Linne na Dabhaich

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

Scotland

Linne na Dabhaich

Old railway line, by Loch Oich This was the route of the Invergarry and Fort Augustus Railway. The line closed in 1947, and since then it had been largely disused and overgrown.

It has now been cleared and resurfaced - it opened earlier this year as part of National Cycle Network Route 78 and the Great Glen Way. It is a fairly smooth, compacted gravel path, so easy to cycle along.

This part is in a bit of a cutting, with steep rocks to the right. Also some mixed woodland on either side. — Old railway line, by Loch Oich Credit: Craig Wallace

Linne na Dabhaich, located in Inverness-shire, Scotland, is a stunning freshwater marsh that offers a diverse range of plant and animal life. Also known as a lake, pool, or pond, this natural water feature covers an area of approximately 10 acres and is surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills.

The marsh is home to a variety of aquatic plants, including reeds, rushes, and water lilies, which thrive in the nutrient-rich waters. These plants provide important habitats for numerous species of birds, insects, and small mammals that rely on the marsh for food and shelter.

Birdwatchers will delight in the opportunity to spot a wide array of avian species, such as waterfowl, herons, and wading birds, which are attracted to the marsh's shallow waters and abundant food sources. The surrounding woodland also supports a diverse bird population, including woodland songbirds and birds of prey.

Aside from its ecological importance, Linne na Dabhaich also offers recreational opportunities for visitors. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy angling for trout and other freshwater fish species that inhabit the lake. The calm and tranquil environment makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and meditation, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

To preserve the delicate balance of the ecosystem, access to Linne na Dabhaich is carefully managed. Visitors are encouraged to follow designated paths and respect the wildlife and vegetation. Educational signage provides information about the flora and fauna found in the area, enhancing the visitor experience and promoting environmental awareness.

Overall, Linne na Dabhaich is a remarkable natural treasure in Inverness-shire, offering a unique blend of scenic beauty and ecological significance. Whether one is a nature lover, birdwatcher, or fishing enthusiast, this freshwater marsh provides an enriching experience for all who visit.

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Linne na Dabhaich Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.070308/-4.7800407 or Grid Reference NH3101. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old railway line, by Loch Oich

This was the route of the Invergarry and Fort Augustus Railway. The line closed in 1947, and since then it had been largely disused and overgrown. It has now been cleared and resurfaced - it opened earlier this year as part of National Cycle Network Route 78 and the Great Glen Way. It is a fairly smooth, compacted gravel path, so easy to cycle along. This part is in a bit of a cutting, with steep rocks to the right. Also some mixed woodland on either side.

Craig Wallace

On the Great Glen Way by Loch Oich

Easy walking on the old railway route on the E side of the loch.

Jim Barton

Course of the Old Railway above Loch Oich (1)

Now adopted by the Great Glen Way National Trail - a new lease of life for the former railway that ran between Spean Bridge and Fort Augustus

Chris Heaton

Course of the Old Railway above Loch Oich (2)

Chris Heaton

'Health and Safety' gone mad?

I count eleven pairs of railings visible in this picture of part of the restored trackbed of the Invergarry to Fort Augustus railway. The railings align with concrete drainage culverts. But the likelihood of injury from falling off the track at these points is surely no greater than at any other (non-railinged) part of the track.

Tim Heaton

Invergarry and Fort Augustus Railway

The railway, over engineered in an area of limited population was a financial disaster. More over engineering is apparent in the conversion to a path - every culvert has railings, yet you are just as likely to come to grief on any other part of the track. The rails to trails conversion is very welcome, taking out a long stretch of hostile A82.

Richard Webb

Loch Oich

View from the Great Glen Way on the trackbed of the Invergarry and Fort Augustus Railway.

Richard Webb

Loch Oich

The wooded shore of the loch near the A82.

Jim Barton

Hillside on the way to Meall Nan Reitheachan trigpoint

thejackrustles

Loch Oich looking North

Annette Lee

The track by the Aldernaig Burn

Gordon Brown

Community and Heritage Centre at Invergarry

Rod Allday

Glengarry Community Hall, Invergarry

The hall has toilets and a cafe for visitors and is next to the shinty pitch, which was in use this Saturday afternoon.

Jim Barton

The road through Mandally

An unusually dull scene for May

Alan Reid

A wee burn heads for the River Garry

Under the Mandally road and across the last field

Alan Reid

Cottage by an old bridge on the A87, now bypassed

Alan Reid

Electricity transmission lines and rough grazing land at Mandally

Steven Brown

Folding kissing-gate by the River Garry

The path leads from the Great Glen Way (W version) to the bridge over the Garry. If you look carefully you can see that the gate in this construction is made to hinge, but that it is prevented from doing so by a padlock (long rusted).

Nic Bullivant

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Linne na Dabhaich is located at Grid Ref: NH3101 (Lat: 57.070308, Lng: -4.7800407)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands