Loch an Duna

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

Scotland

Loch an Duna

Loch Griomsiadair Yacht and lobster boat moored in the sheltered sea loch at Grimshader which is also used for salmon farming.
Loch Griomsiadair Credit: Colin Smith

Loch an Duna is a picturesque freshwater loch located in Ross-shire, Scotland. Situated in the scenic Highlands, it is nestled amidst the rolling hills and verdant landscapes of the region. The loch covers an area of approximately 10 hectares, making it a relatively small body of water.

Surrounded by lush vegetation and dense forests, Loch an Duna offers a tranquil and serene setting. Its crystal-clear waters are home to a diverse range of freshwater fish species, including brown trout and perch. Anglers often flock to the loch to enjoy a day of fishing and take in the stunning views.

The shores of Loch an Duna are adorned with an assortment of aquatic plants, such as water lilies and reeds, creating a vibrant and colorful environment. The loch is also a haven for birdwatchers, as it attracts numerous species of waterfowl, including ducks, swans, and herons.

In addition to its natural beauty, Loch an Duna is steeped in history. The ruins of a small castle, believed to date back to the 15th century, can be found on its shores. This adds an air of mystique and intrigue to the already enchanting landscape.

Visitors to Loch an Duna can immerse themselves in the tranquility of the surroundings, go for leisurely walks along the shoreline, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning vistas. It is a truly idyllic location that showcases the natural wonders of the Scottish Highlands.

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Loch an Duna Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.14579/-6.435752 or Grid Reference NB3926. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Loch Griomsiadair Yacht and lobster boat moored in the sheltered sea loch at Grimshader which is also used for salmon farming.
Loch Griomsiadair
Yacht and lobster boat moored in the sheltered sea loch at Grimshader which is also used for salmon farming.
Crosbost Jetty Geocaching is a type of global treasure hunt of people looking for caches, or hidden stashes of objects. Geocaching may also be described as a series of hide-and-seek games, where hiders provide online clues for seekers. Seekers use global positioning system (GPS) devices to find hidden caches
Crosbost Jetty
Geocaching is a type of global treasure hunt of people looking for caches, or hidden stashes of objects. Geocaching may also be described as a series of hide-and-seek games, where hiders provide online clues for seekers. Seekers use global positioning system (GPS) devices to find hidden caches
Loch Grimshader Ordnance survey maps show two Loch Grimshaders! One is the sea loch as shown on  <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NB3925">NB3925</a>; the second is this small freshwater loch in the village of Grimshader. It seems likely that the ordnance survey got it wrong many years ago when it first named the sea loch as Loch Grimshader. Its name was originally Loch Hurnavay.

This freshwater loch has a small island in it. Although I have found no archaeological reference to it, I suspect that the island is possibly a crannog, as it has a sunken overgrown interior within a ring of large stones and boulders. The loch is good for brown trout and eels.

The village, Grimshader, takes its name from the Norse, and means Grim's summer pasture.
Loch Grimshader
Ordnance survey maps show two Loch Grimshaders! One is the sea loch as shown on NB3925; the second is this small freshwater loch in the village of Grimshader. It seems likely that the ordnance survey got it wrong many years ago when it first named the sea loch as Loch Grimshader. Its name was originally Loch Hurnavay. This freshwater loch has a small island in it. Although I have found no archaeological reference to it, I suspect that the island is possibly a crannog, as it has a sunken overgrown interior within a ring of large stones and boulders. The loch is good for brown trout and eels. The village, Grimshader, takes its name from the Norse, and means Grim's summer pasture.
Grimshader's 'Peat Road' This track is used by local crofters to reach their flocks grazing on the open moorland, and by some villagers who cut peat for fuel.
Grimshader's 'Peat Road'
This track is used by local crofters to reach their flocks grazing on the open moorland, and by some villagers who cut peat for fuel.
Peat Cuttings, Bog Cotton and Water Tower The peat cuttings just right of centre in this photograph were, until recently, worked by Torcuil MacRath (Torquil MacRae), a Gaelic poet and author of some distinction who died late in 2006. A wonderful character and a good neighbour, it was our privilege and pleasure to count him as a friend during the few years my family and I have lived here. I now work these peat cuttings myself.

