Filming Locations of Harry Potter

39. Loch Shiel

London, England

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The appearance of Hogwarts Lake in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is filmed at Loch Shiel in the Glencoe area of Scotland. It is a freshwater lake that is deep and surrounded by mountains in the northeast, but shallow and boggy in the southwestern portion. The deepest areas of the lake run to a depth of nearly 400 feet. From the southwestern end, the River Shile runs for 2.5 miles before draining into the sea near Castle Tioram at Loch Moidart. The picturesque mountains surrounding the loch are rarely climbed because none reach the 3,000-foot threshold for Munro status. Unlike many portions of the Highlands, however, the area is well wooded and has not fallen victim to overgrazing. Much of its shoreline has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation, but in recent times boat trips on the loch have been offered to tourists.