The River Lochy flows from its southwestern end while the Caledonian Canal links its northeastern extent to Loch Oich.

[4] The Stand-off at the Fords of Arkaig in September 1665 ended a 360-year feud between the Camerons and the Chattan Confederation.

Folklore tales mention a supernatural being called the River Horse which was said to emerge from the lake and assume a horse's shape before feeding on the loch's banks.

[5] The River Horse was also known as the Lord of the Lake and the Water King and would overturn boats and "entice mares from their pastures".

[5] Another tradition was that of the River Bull, "a gentle, harmless creature", who would "emerge from the lake into the pasture of cows".