Everyone knows about Loch Ness, but have you ever heard of these 5 Scottish lakes (some of which are also said to be home to a monster...)?

1. Loch Lomond, Britain's largest lake

A popular destination for residents of Glasgow and Edinburgh, Loch Lomond is one of the West of Scotland's outstanding natural sites. Located in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, it is the largest loch in Great Britain in terms of surface area.

In 2005, a British survey ranked it as Britain's sixth natural wonder. While several islands sit at the centre of the lake, the shores of the loch are covered with pretty villages such as Luss and Balmaha. A walker's paradise, lovers of the great outdoors are sure to find something to suit them.

2. Loch Fyne, the Eldorado of oyster lovers

Thirty minutes' drive from Loch Lomond, another Scottish lake stands out. Loch Fyne has a special feature: its water is salty. Oyster farming is highly developed here, and oysters are as popular as in the Arcachon basin.

In terms of nature, loch Fyne is home to an abundance of flora and fauna. Rare birds, deer, squirrels and even basking sharks live in the area. On the shore of the loch, don't miss the village of Inveraray, home to photogenic white cottages and an imposing castle visited by Queen Victoria in 1847.

3. Loch Maree, a remote lake for a solo getaway

Head to the Northwest Highlands to discover Scotland's fourth largest lake. At 20 kilometres long, there's no shortage of opportunities around Loch Maree. On the other hand, the lake is far from tourist areas and attracts fewer foreigners. And wrongly so.

The lake has several islands, the best known of which is Maree Island, home to a sacred well and a sacred tree. Like Loch Ness, the lake is also the source of many legends. Its very pure water is said to cure madness and harbour a monster: the muc-sheilch.

4. Loch Awe and its majestic ruins

We immediately fell in love with Loch Awe and its almost fairytale-like setting. You only have to look at the imposing ruins on the shores of the lake to understand why this is one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

Bordered by the village of the same name and renowned for its fishing, Loch Awe is above all famous for Kilchurn Castle. Well, what's left of it... This 15th-century building was the residence of the Campbells of Glenorchy, a powerful Scottish family. The castle is one of the most photographed in the UK.

5. Loch Katrine, one of the most breathtaking in Scotland

This freshwater lake in the district of Stirling is Glasgow's main water reservoir. One of Scotland's most picturesque landscapes, it inspired Walter Scott's poem The Lady of the Lake.

In fact, taking a cruise on the loch aboard a steamer is almost a must. There's no better way to enjoy this lake nestling in the heart of the mountains and its lush vegetation.