Loch nan Cragan

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

Scotland

Loch nan Cragan

Up above the old road This is not country in which to venture without navigations skills. It&#039;s boggy, and many of the ups and downs are not pronounced enough to generate contours. We were able to park on the old road - visible on the 1:25000 OS map - and it was a slightly boggy walk up onto rock. One of little lochans in the square can be seen, as can a typical &quot;knock&quot; of Lewisian gneiss. The (somewhat dilapidated) fence to my west could not be seen from where I took the photo. — Up above the old road Credit: Neville Goodman

Loch nan Cragan, located in Ross-shire, Scotland, is a picturesque freshwater loch nestled amidst the breathtaking Highland landscape. With an area of approximately 1.5 hectares, it is relatively small compared to other nearby lochs. The loch is surrounded by rolling hills covered in lush greenery, creating a peaceful and idyllic atmosphere.

This tranquil water body is characterized by its crystal-clear, calm waters, which reflect the stunning scenery surrounding it. Loch nan Cragan is primarily fed by small streams and springs, ensuring a continuous flow of fresh water. The loch also serves as a habitat for various aquatic flora and fauna, including water lilies and reeds, which thrive in its shallow areas.

The natural beauty and serenity of Loch nan Cragan make it a popular spot for leisure activities such as fishing and boating. Anglers flock to the loch to try their luck at catching brown trout, which are known to inhabit its depths. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy a peaceful day on the water, surrounded by the tranquility of nature.

The loch's shores are also a haven for birdwatchers, as various species of waterfowl can be spotted throughout the year. Visitors may be lucky enough to see ducks, swans, and even the occasional heron gracefully gliding across the water's surface.

Overall, Loch nan Cragan is a hidden gem in the Scottish Highlands, offering visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

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Loch nan Cragan Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.156307/-6.8015974 or Grid Reference NB1728. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Up above the old road

This is not country in which to venture without navigations skills. It's boggy, and many of the ups and downs are not pronounced enough to generate contours. We were able to park on the old road - visible on the 1:25000 OS map - and it was a slightly boggy walk up onto rock. One of little lochans in the square can be seen, as can a typical "knock" of Lewisian gneiss. The (somewhat dilapidated) fence to my west could not be seen from where I took the photo.

Neville Goodman

Loch Speireag

Viewed from the B8059 road. The hills of North Harris in view.

John Lucas

Section of abandoned road next to the B8011

David Gearing

Conostom

The summit of Teathabhal (256m) looking northward.

Richard Webb

Old and new roads.

looking west along the B8011 in West Lewis with the new twin-track road on the left and the original single track road on the right. At the moment the old road still has a reasonable tarred surface and is used by cyclists and walkers.

Gordon Hatton

Peat cutting, West Lewis.

Peat cutting near the roadside - miles from any settlement.

Gordon Hatton

A very odd lochan.

There's nothing particularly unusual about this tiny, unnamed lochan close to the B8011, but maybe the cartographer made a mistake? The map shows a black outline around the loch, indicating [usually] tidal water, but it would seem unusual for the tide to reach 75 metres above its normal level.

Gordon Hatton

Rocky cutting on the B8011

The reconstructed B8011 in West Lewis has been built through the landscape with cuttings and embankments, unlike the old road which was laid over the landscape. The new road encourages rapid progress, but drivers should beware of sheep and red deer.

Gordon Hatton

Loch Speireig

The loch has a very interesting small circular island that could well be a man-made, iron age, dun or crannog.

Bob Embleton

Unnamed Lochan South of the B8011 Road.

There are countless unnamed Lochs and Lochans on West Lewis.

Dave Fergusson

Ruins of a sheiling, Cnoc Gorm

Lonely ruin on a hillside a few hundred metres from the B8011 across cleg infested bog and rock.

Gordon Hatton

Druim Mor

Long stretches of the B8011 have been realigned, as here. The old single-track road is off to the left of this photo. Older maps, showing the previous alignment, may confuse.

David Purchase

Druim Mor

These twin cairns are conspicuous from the B8011, indeed there is a parking space nearby, but they do not mark a summit or other feature and I have not established the reason for their presence. Recently the B8011 has been realigned and upgraded to a two-lane road. The original, single-track route is clearly seen above the right-hand cairn. The modern road can just be seen to the right of the base of that cairn.

David Purchase