Loch Gobhlach

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

Scotland

Loch Gobhlach

Old hardstandings at Tob Blar Meadha Abandoned lobster loading hardstandings at the lobster pond. — Old hardstandings at Tob Blar Meadha Credit: Gus Macdonald

Loch Gobhlach is a small freshwater loch located in Ross-shire, Scotland. Situated amidst the picturesque and scenic surroundings of the Scottish Highlands, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

Spanning approximately 10 acres, Loch Gobhlach is a tranquil and serene body of water that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains. The loch is nestled within an area of outstanding natural beauty, with its shores adorned by lush green vegetation and thriving wildlife.

The crystal-clear waters of Loch Gobhlach are home to a diverse range of aquatic species, including various types of fish such as brown trout and char. Anglers often frequent the loch to try their luck at catching these prized fish.

Surrounding the loch, there is a patchwork of wetlands and freshwater marshes, which provide a habitat for numerous bird species. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of waterfowl, including ducks, swans, and geese, as well as wading birds such as herons and snipes.

The area around Loch Gobhlach also boasts an abundance of hiking trails, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of the Scottish Highlands. These trails wind through heather-clad hills and offer panoramic views of the loch and its surroundings.

Overall, Loch Gobhlach is a hidden gem in Ross-shire, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking a connection with nature. Its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and stunning scenery make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring 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 Gobhlach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.221296/-6.8074408 or Grid Reference NB1735. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old hardstandings at Tob Blar Meadha

Abandoned lobster loading hardstandings at the lobster pond.

Gus Macdonald

Craft workshop in Kirkibost

One of the old shellfish processing factories at Kirkibost (Circeabost) is now reborn as a craftshop.

Gus Macdonald

Cleibh ghiomaich aig cidhe Chirceabost

Lobster creels at Kirkibost harbour

Gus Macdonald

View towards Circebost Pier

David Martin

Great Bernera: the stores and post office

The post office has been relocated to this village store since 1994 when it was in a wooden shed: NB1536 : Great Bernara Post Office. The shop also operates petrol pumps, which are in a layby across the road.

Chris Downer

Great Bernera: postbox № HS2 82 and a ruined croft house

This postbox stands at the southern end of the island, a few hundred yards from the Bernera Bridge. Behind it, we see a ruined croft house, so common in the Scottish islands.

Chris Downer

Croftland, Circebost, Great Bernera

Looking across Loch Ròg an Ear (East Loch Roag) towards Eilean Chearstaigh.

Claire Pegrum

Lazy beds below Cnoc Righseodh, Great Bernera/BeÃ rnaraigh

Claire Pegrum

Shieling above Tob ChÃ¨urabhagh, Great Bernera/BeÃ rnaraigh

Tob Chèurabhagh is a bay at the southern end of Loch Riosaigh.

Claire Pegrum

Stepping stones across Loch nan Geadraisean, Great Bernera/BeÃ rnaraigh

The OS 1:25,000 map shows the body of water to be called Loch na Muilne this side of the stepping stones and Loch nan Geadraisean beyond. On the OS 1:50,000 map it is all called Loch nan Geadraisean.

Claire Pegrum

Mill lade, Breacleit Norse mill, Great Bernera/BeÃ rnaraigh

The lade carried water to the mill from Loch na Muilne. See Link

for information about the mill.

Claire Pegrum

Calanais/Callanish XV, Circebost, Great Bernera/BeÃ rnaraigh

From Discovery and Excavation in Scotland, 1976: "On grassy ridge 100m N of road, 25m E of track through Croft 24, Kirkibost. A large prone slab approx. 3.55m x 1.35m, thickness varying from 0.25-0.45m, lying in peat on a grassy ridge. The lower end appears to be surrounded by packing stones and there is a void under the centre of the stone. This stone was brought to our notice by Mr Norman MacDonald of Kirkibost."

Claire Pegrum

Possible fallen standing stone, Circebost, Great Bernera/BeÃ rnaraigh

This stone lies approximately 80m ESE of NB1734 : Calanais/Callanish XV, Circebost, Great Bernera/Beàrnaraigh. The croft owner, who is the grandson of Norman MacDonald who originally brought Callanish XV to archaeologists' attention, believes it to be fallen standing stone.

Claire Pegrum

Great Bernera: gardening is in the jeans

Two pairs of jeans have been hung up in jocular fashion in wellington boots outside a house in Breaclete, as a place to grow some plants. The occupant of the house pulled up as I was taking the photo and invited me also to press the button on the lobster in the basket - but it turned out that the battery had gone. Apparently, the lobster would have done a little wave with its claws.

Chris Downer

Looking down at Circebost

Circebost or Kirkibost is a tiny settlement on Great Bernera. This island is now connected to Lewis by a short pre-stressed concrete bridge. In 1953 when it was built it was and remains the first bridge of such material in Europe. The settlemenr is also important as it is the first planned crofting township in the Outer Hebrides, though I think town is a lofty description for such a small group of houses.

Malcolm Neal