While much of the UK has suffered a wet spring and summer in 2007, the weather on the Isle of Lewis has been relatively dry. Perhaps this accounts for the fine crop of bog cotton seen on the moorland this year.

On the horizon is a water tower, no longer used.
Peat Cuttings, Bog Cotton and Water Tower
The peat cuttings just right of centre in this photograph were, until recently, worked by Torcuil MacRath (Torquil MacRae), a Gaelic poet and author of some distinction who died late in 2006. A wonderful character and a good neighbour, it was our privilege and pleasure to count him as a friend during the few years my family and I have lived here. I now work these peat cuttings myself. While much of the UK has suffered a wet spring and summer in 2007, the weather on the Isle of Lewis has been relatively dry. Perhaps this accounts for the fine crop of bog cotton seen on the moorland this year. On the horizon is a water tower, no longer used.
Road end at Crosbost
Road end at Crosbost
Old croft buildings at Ranais
Old croft buildings at Ranais
Loch Liurboist at Crosbost Small boats at moorings in the sea loch while an ancient boat lies rotting on the grassy shore. View looking south-east to Tannaraidh and The Minch.
Loch Liurboist at Crosbost
Small boats at moorings in the sea loch while an ancient boat lies rotting on the grassy shore. View looking south-east to Tannaraidh and The Minch.
Fish Farming at Crosbost Salmon cages in the sea loch, Loch Liurboist.
Fish Farming at Crosbost
Salmon cages in the sea loch, Loch Liurboist.
Crossbost: the Free Church of Scotland The church occupies a lovely setting by the shore of Loch Leurbost.
Crossbost: the Free Church of Scotland
The church occupies a lovely setting by the shore of Loch Leurbost.
Crossbost: motorist’s warning at the jetty A warning as the road reaches the shore of Loch Leurbost at the jetty by the church.
Crossbost: motorist’s warning at the jetty
A warning as the road reaches the shore of Loch Leurbost at the jetty by the church.
Crossbost: the church and Loch Leurbost Looking east along the shore from the jetty, with <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3285118">NB3824 : Crossbost: the Free Church of Scotland</a> at the waterside.
Crossbost: the church and Loch Leurbost
Looking east along the shore from the jetty, with NB3824 : Crossbost: the Free Church of Scotland at the waterside.
Crossbost: a boat on the loch Looking across Loch Leurbost from the end of the jetty.
Crossbost: a boat on the loch
Looking across Loch Leurbost from the end of the jetty.
Boats at Loch Griomsiadair Fishing boats drawn up behind Buaile Mhor near the crofting settlement of Ranais, Isle of Lewis
Boats at Loch Griomsiadair
Fishing boats drawn up behind Buaile Mhor near the crofting settlement of Ranais, Isle of Lewis
Unclassified road to Grimshader At Roisgeil house this unclassified road leading to the village of Grimshader splits from the B897. The houses at the north-westernmost end of Grimshader (marked on the map as Ceann Hurnavay) can be seen in the distance (in NB3926), and to their left, on the skyline, is an obsolete watertower (in NB4026).
Unclassified road to Grimshader
At Roisgeil house this unclassified road leading to the village of Grimshader splits from the B897. The houses at the north-westernmost end of Grimshader (marked on the map as Ceann Hurnavay) can be seen in the distance (in NB3926), and to their left, on the skyline, is an obsolete watertower (in NB4026).
Church at Leurbost This is the Church of Scotland's building in Leurbost.
Church at Leurbost
This is the Church of Scotland's building in Leurbost.
Church at Crossbost This is the Free Church of Scotland's building in Crossbost.
Church at Crossbost
This is the Free Church of Scotland's building in Crossbost.
Small Loch beside B897 This small unnamed (as far as I know) Loch beside the B897 has an abundance of waterplants.
Small Loch beside B897
This small unnamed (as far as I know) Loch beside the B897 has an abundance of waterplants.
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Loch an Duna is located at Grid Ref: NB3926 (Lat: 58.14579, Lng: -6.435752)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///spirit.juggles.teacher. Near Leurbost, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.14579,-6.435752
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 58.1416338/-6.4386222
Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 58.1468462/-6.4410155
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 58.148346/-6.4409459
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 58.1429333/-6.4404457
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 58.1443154/-6.4404029
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 58.1490617/-6.4408673
Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 58.1418979/-6.4390829
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 58.1474562/-6.4406629
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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