Isle Maree
Discover Isle Maree, a historically rich island on Loch Maree, accessible by paddle, featuring ancient ruins and a legendary Wish Tree.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Essential for safe paddling
Isle Maree
Best Time
Essential for safe paddling
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Isle Maree, a historically rich island on Loch Maree, accessible by paddle, featuring ancient ruins and a legendary Wish Tree.
"A gem of a find, steeped in history with tales of Viking princes and Saint Mael Rubha."
🛶 Paddle Across Loch Maree
Rent a canoe/kayak from near Loch Maree Hotel or Slattadale. Check weather first!
💰 Leave a Wish
Contribute a coin to the Wish Tree for good luck and to honor tradition.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chapel Ruins
Isle Maree
Discover the ancient chapel remains, a testament to the island's spiritual past.
The Wish Tree
Isle Maree
Leave a coin and a wish at this unique tree, a tradition tied to the island's folklore.
Holy Well
Isle Maree
Find the sacred holy well, a site of historical and spiritual significance.
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Planning Your Visit
Accessing Isle Maree
Historical Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛶 Paddle Across Loch Maree
Rent a canoe/kayak from near Loch Maree Hotel or Slattadale. Check weather first!
💰 Leave a Wish
Contribute a coin to the Wish Tree for good luck and to honor tradition.
🗺️ Explore Nearby Isles
Don't miss Eilean Subhainn and Eilean Ruairidh Mòr for sandy bays.
💧 Visit the Holy Well
Discover the sacred well, a key historical feature of the island.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛶 Paddle Across Loch Maree
Rent a canoe/kayak from near Loch Maree Hotel or Slattadale. Check weather first!
💰 Leave a Wish
Contribute a coin to the Wish Tree for good luck and to honor tradition.
🗺️ Explore Nearby Isles
Don't miss Eilean Subhainn and Eilean Ruairidh Mòr for sandy bays.
💧 Visit the Holy Well
Discover the sacred well, a key historical feature of the island.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Isle Maree is lauded as a hidden gem, offering a unique blend of history, folklore, and natural beauty accessible via a scenic paddle across Loch Maree. Visitors appreciate the historical significance of the chapel ruins, holy well, and the charming Wish Tree tradition. The journey itself is often highlighted as a rewarding part of the experience, with opportunities to explore surrounding islands.
"This was a gem of a find when we came to Loch Maree for a day out canoeing. The Isle is steeped in history with stories of a Viking Prince, Chapel remains, Saint Máel Ruba, a Holy Well and the Wish Tree. It's also known as "The Island of the Moon", lovely 😁.
We set off from Loch Maree Hotel on the Southern shore of Loch Maree, after asking permission from the staff to use their shore put-in - kindly granted. Heading out from the put-in, we paddled straight out to Eilean Subhainn (~3/4 mile). Here we found a sandy bay for a brief picnic before canoeing through the pretty passageway between Eilean Subhainn & Garbh Eilean. Paddling East after exploring the Isles and inlets we arrived at Isle Maree (~3 miles from put-in). There's a natural harbour on the South West shore complete with a beach and pathways leading around the Isle and remains. We left a coin (and a wish) contribution on the Wish Tree after exploring the lovely Eilean Maolruibhe (Isle Maree) and heading back. Total round trip was around 5.5 miles.
Alternative parking and put-in is available at Loch Maree Picnic Site - Slattadale (See Google Maps ~2 miles further on, West from the Hotel). This is a little further from Isle Maree, but within reach on a fair weather day and closer to the other Islands (Eilean Ruairidh Mòr, Garbh Eilean and Eilean Subhainn) which are also worth a visit. Eilean Ruairidh Mòr has a particularly lovely double-bay with sandy beaches (see on Google Maps).
A beautiful secluded spot, worth taking the time out to paddle across to if you have a boat and reasonable weather."
David Booth
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Ben Alderson
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Gordon R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Isle Maree is accessed by paddling across Loch Maree. You can rent canoes or kayaks. A good starting point is near the Loch Maree Hotel, with their permission, or the Slattadale picnic site further west. Always prioritize safety and check the weather forecast before setting out on the water.
