Loch Iol-ghaoith

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Sutherland

Scotland

Loch Iol-ghaoith

Moorland Pool near Meall na Leitreach, Sutherland
Moorland Pool near Meall na Leitreach, Sutherland Credit: Andrew Tryon

Loch Iol-ghaoith is a freshwater loch located in the region of Sutherland, in the northern part of Scotland. It is nestled amidst the breathtakingly beautiful and rugged Scottish Highlands. The loch is surrounded by rolling hills, moorlands, and a few scattered trees, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

With a surface area of approximately 10 hectares, Loch Iol-ghaoith is considered a medium-sized loch. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding landscape, showcasing shades of green and blue that change with the light and weather conditions. The loch is fed by several small streams and springs, ensuring a constant supply of fresh and clean water.

Loch Iol-ghaoith is home to a variety of freshwater flora and fauna. The loch's shallower areas are covered in lush aquatic vegetation, providing a habitat for various species of fish, including trout and salmon. The surrounding marshes and wetlands are frequented by a wide range of bird species, such as ducks, swans, and herons. The loch and its surrounding area are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rich biodiversity and ecological importance.

Visitors to Loch Iol-ghaoith can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, birdwatching, and hiking. The area offers stunning panoramic views and opportunities for peaceful relaxation amidst nature. It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking to experience the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

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Loch Iol-ghaoith Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.227866/-4.8000787 or Grid Reference NC3529. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Moorland Pool near Meall na Leitreach, Sutherland
Moorland Pool near Meall na Leitreach, Sutherland
Boulder above Strath nan Aisinnin, Sutherland The Hebridean Sea can be seen in the distance.
Boulder above Strath nan Aisinnin, Sutherland
The Hebridean Sea can be seen in the distance.
The Summit of Meallan a' Chuail, Sutherland At the summit, 750m.  View facing north.
The Summit of Meallan a' Chuail, Sutherland
At the summit, 750m. View facing north.
Summit heath of Meall an Fheur Loch The dramatic cliffs of Beinn Leòid on the skyline in the distance
Summit heath of Meall an Fheur Loch
The dramatic cliffs of Beinn Leòid on the skyline in the distance
Meall an Fheur Loch Unlike many of the neighbouring peaks, the summit ridge of this hill is grassy rather than ericaceous
Meall an Fheur Loch
Unlike many of the neighbouring peaks, the summit ridge of this hill is grassy rather than ericaceous
Species-rich crags on Meall an Fheur Loch These crags support a magnificent diversity of uncommon mountain plant species including Saussurea alpina and Asplenium viride.
Species-rich crags on Meall an Fheur Loch
These crags support a magnificent diversity of uncommon mountain plant species including Saussurea alpina and Asplenium viride.
Perched boulder on rock slab The boulder is on the north ridge of Meallan a' Chuail and was photographed in mist.
Perched boulder on rock slab
The boulder is on the north ridge of Meallan a' Chuail and was photographed in mist.
Meallan a' Chuail A 750m hill at the head of Loch Shin. It is easily climbed by a zig zag pony path to the north. The view is from Maovally.
Meallan a' Chuail
A 750m hill at the head of Loch Shin. It is easily climbed by a zig zag pony path to the north. The view is from Maovally.
Summit area of Meallan a' Chuail Meallan a' Chuail is a peak south of the A838 close to Beinn Leoid; the visit was made on a misty occasion.
Summit area of Meallan a' Chuail
Meallan a' Chuail is a peak south of the A838 close to Beinn Leoid; the visit was made on a misty occasion.
Descending to Coire Gorm An easy gradient but with ice and snow and greasy slippery grass
Descending to Coire Gorm
An easy gradient but with ice and snow and greasy slippery grass
Footpath / ATV track back to the bridge by Merkland Lodge A well defined path - useful in rough country.
Footpath / ATV track back to the bridge by Merkland Lodge
A well defined path - useful in rough country.
Path towards Merkland Lodge A definite line in the landscape.
Path towards Merkland Lodge
A definite line in the landscape.
Stepping stones on stalker's track, Ben Leoid path
Stepping stones on stalker's track, Ben Leoid path
Waterfalls on the Allt Srath nan Aisinnin The stream was easily crossable in many places.
Waterfalls on the Allt Srath nan Aisinnin
The stream was easily crossable in many places.
Cairn at Top of Stalkers Path An excellent path leads from the A838 near the Linloch Brae Plantation to the beallach between Meall na Leitreach and Meall an Fheur Loch. Beinn Leoid in the distance.
Cairn at Top of Stalkers Path
An excellent path leads from the A838 near the Linloch Brae Plantation to the beallach between Meall na Leitreach and Meall an Fheur Loch. Beinn Leoid in the distance.
Meallan a' Chuail Summit, looking northwest towards Ben Stack
Meallan a' Chuail
Summit, looking northwest towards Ben Stack
Meallan a' Chuail Looking north across Loch Dubh a'Chuail to Meallan a'Chuail
Meallan a' Chuail
Looking north across Loch Dubh a'Chuail to Meallan a'Chuail
Crags on East side of Meallan a'Chuail Looking over the flat plateau of short grass to Lochain Meallan a'chuail and the steep east slope of the ridge leading to Meallan a'Chuail summit
Crags on East side of Meallan a'Chuail
Looking over the flat plateau of short grass to Lochain Meallan a'chuail and the steep east slope of the ridge leading to Meallan a'Chuail summit
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Loch Iol-ghaoith is located at Grid Ref: NC3529 (Lat: 58.227866, Lng: -4.8000787)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///revamped.sobered.petulant. Near Inchnadamph, Highland

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