Lochanan Àird na Faoghalach

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

Scotland

Lochanan Àird na Faoghalach

Loch Griomarstadh (Loch Grimersta) Loch Griomarstadh is a long narrow inlet of Loch Ceann Hulabhaig. It is tidal, and this view shows the sea a foot or so below high tide. In the distant, at left is Calanais (Callanish). — Loch Griomarstadh (Loch Grimersta) Credit: Anne Burgess

Lochanan Àird na Faoghalach is a picturesque freshwater marsh located in Ross-shire, Scotland. Nestled amidst the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, this tranquil landscape offers a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

Covering an area of approximately 20 hectares, Lochanan Àird na Faoghalach comprises of several small interconnected lochs, pools, ponds, and marshy areas. The marshlands are characterized by their lush vegetation, including reeds, sedges, and various aquatic plants that thrive in the nutrient-rich waters.

The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature photographers. Visitors may spot a variety of waterfowl species such as mallards, teal, wigeons, and grebes, among others. The marshlands also attract wading birds like curlews, lapwings, and snipes, which can be seen foraging along the water's edge.

In addition to its avian inhabitants, Lochanan Àird na Faoghalach supports a rich array of amphibians, including frogs, toads, and newts. These creatures find refuge in the marshy areas, benefiting from the abundant insect life and shallow waters.

The surrounding landscape of Lochanan Àird na Faoghalach is equally captivating, with rolling hills and rugged mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop. The area is also rich in archaeological remains, with ancient settlements and standing stones dotting the landscape, adding a sense of historical significance to the site.

Whether it's for a leisurely stroll, birdwatching, or simply immersing oneself in the beauty of nature, Lochanan Àird na Faoghalach offers a peaceful and enchanting experience for visitors seeking solace in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

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Lochanan Àird na Faoghalach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.159786/-6.7571017 or Grid Reference NB2028. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Loch Griomarstadh (Loch Grimersta)

Loch Griomarstadh is a long narrow inlet of Loch Ceann Hulabhaig. It is tidal, and this view shows the sea a foot or so below high tide. In the distant, at left is Calanais (Callanish).

Anne Burgess

Griomarstadh

Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh (River Grimersta) enters the sea here from the left. The house at Griomarstadh is in the next square, and in the distance are the crofting communities of Calanais and Breascleit.

Anne Burgess

Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh (Grimersta River)

Dramatic lighting as storm clouds gather to the south-west. This river is possibly the best salmon fishing river in the Western Isles, and drains a large tract of southern Lewis. There was a lot of water today following a week of unsettled weather with frequent rain showers.

Anne Burgess

Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh (Grimersta River)

Looking downstream from the new bridge which carries the B8011 over the river. The next bridge is the private access to Griomarstadh House and jetty.

Anne Burgess

Grimersta River

Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh tumbling down to the sea at Loch Ceann Hulabhig. The old road and bridge are visible in mid distance.

Colin Smith

Grimersta River from the Bridge

View upstream of a tumbling, Highland river (Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh) from the new B8011 road bridge.

Colin Smith

Lewis style bus shelter (i)

Peter Moore

Old road bridge over the Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh/Grimersta River

When this photo was taken in 1975, the bridge seen carried the B road to west Lewis over the river. Since then, a replacement has been constructed a short distance downstream. Fairly recent imagery seen online suggests that the bridge is still standing, although it no longer lies on a public road.

eswales

Loch Faoghail am Tuim

Looking south towards the hills of West Lewis. The little house highlighted by a ray of sunshine is a boathouse, in the next square. The nearest hill on the left is Ciorabhal, and on the right is Geure Dubh Mhòr. On the distant skyline is Roineabhal.

Anne Burgess

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

Cycling the B8059

The hills of Harris on the skyline

Alan Reid

B8059 and the lochs leading in to the Lewis-Harris borderlands

This string of linked lochs have 'Faoghail' in their names; this is the Gaelic word for ford.

Alan Reid

Looking south east from the old Ardroil road

A short spur which has been bypassed by new road construction forms a convenient parking place to admire the view.

John Lucas

Loch Griomarstadh (Loch Grimersta)

Part of the intricate coastline of west Lewis.

Alan Reid

Allt na Muilne drains into Loch Griomarstadh

Underlit clouds illuminate the southern tip of Loch Griomarstadh during a summer sunset. The view is barely west of due north, but this far north, the sun stays above the horizon late - it is almost half past ten - and the earth has time to rotate much further before the light finally fades.

Andy Waddington

Stone setting, Druim Cam, Isle of Lewis

Looking towards Loch Faoghail Charrasan, most of which lies within the grid square. From Discovery and Excavation in Scotland, 1991: "Possible kerb cairn or hut circle. There is a sub-circular setting of 7 stones on edge set firmly into the ground, now under 20cm to 40cm of peat. The largest stone is 0.5m high. The internal dimensions are approximately 5.5m by 4.0m. It is located on near-level ground on a gently sloping rock and heather ridge overlooking land on the shore of the loch."

Claire Pegrum