Loch Striven, Sea loch in Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Loch Striven is a sea inlet on the west coast of Scotland that runs north from the Firth of Clyde into the Cowal Peninsula. The channel is narrow and deep, with low wooded slopes rising on both sides for most of its length.
During World War II, British forces used Loch Striven as a training ground for small submarines, as the sheltered waters offered safe conditions. After the war, the inlet kept its military role and still serves as a supply point for naval vessels.
Loch Striven sits away from busier tourist routes and is mostly used by anglers and recreational boaters who appreciate the open water. The shores have almost no buildings, so the water and surrounding hills define the whole scene.
The southern end of the loch can be reached by minor roads, but the northern half is only accessible by boat. Weather on the water can shift quickly, so bring layers and waterproof gear regardless of the forecast.
A fuel depot at Knockdow on the northern shore has supplied naval and NATO vessels for decades, making this one of the few Scottish inlets with an active military facility. Passing by boat, you can see the low-key installations along the shore with no obvious sign of their ongoing role.
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