Loch Obasaraigh

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

Scotland

Loch Obasaraigh

Eaval (Eabhal) from Burabhal, North Uist Eaval, 347m, is the highest point on North Uist. Loch Obasaraigh, seen here, is a major obstacle to the ascent of Eaval, and there are basically two routes: a very awkward one from the south-west*, and this one from the north. This starts at Saighdinis <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NF8863">NF8863</a> and involves a long sweep round the east side of the loch, passing Burabhal on the way. Climbing Burabhal, 141m, is an optional extra! Once the hill is reached, at the extreme left of this photo, things become easier and the ridge can be followed to the top.

* For an indication of the problems, see my <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2538382">NF8960 : Eaval summit, looking to the south-west cairn</a>. Imagine trying to thread your way through all those lochans, without even the benefit of a view from above!
Eaval (Eabhal) from Burabhal, North Uist Credit: Michael Earnshaw

Loch Obasaraigh is a picturesque freshwater lake located in the region of Inverness-shire, Scotland. Nestled amidst the rolling hills and verdant landscapes, the loch offers a tranquil haven for nature enthusiasts and visitors seeking peaceful surroundings.

With a surface area of approximately 20 hectares, Loch Obasaraigh is considered a medium-sized body of water. The lake's depth varies throughout, ranging from shallow areas where aquatic plants flourish to deeper sections that reach a maximum depth of around 10 meters. The water is crystal clear, reflecting the stunning scenery that surrounds it.

The shoreline of Loch Obasaraigh is lined with a mixture of rocky outcrops, sandy beaches, and lush vegetation, providing a diverse habitat for an array of flora and fauna. The surrounding area is abundant in native Scottish trees such as birch, oak, and pine, which contribute to the loch's natural beauty.

The lake is home to a variety of freshwater fish species, including brown trout, pike, and perch, making it a popular spot for anglers. Additionally, Loch Obasaraigh attracts a variety of birdlife, with species such as herons, ducks, and ospreys frequently spotted circling overhead or resting by the water's edge.

Visitors to Loch Obasaraigh can enjoy a range of recreational activities, including boating, kayaking, and swimming. The calm waters and serene atmosphere make it an ideal location for leisurely exploration or simply unwinding in nature's embrace.

Overall, Loch Obasaraigh is a breathtaking freshwater oasis that offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquility of Scotland's natural landscapes.

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Loch Obasaraigh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.541694/-7.1909679 or Grid Reference NF8962. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Eaval (Eabhal) from Burabhal, North Uist Eaval, 347m, is the highest point on North Uist. Loch Obasaraigh, seen here, is a major obstacle to the ascent of Eaval, and there are basically two routes: a very awkward one from the south-west*, and this one from the north. This starts at Saighdinis <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NF8863">NF8863</a> and involves a long sweep round the east side of the loch, passing Burabhal on the way. Climbing Burabhal, 141m, is an optional extra! Once the hill is reached, at the extreme left of this photo, things become easier and the ridge can be followed to the top.

