Lochan Dubh

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

Scotland

Lochan Dubh

Aird Bheag Bhràgair A small area of the rocky headland here is the only land in this square.
Aird Bheag Bhràgair Credit: Anne Burgess

Lochan Dubh is a picturesque freshwater loch located in the county of Ross-shire, Scotland. Nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility.

Covering an area of approximately 10 acres, Lochan Dubh is surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, providing a breathtaking backdrop. The loch itself is characterized by its dark, peaty waters, which give it its name, as "Lochan Dubh" translates to "black loch" in Gaelic.

The loch is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife. Visitors can spot various species of water birds, including ducks, swans, and herons, gracefully gliding across the surface of the water. The surrounding marshland supports an array of plant life, including reeds, rushes, and water lilies.

Fishing is a popular activity at Lochan Dubh, with anglers drawn to its reputation as a prime location for brown trout. The tranquil atmosphere and stunning surroundings make it an ideal spot to cast a line and enjoy the serenity of the loch.

For those wishing to explore further, the loch is surrounded by walking trails that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Hikers can immerse themselves in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands while enjoying the peaceful ambiance of Lochan Dubh.

Overall, Lochan Dubh is a captivating freshwater loch, providing a sanctuary of natural beauty and tranquility in the heart of Ross-shire.

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Lochan Dubh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.346412/-6.6636765 or Grid Reference NB2749. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Aird Bheag Bhràgair A small area of the rocky headland here is the only land in this square.
Aird Bheag Bhràgair
A small area of the rocky headland here is the only land in this square.
Aird Bheag Bhràgair This rocky shelf, the rocks on the shore below, and a couple of offshore rocks, are the only land in this square.
Aird Bheag Bhràgair
This rocky shelf, the rocks on the shore below, and a couple of offshore rocks, are the only land in this square.
Sgeir Mhòr The grid line bisects these rock outcrops just off Aird Bheag Bhràgair.
Sgeir Mhòr
The grid line bisects these rock outcrops just off Aird Bheag Bhràgair.
Aird Bheag Bhràgair Looking down on the rocky shelf shown in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1344440">NB2750 : Aird Bheag Bhràgair</a>.
Aird Bheag Bhràgair
Looking down on the rocky shelf shown in NB2750 : Aird Bheag Bhràgair.
Loch na Muilne
Loch na Muilne
North  Shawbost
North Shawbost
Small beach east of Rubha Gharsan
Small beach east of Rubha Gharsan
Iuchair Like much of this coast, the sea has made deep cuts into the headland.

See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2598514">NB2649 : Coastal rubbish dump</a> for a close up of the old rubbish dump in the nearer cut.
Iuchair
Like much of this coast, the sea has made deep cuts into the headland. See NB2649 : Coastal rubbish dump for a close up of the old rubbish dump in the nearer cut.
Coastal rubbish dump The sea used to be a convenient disposal point for all island rubbish. Here there are the remains of buildings, vehicle parts, and wire fencing,
Coastal rubbish dump
The sea used to be a convenient disposal point for all island rubbish. Here there are the remains of buildings, vehicle parts, and wire fencing,
Blow hole at Dunan Croir The sea has cut a cave deep into the cliff, and then created a hole in the roof of the cave. The hole is 2 or 3m across, and the floor of the cave perhaps 10m below.
Blow hole at Dunan Croir
The sea has cut a cave deep into the cliff, and then created a hole in the roof of the cave. The hole is 2 or 3m across, and the floor of the cave perhaps 10m below.
Dunan Croir This looks as if it might be a "little fort", hence the name. However Canmore reports that there is no evidence of artificial construction.

There is the remains of a rectangular enclosure in the foreground, but again Canmore dryly notes "Not an antiquity".
Dunan Croir
This looks as if it might be a "little fort", hence the name. However Canmore reports that there is no evidence of artificial construction. There is the remains of a rectangular enclosure in the foreground, but again Canmore dryly notes "Not an antiquity".
Bad stile near Labost This type of stile is used throughout the coastal walk from Bragar to Siabost.

It's an object lesson in how not to make a stile. Firstly the single step is much too high, as demonstrated by my able assistant. It risks pulled muscles, climbing up or jumping down.

Secondly, as everyone has to pull on the top bar to climb up, the bar soon breaks off. Half the stiles on this part of the walk had lost the bar. Once the bar comes off, the rest of the stile becomes unstable because the legs are long and there is no cross bracing.

Next, the mortice joint attaching the step to the back legs is too shallow. After we climbed over one stile, we found that the joint had come unscrewed and only a 1cm edge of wood on the wonky stile stopped it from collapsing.

Finally, to add damage to injury, the barbed wire of the fence is uncovered, so it catches rucsacks as you jump off.
Bad stile near Labost
This type of stile is used throughout the coastal walk from Bragar to Siabost. It's an object lesson in how not to make a stile. Firstly the single step is much too high, as demonstrated by my able assistant. It risks pulled muscles, climbing up or jumping down. Secondly, as everyone has to pull on the top bar to climb up, the bar soon breaks off. Half the stiles on this part of the walk had lost the bar. Once the bar comes off, the rest of the stile becomes unstable because the legs are long and there is no cross bracing. Next, the mortice joint attaching the step to the back legs is too shallow. After we climbed over one stile, we found that the joint had come unscrewed and only a 1cm edge of wood on the wonky stile stopped it from collapsing. Finally, to add damage to injury, the barbed wire of the fence is uncovered, so it catches rucsacks as you jump off.
Footbridge over Loch Ordais outflow This footbridge gives access to the coastal walk west from the car park at Bragar.
Footbridge over Loch Ordais outflow
This footbridge gives access to the coastal walk west from the car park at Bragar.
War graves at Bragar cemetery There are several war graves in the cemetery. Sadly, half of them bear the date 1st January 1919. 205 men returning to Lewis were drowned in the Iolaire disaster close to Stornoway.

The grave in the foreground has an even later date, 26 October 1919. Donald Morrison served on HMS Pontefract, a minesweeper, and died in an accident.
War graves at Bragar cemetery
There are several war graves in the cemetery. Sadly, half of them bear the date 1st January 1919. 205 men returning to Lewis were drowned in the Iolaire disaster close to Stornoway. The grave in the foreground has an even later date, 26 October 1919. Donald Morrison served on HMS Pontefract, a minesweeper, and died in an accident.
Windsurfer at Port Mhòr Bhràgair
Windsurfer at Port Mhòr Bhràgair
Beach at Port Mhòr Bhràgair
Beach at Port Mhòr Bhràgair
Loch Ordais
Loch Ordais
Tweed Mill, Siabost
Tweed Mill, Siabost
Show me another place!

Lochan Dubh is located at Grid Ref: NB2749 (Lat: 58.346412, Lng: -6.6636765)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///conquests.cookers.tequila. Near Carloway, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.346412,-6.6636765
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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