How deep is Loch Maree?

How deep is Loch Maree is a question that recently confronted us when one of or clients on a Loch Maree canoe trip wanted to find out. The answer is the depth of the Loch varies but it is on average 38m, with the deepest point being 112m!

The loch has a catchment area of 44,000 hectares and a perimeter length of an amazing 96km. It holds over 1 billion cubic meters of freshwater. To fact check this information and to find out more take a look at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology website

They have reproduced maps from 1902 showing the loch which is fascinating. The maps were produced as part of the Bathymetrical Survey of the Fresh-Water Lochs of Scotland, 1897-1909. These were prepared under the direction of Sir John Murray And Laurence Pullar during the years 1897 to 1909.

Most of these depths were taken simply, by a weight on the end of a long metal wire coiled on a wheel. They would have been carried out by someone swimming across the lochan rather than by the boat normally used.

Information on the Bathymetrical Survey can be found on the National Library of Scotland website, but we have reproduced the pages for you below.

We hope this answers the question posed at the start of this article – How deep is Loch Maree? It should do. Please let us know if you have any more questions about Loch Maree and the area we work in. We would be pleased to hear from you.

For those who would like to canoe around Loch Maree, or paddle on any of our other fantastic trips in Gairloch, Skye or Loch Ness, please click here to view our website. No experience is needed, and our professional and friendly guides will offer you a once in a lifetime experience!