* For an indication of the problems, see my <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2538382">NF8960 : Eaval summit, looking to the south-west cairn</a>. Imagine trying to thread your way through all those lochans, without even the benefit of a view from above!
Eaval (Eabhal) from Burabhal, North Uist
Eaval, 347m, is the highest point on North Uist. Loch Obasaraigh, seen here, is a major obstacle to the ascent of Eaval, and there are basically two routes: a very awkward one from the south-west*, and this one from the north. This starts at Saighdinis NF8863 and involves a long sweep round the east side of the loch, passing Burabhal on the way. Climbing Burabhal, 141m, is an optional extra! Once the hill is reached, at the extreme left of this photo, things become easier and the ridge can be followed to the top. * For an indication of the problems, see my NF8960 : Eaval summit, looking to the south-west cairn. Imagine trying to thread your way through all those lochans, without even the benefit of a view from above!
Sculpture at the end of the road One of the sculptures at the end of the road. Literally at the very end of the road along Loch Euphort.
Sculpture at the end of the road
One of the sculptures at the end of the road. Literally at the very end of the road along Loch Euphort.
View NW from the slopes of Burabhal Loch Obasaraigh is to the left.
View NW from the slopes of Burabhal
Loch Obasaraigh is to the left.
Loch a Ghlinne-dorca from slopes of Burabhal
Loch a Ghlinne-dorca from slopes of Burabhal
Anchorage in Loch Eyport
Anchorage in Loch Eyport
East end of Loch Obasaraigh, looking to Burabhal The bay at the E end of Loch Obasaraigh with the top of Burabhal clearly visible.  A quick an easy way into the hill of Eaval with the use of the canoe.  The spit of land in the background is clearly visible on the map.
East end of Loch Obasaraigh, looking to Burabhal
The bay at the E end of Loch Obasaraigh with the top of Burabhal clearly visible. A quick an easy way into the hill of Eaval with the use of the canoe. The spit of land in the background is clearly visible on the map.
South side of the island Eilean Leathann Canoeing into Eaval we passed South of the island Eilean Leathann, which you see off the persons left shoulder.  The ridge of Eaval in the distance
South side of the island Eilean Leathann
Canoeing into Eaval we passed South of the island Eilean Leathann, which you see off the persons left shoulder. The ridge of Eaval in the distance
Rock feature Rock feature on Loch a'Ghlinne-dorcha
Rock feature
Rock feature on Loch a'Ghlinne-dorcha
View from Eaval Towards the western end of Loch Obasaraigh, with Burrival on the left
View from Eaval
Towards the western end of Loch Obasaraigh, with Burrival on the left
Eileann Leathan from Eabhal
Eileann Leathan from Eabhal
East end of Loch Obasaraigh From the path below Burabhal. The land to the right is one of the smaller of the islands in the loch. The lower slopes of Eabhal are in the distance.
East end of Loch Obasaraigh
From the path below Burabhal. The land to the right is one of the smaller of the islands in the loch. The lower slopes of Eabhal are in the distance.
Eastern slope of Eabhal Looking out from the exposed rocks of Eabhal across Loch Obasaraigh and its islands to Burribhal and Li a Deas.
Eastern slope of Eabhal
Looking out from the exposed rocks of Eabhal across Loch Obasaraigh and its islands to Burribhal and Li a Deas.
Loch Obasaraigh A prolonged fresh southerly wind is creating spume from the loch and blowing it onto the northern shores.
Loch Obasaraigh
A prolonged fresh southerly wind is creating spume from the loch and blowing it onto the northern shores.
Beach at the south east of Loch Obasaraigh Course sand generated by the large body of wind agitated fresh water.
Beach at the south east of Loch Obasaraigh
Course sand generated by the large body of wind agitated fresh water.
Camel Rock
Camel Rock
Loch Obasaraigh Eaval, the highest point on North Uist, is the hill on the far side of the loch. Although the route to the hill is indirect (to the left [east] of the loch as seen here), this is the best approach if you wish to climb Eaval.
Loch Obasaraigh
Eaval, the highest point on North Uist, is the hill on the far side of the loch. Although the route to the hill is indirect (to the left [east] of the loch as seen here), this is the best approach if you wish to climb Eaval.
Stepping stones at the outlet from Loch Obasaraigh In order to climb Eaval <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NF8960">NF8960</a> by the simplest (though not easy!) route, it is necessary to cross the outflow from Loch Obasaraigh. The map labels this as 'stepping stones', but it is really a rough stone causeway. I think it would need a very high tide, or a lot of water in the loch (it is a big loch with a quite small catchment area) to make this crossing difficult.
To be honest, it is difficult to tell whether this photo is in NF8962 or NF8963. My GPS recorded the northings as 62992 and so I have entered this as in NF8962.
Stepping stones at the outlet from Loch Obasaraigh
In order to climb Eaval NF8960 by the simplest (though not easy!) route, it is necessary to cross the outflow from Loch Obasaraigh. The map labels this as 'stepping stones', but it is really a rough stone causeway. I think it would need a very high tide, or a lot of water in the loch (it is a big loch with a quite small catchment area) to make this crossing difficult. To be honest, it is difficult to tell whether this photo is in NF8962 or NF8963. My GPS recorded the northings as 62992 and so I have entered this as in NF8962.
The outflow to Loch Euphort at Clachan Bhiurabhal Clearly taken at low tide.
The outflow to Loch Euphort at Clachan Bhiurabhal
Clearly taken at low tide.
Show me another place!

Loch Obasaraigh is located at Grid Ref: NF8962 (Lat: 57.541694, Lng: -7.1909679)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///publish.hound.airliners. Near Lochmaddy, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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