Loch na Bèiste

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Loch na Bèiste

MÃ ithidh Riabhach One of many low-lying islands along the east side of the Long Isle. — MÃ ithidh Riabhach Credit: Toby Speight

Loch na Bèiste, located in Inverness-shire, Scotland, is a picturesque freshwater loch known for its natural beauty and tranquility. Spread over an area of approximately 20 acres, it is nestled within the stunning Scottish Highlands, surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery.

The loch, which translates to "Lake of the Beast" in English, holds a certain mystical allure due to its intriguing name. Legend has it that the loch is home to a mythical creature, similar to the Loch Ness Monster, known as the "Bèiste." Although there have been occasional reports of sightings, no concrete evidence has ever been found to support the existence of this creature.

The water in Loch na Bèiste is crystal clear and is fed by several small streams that flow down from the surrounding hills. The loch is relatively shallow, with an average depth of around 10 feet, making it ideal for various water activities such as fishing or boating.

Surrounding the loch, there is a diverse range of vegetation, including reeds and grasses, creating a freshwater marsh ecosystem. This marshland serves as a habitat for various bird species, including ducks, herons, and occasionally ospreys, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Loch na Bèiste offers a serene and peaceful environment, perfect for those seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Its stunning natural surroundings and the possibility of catching a glimpse of the legendary Bèiste make it a popular destination for tourists and nature lovers alike.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Loch na Bèiste Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.423656/-7.2224597 or Grid Reference NF8649. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

MÃ ithidh Riabhach

One of many low-lying islands along the east side of the Long Isle.

Toby Speight

Sheepfold and tidal inlet

Close by the bothy that I photographed in 2012, the sheepfold is marked on the OS map.The tidal inlet leads out to a channel between 'mainland' Benbecula and Orasaigh, one of many tidal islands of that name around the west coasts of Scotland.

Gordon Hatton

Greanamul Deas

Toby Speight

Eastern end of Rairnis

Toby Speight

Mystery harbour, Benbecula

This loch is named as Oban Crothintin on the larger scale OS maps. The inlet shown in the photo has been built up on the southern side as if to make some sort of landing stage. The mystery is that, although it is tidal, the burn leading from the loch to the sea is very narrow, barely wide enough to get a rowing boat through at high spring tides. If a boat required sheltered moorings, the bay on the other side of the road offers that in abundance with a much easier passage to the open water.

AlastairG

Oban nan Crothintin

An odd name for what appears to be a small freshwater loch just inland from a sea inlet.

Gordon Hatton

A maze of rocks and narrow channels

Looking out into Loch a' Laip from one of several inlets that make up Oban Uaine.

Gordon Hatton

Cattle grid on the road at Creagastrom

The grid is presumably at a boundary between crofts.

Gordon Hatton

A popular post box

Maybe not so popular when it comes to the amount of mail that passes through it, but certainly popular with [currently] two thirds of geograph contributors who pass this way. The reason is that there is very little else of note in this square except for rough grassland and rather soggy moorland.

Gordon Hatton

Crofts on the east side of Benbecula

This is almost at the end of the little road that winds its way across moors and by both sea and freshwater lochs to eventually reach Uisgeabhagh. A newer croft house to the left contrasts with an old single storey house to the right, no longer lived in and most likely doomed to slow decay.

Gordon Hatton

Disused bothy by the shore

A track leads from the road end past a house and down to the shore opposite the small island of Orasaigh Uisgeabheag. This tin roofed bothy is not yet falling into ruin.

Gordon Hatton

On the shores of Loch Uiseabhagh

Little visited [except by sheep] stretch of coastline in a remote corner of Benbecula.

Gordon Hatton

Offshore skerry near Uiseabhagh

The view offshore from a remote stretch of the Benbecula coastline. The skerry is unnamed on the map, whilst the coastline of Skye is visible in the distance [right].

Gordon Hatton

Maithidh Riabhach from Benbecula

Small offshore island that straddles 4 grid squares to the east of Benbecula. Looking east across the island towards the coast of Skye where the flat topped McLeod's Tables are visible.

Gordon Hatton