159km (99 miles) NW of Edinburgh; 39km (24 miles) E of Oban; 109km (68 miles) NW of Glasgow

Only 1.6km (1 mile) wide in most places and 36km (22 miles) long, Loch Awe is the longest loch in Scotland and served as a natural freshwater moat protecting the Campbells of Inveraray from their enemies to the north. Along its banks are many reminders of its fortified past. The Forestry Commission has vast forests and signposted trails in this area, and a modern road makes it possible to travel around Loch Awe; so more than ever it's a popular center for angling and walking.