Lochan Tràigh Bheag

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

Scotland

Lochan Tràigh Bheag

A slipway in Loch Miabhaig Credit: Alan Reid

Lochan Tràigh Bheag, located in Ross-shire, Scotland, is a small freshwater body commonly referred to as a lochan. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of the Scottish Highlands, this tranquil water feature captivates visitors with its natural beauty and serene ambiance.

Spanning an area of approximately 2 hectares, Lochan Tràigh Bheag is characterized by its crystal-clear, still waters. Surrounded by lush vegetation and rolling hills, the lochan creates a stunning reflection of its surroundings, particularly on calm, windless days. The diverse flora that thrives in this area includes reeds, water lilies, and various aquatic plants, enhancing the visual appeal of the landscape.

This freshwater ecosystem serves as a vital habitat for a range of wildlife species. Lochan Tràigh Bheag attracts numerous birds, including ducks, geese, and swans, which can often be seen gracefully swimming across its surface. The lochan also harbors fish species such as trout and perch, providing a valuable food source for the local ecosystem.

Given its tranquil setting, Lochan Tràigh Bheag is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers seeking to capture the beauty of the Scottish countryside. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks around the lochan, immersing themselves in the tranquility of the surroundings and taking in the breathtaking views.

In summary, Lochan Tràigh Bheag offers a serene and captivating experience, with its still waters, diverse vegetation, and abundant wildlife. It stands as a testament to the natural wonders of the Scottish Highlands and provides a peaceful retreat for both locals and tourists alike.

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Lochan Tràigh Bheag Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.193343/-6.9577189 or Grid Reference NB0833. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A slipway in Loch Miabhaig

Alan Reid

A slipway in Loch Miabhaig

Alan Reid

Derelict house on slope of Beinn a' Ghlinne Ruaidh

David Martin

Lochan at Cragavig

An old boundary wall snakes across the moorland

Alan Reid

Cerishader: postbox № HS2 158

A small postbox on the B8011, with its back to Loch Ròg. It is emptied at 9 o'clock each morning, except Sunday.

Chris Downer

Carishader postbox

The sea inlet is part of Loch Ròg.

Alan Reid

Old black house walls, Cairisiadar

Looking up An Gleann Ruadh.

Alan Reid

Gleann Bhaltois (Glen Valtos) 5

Gleann Bhaltois is a spectacular example of a glacial meltwater channel. At the end of the last Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago, there is thought to have been a lake where Uig Bay now lies, dammed by ice to the west. The outlet from the lake was at the head of what is now Gleann Bhaltois, and carved a deep steep-sided glen, exploiting a fault line in the rocks. Following several wet days, a waterfall is draining the moor above.

Anne Burgess

Gleann Bhaltois (Glen Valtos) 6

Gleann Bhaltois is a spectacular example of a glacial meltwater channel. At the end of the last Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago, there is thought to have been a lake where Uig Bay now lies, dammed by ice to the west. The outlet from the lake was at the head of what is now Gleann Bhaltois, and carved a deep steep-sided glen, exploiting a fault line in the rocks. At this point, the glen steps down from its winding upper course through a rock fall to the much straighter lower course.

Anne Burgess

Gleann Bhaltois (Glen Valtos) 7

Gleann Bhaltois is a spectacular example of a glacial meltwater channel. At the end of the last Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago, there is thought to have been a lake where Uig Bay now lies, dammed by ice to the west. The outlet from the lake was at the head of what is now Gleann Bhaltois, and carved a deep steep-sided glen, exploiting a fault line in the rocks. From this point, the glen follows the straight line of the fault. The classic and diagnostic feature of a meltwater channel, well seen in this view, is that the stream it contains is too small to have carved it in the first place.

Anne Burgess

Gleann Bhaltois (Glen Valtos) 7

Anne Burgess

Name That Tune

This cheerful accordionist stands just inside a field by the cattle grid on the B8011 north of Cairisiadar. The label at his feet reads 'Name That Tune'.

Anne Burgess

Cairisiadar (Carishader)

Though the B8011 has been much improved, there are still some single-track stretches, notably where it crosses narrow bridges which have not been rebuilt, as here at Cairisiadar.

Anne Burgess

Miabhaig harbour pontoon

View from RIB afloat to pontoon at Miabhaig, Ceann A Tuath Na Hearadh (North Harris). Compare to NB0934 : Miabhaig Jetty taken by Dave Fergusson on 1 Oct 2007.

Hazel Hambidge

If you are ever up this way...

RIB moored alongside Miabhaig pontoon NB0934 : Miabhaig harbour pontoon on Ceann A Tuath Na Hearadah (North Harris) from which we enjoyed a great trip. (No financial benefit in anyway to me from posting this; simply a community service.)

Hazel Hambidge

Join the Band

Name That Tune and take a seat to have your photograph taken with the band at Carishader / Cairisiadar. Maybe it's Heather and Pete playing the field.

Colin Smith