Loch Hourn

Loch Hourn is a marine inlet in the Scottish Highlands that stretches roughly 22 kilometers inland from the Sound of Sleat. The waterway contains several deep basins divided by shallower sections, creating distinct zones along its length.

The name comes from Scottish Gaelic 'Loch Shubhairne' and the area formed part of what was historically called the rough bounds of northwest Scotland. This remote region remained largely isolated from broader Scottish developments for centuries.

The area around the inlet remains sparsely populated, with only a few settlements like Kinloch Hourn at its head, reflecting the remote nature of this western Scottish coast. Local communities have long depended on fishing and small-scale land use adapted to the rugged terrain.

Traveling through the inlet requires attention to tidal currents and water movements, especially in the upper sections near Kinloch Hourn. Visitors should gather information about local conditions before venturing out on the water.

The varying depths across the inlet create distinct salinity zones that support different marine habitats and species. This underwater variation often goes unnoticed by visitors observing from above the waterline.