Loch Cuilceach

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

Scotland

Loch Cuilceach

Slipway and harbour, Carnach Photographed from a walkway above the slipway. 
Part of the road bridge between Scalpay and Harris visible on the left.
Slipway and harbour, Carnach Credit: Richard Dorrell

Loch Cuilceach, located in Inverness-shire, Scotland, is a picturesque freshwater loch nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Spanning an area of approximately 1.5 square kilometers, the loch is surrounded by rolling hills and lush vegetation, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere.

This natural water body is often referred to as a loch, which in Scottish Gaelic means a lake. Loch Cuilceach is known for its crystal-clear waters, reflecting the surrounding landscape like a mirror. It is fed by several small streams that flow down from the nearby hills, ensuring a constant supply of fresh water.

The loch is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an ideal habitat for various species. The surrounding area is characterized by an abundance of reeds, bulrushes, and other aquatic plants, creating a thriving freshwater marsh ecosystem. This marshland provides shelter and nesting grounds for numerous bird species, including ducks, swans, and herons, attracting birdwatchers from far and wide.

The tranquil waters of Loch Cuilceach also offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and boating. Anglers can try their luck at catching brown trout, which are known to inhabit these waters. The loch's peaceful ambiance and stunning natural surroundings make it a popular spot for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking solace in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

In summary, Loch Cuilceach is a breathtaking freshwater loch located in Inverness-shire, offering a haven of tranquility and natural beauty. With its diverse flora and fauna, it provides an immersive experience for visitors, whether they are exploring its marshland, fishing in its waters, or simply admiring the stunning scenery.

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Loch Cuilceach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.869689/-6.6684689 or Grid Reference NG2396. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Slipway and harbour, Carnach Photographed from a walkway above the slipway. 
Part of the road bridge between Scalpay and Harris visible on the left.
Slipway and harbour, Carnach
Photographed from a walkway above the slipway. Part of the road bridge between Scalpay and Harris visible on the left.
Houses at Scalpay
Houses at Scalpay
Carnach and Sàil a' Charnain View from Scalpay Bridge.
Carnach and Sàil a' Charnain
View from Scalpay Bridge.
Track to Eilean Glas Lighthouse There is some small-scale peat cutting immediately next to the track.
Track to Eilean Glas Lighthouse
There is some small-scale peat cutting immediately next to the track.
Footpath to Eilean Glas Lighthouse The path is in good condition and a pleasure to walk on.
Footpath to Eilean Glas Lighthouse
The path is in good condition and a pleasure to walk on.
A lochan on the Heritage Trail to Scalpay Lighthouse The trail is spongy underfoot but well maintained. On the horizon left of centre you can see the Shiant Islands and that's Scalpay Lighthouse lying off the cliffs to the right.
A lochan on the Heritage Trail to Scalpay Lighthouse
The trail is spongy underfoot but well maintained. On the horizon left of centre you can see the Shiant Islands and that's Scalpay Lighthouse lying off the cliffs to the right.
Scalpay Church of Scotland The majority on Scalpay chose to remain in the Free Church when the United Free Church reunited with the established Church of Scotland in 1929.  As the congregation was not enough to justify maintaining a large building and a resident minister, the Church of Scotland kept this small church where services were conducted by a lay missionary, who lived with his family in the nearby <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4742256">NG2196 : Scalpay Mission House</a>

Shortly after this photograph was taken the bridge linking Scalpay to the mainland of Harris was completed, making it possible for the remaining Church of Scotland congregation to attend Sunday services in Tarbert and so there was no longer any need for a missionary.

