Save this place and discover nearby attractions with NextOnTrip
In the app you can add it to your favorites, see what else is worth visiting nearby on the map, and earn a badge for your visit.
The app is available for iPhone and Android.
About this place
Ardnahoe Loch is a small freshwater loch in the north-east of the Isle of Islay, in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Partly ringed by woodland, it lies a short distance from Port Askaig, the ferry point for neighbouring Jura. It is a quiet corner of the Inner Hebrides that suits anglers, walkers and whisky fans alike.
Where is Ardnahoe Loch?
The loch sits roughly 2.5 km north-north-east of Port Askaig, at about 55.87° N, 6.12° W. It covers just over 20 hectares (around 50 acres), with trees along part of its shore. A short stream carries its outflow east into the Sound of Islay, the strait that separates Islay from Jura.
What should you know about it?
- Depth. It has a reputation as one of the deeper lochs on the island, though the descriptions available give no measured figure.
- Fishing. The water is listed as a recreational fishery. Islay is better known for its malts than its angling, but the island's lochs still offer visiting anglers something to try.
- Whisky link. The loch feeds the nearby Ardnahoe Distillery. That is a separate site with its own visitor centre, and one of its bottlings, Infinite Loch, takes its name from the water.
- The name. The Gaelic Ardnahoe is usually glossed as the height above a hollow.
How do you get there?
Reach Islay by ferry from the mainland, then explore by car. Port Askaig, a few kilometres from the loch, is the natural base for this side of the island. Ask at a local visitor information point about paths and access before you go, as some of the surrounding land is private.
When should you visit?
Late spring to early autumn gives the longest days for walking and fishing. Hebridean weather turns quickly, so pack a waterproof and spare layers. In summer, combine the loch with a stop in Port Askaig and a tour of the nearby distilleries.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ardnahoe Loch the same as Ardnahoe Distillery? No. The loch is a natural body of water and the distillery is a separate business. The link is the water supply: the loch feeds whisky production.
How big is the loch? About 20 hectares, roughly 2.5 km north-north-east of Port Askaig.
Can you fish there? The loch is a recreational fishery. Check rules and permits with local Islay angling providers before you arrive.
Where does the water drain? A short stream runs east into the Sound of Islay.
Earn badges for the places you visit
Download NextOnTrip, discover new places and check off your trails.