Loch Dhonnachaidh Riabhaich

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

Scotland

Loch Dhonnachaidh Riabhaich

Jetty and boat on Loch Sgealtair Credit: Alan Pickup

Loch Dhonnachaidh Riabhaich is a picturesque freshwater lake located in the county of Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated amidst the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, this natural water body offers an enchanting retreat for locals and tourists alike.

Covering an area of approximately 50 hectares, Loch Dhonnachaidh Riabhaich is surrounded by verdant hills and dense woodlands, creating a serene and captivating atmosphere. The calm and crystal-clear waters of the lake are fed by numerous small streams that flow from the surrounding hills.

The lake's depth varies across its expanse, ranging from shallow pools near the shore to deeper sections at its center. Its average depth is around 5 meters, making it an ideal habitat for a diverse range of aquatic flora and fauna.

The surrounding area of Loch Dhonnachaidh Riabhaich is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts. The lake's marshy edges provide a fertile ground for the growth of various plant species such as reeds, rushes, and water lilies. These wetland areas attract a plethora of bird species, including ducks, geese, herons, and swans, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.

The tranquil ambiance of Loch Dhonnachaidh Riabhaich offers a perfect setting for recreational activities like fishing, boating, and kayaking. Anglers can try their luck at catching brown trout, pike, and perch, which are abundant in the lake.

Accessible via a scenic hiking trail, Loch Dhonnachaidh Riabhaich provides an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Its unspoiled beauty and rich wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking peace and tranquility in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Show me another place!

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

Loch Dhonnachaidh Riabhaich Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.606985/-7.1686129 or Grid Reference NF9169. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Jetty and boat on Loch Sgealtair

Alan Pickup

Lochmaddy/Loch nam Madadh

Sandy Gerrard

Works ongoing at Lochmaddy Pier

See NF9267 : Lochmaddy Pier for an earlier view.

Hugh Venables

Seaweed at Lochmaddy

At low tide there is a very large expanse of rocks covered in vegetation here.

Anne Burgess

Taigh Chearsabhagh

The buildings house a museum and arts centre, and a café with excellent home baking.

Anne Burgess

MV 'Hebrides' at Lochmaddy

The MV 'Hebrides' is the ferry from Uig in Skye to Tarbert in Harris and Lochmaddy in South Uist. Until the Berneray causeway was built and the Sound of Harris ferry service started, this was the only way to get from the northern to the southern Western Isles.

Anne Burgess

MV 'Cuma'

The MV 'Cuma' is available for charter and regularly makes trips to St Kilda from her base in Miavaig in West Lewis. This week she was coming in to pick up a party of botanists on their way to survey the islands south of Barra. Pictured passing the dolphin statue outside the Caledonian MacBrayne office and terminal at Lochmaddy.

Anne Burgess

Lochmaddy Marina

The outermost pontoons at Lochmaddy, in use by a handful of pleasure boats.

Anne Burgess

Lochmaddy Marina

This is very nearly the whole of the marina, which is used by commercial and pleasure boats.

Anne Burgess

Lochmaddy Marina and Ferry Terminal

MV 'Hebrides' at the ferry pier, from the pontoon giving access to the marina.

Anne Burgess

On final approach to Loch Maddy

I boarded the ferry at Tarbert, Isle of Harris a couple of hours ago and was told that the ferry had a change of plan and instead of going directly to Uig on Skye was now going via Loch Maddy on North Uist. All at no extra cost!

Des Colhoun