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Loch nan Gealag

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

Scotland

Loch nan Gealag

Looking towards Loch Mor Stiomrabhaigh
Looking towards Loch Mor Stiomrabhaigh Credit: Mike Dunn

Loch nan Gealag is a picturesque freshwater loch located in Ross-shire, Scotland. Situated amidst the breathtaking Highland landscape, it is surrounded by rolling hills, lush greenery, and a diverse array of wildlife.

Covering an area of approximately 10 acres, Loch nan Gealag is not particularly large but offers a serene and tranquil setting for visitors. The loch is characterized by its crystal-clear waters, which reflect the stunning scenery around it, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle.

The loch is home to a variety of freshwater fish species, including brown trout and perch, making it popular among anglers. Fishing enthusiasts flock to Loch nan Gealag to try their luck and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.

Surrounding the loch, there is a freshwater marsh, which is a haven for numerous bird species. Birdwatchers can spot a wide range of avian inhabitants, including ducks, geese, and even the occasional osprey. The marsh provides a rich feeding ground for these birds, and the surrounding vegetation offers them ample shelter.

The area around Loch nan Gealag is also a haven for nature enthusiasts. The diverse flora and fauna make it a perfect spot for walking, hiking, or simply enjoying the tranquil surroundings. Visitors can take leisurely strolls along the loch's edge, taking in the stunning views and immersing themselves in the serenity of nature.

Overall, Loch nan Gealag is a hidden gem in Ross-shire, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and tranquility. Whether you are an angler, a birdwatcher, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this loch is sure to captivate and leave a lasting impression.

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Loch nan Gealag Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.027114/-6.4748964 or Grid Reference NB3512. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Looking towards Loch Mor Stiomrabhaigh
Looking towards Loch Mor Stiomrabhaigh
The abandoned township of Stiomrabhaigh
The abandoned township of Stiomrabhaigh
Islands on Loch Shaghachain
Islands on Loch Shaghachain
The township of Stiomrabhaigh looking North West
The township of Stiomrabhaigh looking North West
B8060 nearing Leumrabhagh
B8060 nearing Leumrabhagh
Loch Shanndabhat, Isle of Lewis The OS Name Book of 1848-1852 describes Loch Shanndabhat as, "a large fresh water loch into which flows Allt Feithe Luachraich. It is deep and very narrow about its centre".
Loch Shanndabhat, Isle of Lewis
The OS Name Book of 1848-1852 describes Loch Shanndabhat as, "a large fresh water loch into which flows Allt Feithe Luachraich. It is deep and very narrow about its centre".
Inflow to Loch Shanndabhat, Isle of Lewis This unnamed burn rises below Sidhean Shanndabhat and flows for approximately 500m before discharging into the loch.
Inflow to Loch Shanndabhat, Isle of Lewis
This unnamed burn rises below Sidhean Shanndabhat and flows for approximately 500m before discharging into the loch.
Shieling hut below Sidhean Shanndabhat, Isle of Lewis This is one in a row of about ten huts.
Shieling hut below Sidhean Shanndabhat, Isle of Lewis
This is one in a row of about ten huts.
Loch na Cuilee, Isle of Lewis Approximately half of the loch lies within the grid square. Its name means Bulrush Loch.
Loch na Cuilee, Isle of Lewis
Approximately half of the loch lies within the grid square. Its name means Bulrush Loch.
Dyke below Sidhean Loch na Cuilee, Isle of Lewis The dyke appears on the 2nd edition OS six inch map, surveyed in 1895, but not on the 1st edition, surveyed 1850-1853, and so, presumably, was originally built between some time between 1850 and 1895.
Dyke below Sidhean Loch na Cuilee, Isle of Lewis
The dyke appears on the 2nd edition OS six inch map, surveyed in 1895, but not on the 1st edition, surveyed 1850-1853, and so, presumably, was originally built between some time between 1850 and 1895.
Orasaigh with view of Shiant Islands
Orasaigh with view of Shiant Islands
Orasaigh from top of footpath steps
Orasaigh from top of footpath steps
Loch near Giearol
Loch near Giearol
Roadside lochan Loch a' Bhùiridh, near the road leading to Leumrabhagh.
Roadside lochan
Loch a' Bhùiridh, near the road leading to Leumrabhagh.
Near Leumrabhagh Looking towards the village of Leumrabhagh from a vantage point to the north of the village.
Near Leumrabhagh
Looking towards the village of Leumrabhagh from a vantage point to the north of the village.
Ruined blackhouse at Stiomrabhaig The census of 1851 shows that the village consisted of 16 dwellings and supported a population of 81. By 1858 there were none. Clearances had been well underway in the area during the first half of the 19th century; many of them brutal and uncaring. The residents of Stiomrabhaigh were better placed of than most, having leases directly with the land owner. But when these expired, they accepted an offer of crofts in Leumrabhagh. Lewis was relatively prosperous right up until World War I, which put an end to the herring trade with Russia and Eastern Europe and in spite of the clearances, the increasing population put pressure on land. There were numerous requests to resettle Stiomrabhaigh, all of which were resisted by the landowners and it was not until 1921 when Lord Leverhulme abandoned his ambitious plan for Lewis that crofters returned to the township. Even the resettlement was marked with tragedy as two young men were drowned while transporting household goods from Calbost. These settlers were never officially recognized as crofters by the government; they received no help and no road was built to the township. Given the difficulties of living without facilities, over the next twenty years, a number of the families drifted back to Leumrabhagh. At the start of World War II only two families remained and by the end of the 1940’s, Stiomrabhaigh was once again deserted. Today there is much of the township to be seen; its ruined buildings, lazybeds and field walls standing in splendid isolation between the moor and the sea.
Ruined blackhouse at Stiomrabhaig
The census of 1851 shows that the village consisted of 16 dwellings and supported a population of 81. By 1858 there were none. Clearances had been well underway in the area during the first half of the 19th century; many of them brutal and uncaring. The residents of Stiomrabhaigh were better placed of than most, having leases directly with the land owner. But when these expired, they accepted an offer of crofts in Leumrabhagh. Lewis was relatively prosperous right up until World War I, which put an end to the herring trade with Russia and Eastern Europe and in spite of the clearances, the increasing population put pressure on land. There were numerous requests to resettle Stiomrabhaigh, all of which were resisted by the landowners and it was not until 1921 when Lord Leverhulme abandoned his ambitious plan for Lewis that crofters returned to the township. Even the resettlement was marked with tragedy as two young men were drowned while transporting household goods from Calbost. These settlers were never officially recognized as crofters by the government; they received no help and no road was built to the township. Given the difficulties of living without facilities, over the next twenty years, a number of the families drifted back to Leumrabhagh. At the start of World War II only two families remained and by the end of the 1940’s, Stiomrabhaigh was once again deserted. Today there is much of the township to be seen; its ruined buildings, lazybeds and field walls standing in splendid isolation between the moor and the sea.
Glen Orinsay A marker post on the footpath to the deserted village of Stiomrabhaigh in front of the greens and browns of Glen Orinsay.
Glen Orinsay
A marker post on the footpath to the deserted village of Stiomrabhaigh in front of the greens and browns of Glen Orinsay.
The road to Orasaigh Looking towards Orinsay Island
The road to Orasaigh
Looking towards Orinsay Island
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Loch nan Gealag is located at Grid Ref: NB3512 (Lat: 58.027114, Lng: -6.4748964)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///shepherdess.flexibly.arena. Near Leurbost, Na h-Eileanan Siar

Nearby Locations

Glen Orinsay Loch nan Gealag Loch Shaghachain

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