The name Achtriochtan translates from Scottish Gaelic to 'field of the elder tree'.
The loch was formed by glacial scouring during the last ice age, creating a basin now partially filled by sediment from the River Coe.
It is frequently referred to as the 'small loch' in contrast to the larger Loch Leven located further west near the sea.
The settlement located here prior to 1692 was one of the primary targets for government forces during the historical massacre.
The loch sits within a protected National Scenic Area and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its geological importance.
Loch Achtriochtan is a freshwater loch situated in the base of Glen Coe, flanked by the A82 road and the towering peaks of the Aonach Eagach ridge. The site is historically significant as the traditional location of the settlement of Achtriochtan, home to members of the MacDonald of Glencoe clan who were targeted during the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe. The loch serves as a vital stop for geologists, as it occupies a deep glacial trough carved into volcanic rock. Its shallow depths and proximity to the Coe River make it a significant local biodiversity hub for waterfowl and native flora. The landscape is dominated by the steep slopes of the Bidean nam Bian massif to the south. It is an unmanaged, open-access natural site with no commercial facilities on the immediate shoreline.
The small gravel pull-off on the northern edge of the loch providing a view of the water reflecting the Aonach Eagach ridge.
Parking is limited to designated gravel laybys along the A82; do not park on the grass verges.
Bring midgie repellent if visiting between June and August, as the sheltered basin is a prime breeding ground.
Wear waterproof footwear as the shoreline terrain is uneven and often boggy, especially after rainfall.
Attempting to swim in the loch is discouraged due to the extreme cold, hidden underwater vegetation, and rapid depth changes.
Practice 'Leave No Trace' principles; do not disturb livestock or wildlife and carry all litter away.
