European Geoparks Network UNESCO Global Network of National Geoparks

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Fascinating Facts

Welcome to Lochaber Geopark

Fàilte gu pàirc-geòdha Loch Abair


The Lochaber area is renowned for its spectacular scenery. The aim of Lochaber Geopark is to raise awareness of the extraordinary story behind the formation of the local landscape. Find out here about some of the amazing geological events which have shaped this part of the Highlands.


View up Great Glen from Gairlochy

Longest Glen

The Great Glen is the longest glen in Scotland. It cuts right across the Highlands from Fort William to Inverness - a distance of 104km (65 miles). It marks the line of a huge tear fault which was most active around 400 million years ago.

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Mountain

Mountain Building

Many of the rocks that make up Lochaber were originally laid down some 800 million years ago as sediments at the bottom of a great sea. Around 460 million years ago these same sediments were squeezed and folded to create the mighty Caledonian mountain chain.

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