This small church is now used for services by the Free Church (Continuing).  For a later view from the other side see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1514144">NG2196 : Church Scalpay</a>.
Scalpay Church of Scotland
The majority on Scalpay chose to remain in the Free Church when the United Free Church reunited with the established Church of Scotland in 1929. As the congregation was not enough to justify maintaining a large building and a resident minister, the Church of Scotland kept this small church where services were conducted by a lay missionary, who lived with his family in the nearby NG2196 : Scalpay Mission House Shortly after this photograph was taken the bridge linking Scalpay to the mainland of Harris was completed, making it possible for the remaining Church of Scotland congregation to attend Sunday services in Tarbert and so there was no longer any need for a missionary. This small church is now used for services by the Free Church (Continuing). For a later view from the other side see NG2196 : Church Scalpay.
Scalpay Mission House The corrugated building was once the home of the lay missionary who served the <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4742254">NG2196 : Scalpay Church of Scotland</a>.  Following the opening of the Scalpay Bridge in 1997, soon after this photograph was taken, the small Church of Scotland congregation was able to travel to worship on the Harris mainland and missionaries no longer resided on the island.
Scalpay Mission House
The corrugated building was once the home of the lay missionary who served the NG2196 : Scalpay Church of Scotland. Following the opening of the Scalpay Bridge in 1997, soon after this photograph was taken, the small Church of Scotland congregation was able to travel to worship on the Harris mainland and missionaries no longer resided on the island.
Scalpay village
Scalpay village
Pier at Scalpay
Pier at Scalpay
Scalpay road bridge The west side of the bridge.
Scalpay road bridge
The west side of the bridge.
House on Scalpay/Scalpaigh In need of some restoration.
House on Scalpay/Scalpaigh
In need of some restoration.
Tidy pier near Carnach Assorted 'stuff' neatly stowed on the pier. Overlooking Caolas Scalpaigh, with Scalpay/Scalpaigh and the southern pier of the bridge beyond.
Tidy pier near Carnach
Assorted 'stuff' neatly stowed on the pier. Overlooking Caolas Scalpaigh, with Scalpay/Scalpaigh and the southern pier of the bridge beyond.
Scalpay Community Fire Station At the head of the pier, with the Community Hall beyond.
Scalpay Community Fire Station
At the head of the pier, with the Community Hall beyond.
Coast at Ãird Adhanais At the end of Sraid Falkland, looking out to Bagh Ceann na Muice.
Coast at Ãird Adhanais
At the end of Sraid Falkland, looking out to Bagh Ceann na Muice.
Tidal island in Bagh Ceann na Muice Sea surrounds the island at high tide, and separates it from the two houses in the distance.
Tidal island in Bagh Ceann na Muice
Sea surrounds the island at high tide, and separates it from the two houses in the distance.
Bàgh Ceann na Muice Or Bagh Ceann na Muise [OS spelling varies from scale to scale]. Looking across rocky grasslend from the road to Ceann a Bhàigh.
Bàgh Ceann na Muice
Or Bagh Ceann na Muise [OS spelling varies from scale to scale]. Looking across rocky grasslend from the road to Ceann a Bhàigh.
House on Straid Falkland Overlooking An Acairseid a Deas near Ceann a Bhàigh.
House on Straid Falkland
Overlooking An Acairseid a Deas near Ceann a Bhàigh.
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Loch Cuilceach is located at Grid Ref: NG2396 (Lat: 57.869689, Lng: -6.6684689)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///broth.corrode.fishnet. Near Tarbert, Na h-Eileanan Siar

Related Wikis

Scalpay, Outer Hebrides

Scalpay (; Scottish Gaelic: Sgalpaigh or Sgalpaigh na Hearadh; i.e. "Scalpay of Harris" to distinguish it from Scalpay off Skye) is an island in the Outer...

Eilean Glas, Scalpay

Eilean Glas is a peninsula of Scalpay in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Eilean Glas is home to a historic lighthouse. Eilean Glas means Grey/Green Island...

Eilean Glas Lighthouse

Eilean Glas Lighthouse is situated on the east coast of the island of Scalpay in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It was one of the original four lights...

Sgeotasaigh

Scotasay (Scottish Gaelic: Sgeotasaigh) is small island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It lies 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) off the east coast of Harris...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.869689,-6.6684689
Acairseid Fhalaich
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 57.8728992/-6.6682763
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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