As promised, or threatened, here's Loch Aye the Noo - Part Two.  A few more lochs which have made a lasting impression on me.  Did you know that loch is actually a gaelic word for a lake or fiord?  Yes, I thought you probably did .

Does Loch Garry display a shape that's familiar? This unique highland loch's shoreline resembles the outline of Scotland and is affectionately known as the "Map of Scotland". Lying in the remote Glen Garry, Loch Garry is surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests but according to local legend, the loch was the scene of a gruesome event. A large kelpie (water spirit) lived in the depths of the water. One day, seven children were playing on the banks of the river which flows into the loch and the Kelpie appeared. One of the children reached out to touch the monster but his hand became stuck to the side of the Kelpie and when the others tried to help him they too became stuck. The Kelpie dove back into the depths taking all the attached children too. Later all that was found of the children were seven hearts floating on the surface of the loch. What a tragic tale !

The stunning Loch Garten is the ancestral home of the osprey in Scotland. Set amidst the rare Caledonian pinewood of Abernethy Forest there is an Osprey Centre where you can watch these glorious birds of prey in their natural habitat. Just over fifty years ago these spectacular creatures had completely vanished from Britain, however, in 1954 a single pair reappeared and built their nest just a short distance from the loch. The location of the loch is one of the most peaceful in the Highlands so it is no wonder that the ospreys chose to live here. There are some people fortunate enough to have glimpsed the ospreys in action as they perform their trademark swoop over the loch to seize fish out with their talons. Sadly I'm not one of those people, yet!

Taking a gentle cruise on the Sir Walter Scott steamship on Loch Katrine is an ideal way to experience the unspoilt beauty of the Trossachs and it is easy to see why the loch was the inspiration for Sir Walter Scott's poem, "Lady of the Lake".  This beautiful freshwater loch is about 8 miles long and is a popular destination with tourists.  Passenger steamers have been plying the loch for over 100 years but the Sir Walter Scott is the last in a long line.  I'd highly recommend taking the cruise as it allows you enjoy the timeless beauty of the Trossachs.

Loch Laggan became a well-known landmark when it featured in the highly successful BBC drama series "Monarch of the Glen" which was filmed on the Ardverikie estate and in the surrounding area. Loch Laggan boasts a spectacular expansive sandy beach, the largest beach on a freshwater loch in Britain. This is a perfect holiday location and there is opportunity for renting holiday cottages on the estate, giving visitors access to a whole host of outdoor activities including walking, fishing, photography, rock climbing and birdwatching. If all that sounds a wee bit energetic you could always just chill out on the glorious uncrowded beach.

Loch Maree is one of the most beautiful and scenic lochs in Scotland. Situated in Wester Ross in the northwest Highlands it is surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and Caledonian pine forests. Loch Maree runs for over 12 miles and offers spectacular, breathtaking views every step of the way. This remote and unspoilt area is a shining example of nature at its absolute best. It became a popular destination for trout fishing in the late 1800s after Queen Victoria visited the Loch Maree Hotel at Talladale, a visit which also resulted in the naming of "Victoria Falls", a lovely waterfall feeding the loch from Beinn Eighe.

Now, I'm sure I could make this blog - Loch Aye the Noo - a trilogy, as there are still plenty of lochs I could mention that I have loved visiting and that reflect the sheer tranquility and unspoilt beauty that is Scotland. 

Watch this space .