and orange. Don’t miss the river gorge walks at nearby Killiecrankie.

Probably Scotland’s most charismatic loch, Loch Ness is steeped in myth and folklore. The major draws here include the scenic splendour of the Great Glen and the majestic ruins of Urquhart Castle. Climb the castle’s Grant Tower to look out over the loch and see if you can catch a glimpse of the famous creature that supposedly lurks here.

Scotland’s largest surface of freshwater, Loch Lomond has long been celebrated for its beauty. Lying just 30 km (19 miles) northwest of Glasgow, its accessibility makes it very popular. There are plenty of great walking trails here, some taking you over lofty hills and others gently ambling around the shores of the loch.

Located in Lochaber, Loch Morar has its own monster to rival Nessie – a creature named Morag is said to inhabit the waters. Morar is easy to get to but little visited because its shores are largely inaccessible to cars, which makes it a paradise for walkers. Nearby to the west of the loch are spectacular beaches called the White Sands of Morar.

Magnificent Loch Torridon in the northwest highlands looks more like a Norwegian fjord than a Scottish sea loch. From the summits of the surrounding mountains you can see all the way from Cape Wrath to Ardnamurchan. A lovely one-way walk takes you from Diabeg to Inveralligin, with a series of refreshing lochans (small lochs) in which to swim if the weather is warm enough.

The hidden treasure at the end of an utterly magical walk, Loch Skeen is a tiny body of water high up in the moorland hills of Dumfries and Galloway. Getting there involves a steep walk alongside the spectacular Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall (note that it’s dangerous to leave the path en route). The climb is worth it for the breathtaking views at the top.

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