From the Loch Maree Hotel put-in, it's about a 3-mile paddle to Isle Maree. Paddling through the passage between Eilean Subhainn and Garbh Eilean is a scenic route.
Yes, the Loch Maree Picnic Site at Slattadale offers another put-in point. This is a bit further from Isle Maree but closer to other smaller islands worth exploring.
The weather on Loch Maree can change quickly. Ensure you have appropriate gear, check forecasts, and only paddle in fair conditions.
Yes, Isle Maree is a beautiful secluded spot worth visiting by boat, especially in reasonable weather.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific tickets required to visit Isle Maree itself. Access is via paddling across Loch Maree, and any costs would be related to boat rental or parking at access points.
Parking at the Loch Maree Hotel may require permission or have associated costs. The Slattadale picnic site might have a small parking fee, but this can vary.
Isle Maree is an natural island and is accessible at any time. However, your ability to reach it depends on daylight hours and safe paddling conditions.
While the island is always accessible, visiting is highly dependent on weather. Winter months can bring challenging conditions to Loch Maree, making access difficult or unsafe.
No, the historical sites like the chapel ruins, holy well, and Wish Tree on Isle Maree are freely accessible as part of the natural landscape.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Isle Maree is known as Eilean Maolruibhe and features the remains of a chapel, a holy well, and the famous Wish Tree. It's also linked to stories of Viking princes.
The Wish Tree on Isle Maree is a place where visitors leave a coin and make a wish, continuing a local tradition.
Yes, there are pathways leading around the Isle Maree, allowing exploration of its historical sites and natural beauty.
After landing at the natural harbour on the SW shore, follow the pathways to discover the chapel remains, holy well, and Wish Tree.
The island has a natural harbour with a beach, making it a suitable spot for a picnic after your paddle.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the atmospheric chapel ruins, the unique Wish Tree, and the serene holy well. The surrounding loch and other islands also offer stunning scenic shots.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, dramatic scenes on the island and across Loch Maree.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the landscape and ruins. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the water and sky.
The natural harbour offers a good vantage point upon arrival. Exploring the pathways will reveal various perspectives of the historical sites.
Keep an eye out for local birdlife on the loch and surrounding areas. A telephoto lens might be useful for capturing distant wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the Slattadale picnic site as a starting point, as it offers a more relaxed environment and is closer to other small islands with sandy beaches, which can be great for younger children to play on. Always prioritize safety and choose a day with calm weather. The historical context of Viking princes and saints can also be a fun way to engage children with the island's past. Remember to leave no trace and respect the historical and natural environment of Isle Maree.
🛶 Adventure Seekers
Consider extending your adventure by exploring the smaller islands surrounding Isle Maree, such as Eilean Subhainn and Eilean Ruairidh Mòr, which offer beautiful bays and beaches. The total paddling distance can be significant, making it a rewarding challenge. Always ensure you have the right equipment, including a reliable kayak or canoe, paddles, and safety gear. Checking weather forecasts and informing someone of your plans are essential precautions for this type of excursion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Legends of Isle Maree
Beyond its religious history, Isle Maree is also associated with tales of Viking princes, adding a layer of ancient intrigue to its narrative. The island's unique Wish Tree is a focal point for visitors, where the tradition of leaving a coin and making a wish continues. This practice blends historical reverence with personal hopes, making the island a place of both reflection and aspiration. Exploring these elements provides a deeper appreciation for the island's enduring mystique.
Paddling to Isle Maree: A Traveler's Guide
When planning your paddle, weather is paramount. Loch Maree can be exposed, and conditions can change rapidly. It's crucial to check the forecast and only embark on the journey in fair weather. The journey itself is rewarding, with opportunities to paddle through scenic passageways between islands like Eilean Subhainn and Garbh Eilean. Upon arrival at Isle Maree, a natural harbour on the southwest shore provides a landing spot, complete with a beach and pathways for exploration. The total round trip, including exploration, can be around 5.5 miles, making it a manageable yet fulfilling excursion for those with a boat and a sense of adventure.
Social
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