An Gead Loch

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

Scotland

An Gead Loch

Pait Lodge beside Loch Monar with An Riabhachan in the background Approaching Pait Lodge from the west over the uneven and difficult ground on the south side of Loch Monar. The building with the prominent blue roof (left of centre) was a new construction in progress. The blue colour was an insulation layer due to be covered over by the final roofing material.
Pait Lodge beside Loch Monar with An Riabhachan in the background Credit: Andrew McMahon

An Gead Loch, located in Ross-shire, Scotland, is a picturesque freshwater loch nestled amidst lush greenery. Spanning approximately 10 acres, it is a small yet enchanting body of water that captivates visitors with its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty.

Surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests, An Gead Loch boasts crystal-clear waters that reflect the stunning landscape. The loch is fed by numerous small streams and springs, ensuring a constant flow of fresh, clean water. Its depth varies, with the deepest point measuring around 10 meters, providing a suitable habitat for various aquatic species.

The loch is home to a diverse range of wildlife, both above and below the water's surface. Anglers are often drawn to An Gead Loch for its abundant fish population, which includes brown trout, pike, and perch. Birdwatchers also flock to the area to spot a variety of avian species, such as herons, ducks, and swans, which make the loch their home or use it as a stopover during migration.

The surrounding area offers several walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the loch and its surrounding marshland. The freshwater marsh surrounding An Gead Loch is a haven for various plant species, including reeds, marsh marigolds, and water lilies, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape during the blooming season.

An Gead Loch is a haven for nature lovers seeking tranquility and a glimpse into Scotland's rich biodiversity. Its serene waters, diverse wildlife, and stunning scenery make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful escape in the heart of Ross-shire.

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An Gead Loch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.400361/-5.1556815 or Grid Reference NH1038. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pait Lodge beside Loch Monar with An Riabhachan in the background Approaching Pait Lodge from the west over the uneven and difficult ground on the south side of Loch Monar. The building with the prominent blue roof (left of centre) was a new construction in progress. The blue colour was an insulation layer due to be covered over by the final roofing material.
Pait Lodge beside Loch Monar with An Riabhachan in the background
Approaching Pait Lodge from the west over the uneven and difficult ground on the south side of Loch Monar. The building with the prominent blue roof (left of centre) was a new construction in progress. The blue colour was an insulation layer due to be covered over by the final roofing material.
The lower slopes of Coire a' Charra After a long, albeit grassy, descent of the coire, the prospect of a good stalkers' path is ahead - it turned out to be well used by 'Argocat' style vehicles, and a little chewed up in places. Loch an Tachdaich fills much of the glen floor ahead.
The lower slopes of Coire a' Charra
After a long, albeit grassy, descent of the coire, the prospect of a good stalkers' path is ahead - it turned out to be well used by 'Argocat' style vehicles, and a little chewed up in places. Loch an Tachdaich fills much of the glen floor ahead.
Lower slopes of Coire a' Charra Low down in the corrie, looking towards An Gead Loch.
Lower slopes of Coire a' Charra
Low down in the corrie, looking towards An Gead Loch.
Below Coire a' Charra Exiting the bottom of the corrie into the glen, where An Gead Loch and Loch Monar come more fully into view.
Below Coire a' Charra
Exiting the bottom of the corrie into the glen, where An Gead Loch and Loch Monar come more fully into view.
Below Leathad a' Charra On the lower slopes of Coire a' Charra, with An Gead Loch and the Pait Lodge arm of Loch Monar in the distance.
Below Leathad a' Charra
On the lower slopes of Coire a' Charra, with An Gead Loch and the Pait Lodge arm of Loch Monar in the distance.
Argocat track below Coire a' Charra This track runs right across this hillside, apparently joining Pait Lodge in the east to Bendronaig Lodge further west, and seems to follow a route a little way below the stalkers' track marked on the maps.
Argocat track below Coire a' Charra
This track runs right across this hillside, apparently joining Pait Lodge in the east to Bendronaig Lodge further west, and seems to follow a route a little way below the stalkers' track marked on the maps.
Argocat track across the hillside The track formed by regular use of a small vehicle running between Pait Lodge and Bendronaig Lodge.
Argocat track across the hillside
The track formed by regular use of a small vehicle running between Pait Lodge and Bendronaig Lodge.
Summit of Beinn Bheag This is arguably one of the most remote hills in Scotland and should be a great viewpoint, but after the effort to get there it is raining hard, windy and cloudy. C'est la vie !
Summit of Beinn Bheag
This is arguably one of the most remote hills in Scotland and should be a great viewpoint, but after the effort to get there it is raining hard, windy and cloudy. C'est la vie !
View of Loch Monar from Spur of Lurg Mhor After 6 hours in the mist trudging over Bidean Choire Sheasgaich and Lurg Mhor this view was a welcome relief when we finally dropped out of the clouds. It's in the middle of nowhere. The only geographic features in this grid square are heather, rocks and grass - which you can see in the foreground. The view is its main feature.
View of Loch Monar from Spur of Lurg Mhor
After 6 hours in the mist trudging over Bidean Choire Sheasgaich and Lurg Mhor this view was a welcome relief when we finally dropped out of the clouds. It's in the middle of nowhere. The only geographic features in this grid square are heather, rocks and grass - which you can see in the foreground. The view is its main feature.
Moorland west of Pait Lodge Pait Lodge can only be reached by driving down a private road for 10 miles and then getting on a boat across Loch Monar for 10 more. Or you can walk across the wilderness for 3 days like we did... and then we walked straight past and camped further up the shore of Loch Monar.
Moorland west of Pait Lodge
Pait Lodge can only be reached by driving down a private road for 10 miles and then getting on a boat across Loch Monar for 10 more. Or you can walk across the wilderness for 3 days like we did... and then we walked straight past and camped further up the shore of Loch Monar.
Pait Lodge In my humble opinion the most remote habitation in all of Scotland
Pait Lodge
In my humble opinion the most remote habitation in all of Scotland
Loch an Tachdaidh and the massive hulk of Aonach Buidhe from near Allt Coire a' Charra I had trouble hunting for the track shown on the OS map although there is a faint quad track and also a new vehicle track west of either Allt Coire a' Charra or Allt a' Ghraigh-fhear.
Loch an Tachdaidh and the massive hulk of Aonach Buidhe from near Allt Coire a' Charra
I had trouble hunting for the track shown on the OS map although there is a faint quad track and also a new vehicle track west of either Allt Coire a' Charra or Allt a' Ghraigh-fhear.
Old deer fence Taken on the north shore of An Gead Loch, the oldest and longest deer fence in Scotland.
Old deer fence
Taken on the north shore of An Gead Loch, the oldest and longest deer fence in Scotland.
Pait Lodge That took a lot of paint.
Pait Lodge
That took a lot of paint.
A fine day On the shore of Loch an Tachdaidh
A fine day
On the shore of Loch an Tachdaidh
Loch an Tachdaidh From the grass covered stalkers path that contours round Beinn Bheag and An Cruachan
Loch an Tachdaidh
From the grass covered stalkers path that contours round Beinn Bheag and An Cruachan
Show me another place!

An Gead Loch is located at Grid Ref: NH1038 (Lat: 57.400361, Lng: -5.1556815)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///condense.simple.remove. Near Achnasheen, Highland

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An Gead Loch

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