Black Loch

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Ayrshire

Scotland

Black Loch

Large flat parking area south of Craigdarroch There have been a lot of forestry and wind turbine operations in the area;  this may have been related.
Large flat parking area south of Craigdarroch Credit: Gordon Brown

Black Loch is a freshwater loch located in Ayrshire, Scotland. It is a prominent feature of the local landscape, covering an area of approximately 55 acres. The loch is situated within the Black Loch Wood, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The water in Black Loch is pristine and clear, with a deep blue hue. The loch is fed by several small streams and springs, ensuring a constant flow of freshwater. The depth of the loch varies, with some areas reaching up to 20 feet deep. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills and dense forests, creating a picturesque setting.

Black Loch is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The loch supports a variety of plant species, including water lilies, reeds, and various types of aquatic vegetation. These provide crucial habitats for waterfowl, fish, and invertebrates. The loch is particularly renowned for its population of wild brown trout, making it a popular destination for anglers.

The loch also attracts a wide variety of bird species. Visitors may spot common waterfowl such as mallards and swans, as well as more elusive species like herons and grebes. The surrounding woodland is home to numerous songbirds, adding to the area's biodiversity.

Black Loch offers various recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Fishing is a popular pastime, with both bank and boat fishing available. There are also designated walking trails around the loch, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the tranquil atmosphere and stunning scenery make Black Loch a popular spot for photography and nature observation.

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Black Loch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.3363/-4.1883455 or Grid Reference NS6106. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Large flat parking area south of Craigdarroch There have been a lot of forestry and wind turbine operations in the area;  this may have been related.
Large flat parking area south of Craigdarroch
There have been a lot of forestry and wind turbine operations in the area; this may have been related.
The road to the Afton Reservoir Although shown by the OS as a 'track' this is a well surfaced road leading to the reservoir and filter station.
The road to the Afton Reservoir
Although shown by the OS as a 'track' this is a well surfaced road leading to the reservoir and filter station.
The road to the Afton Reservoir and Filter Station The green cabinet is the Afton Regulatory Final Sample Point for the water supply.
The road to the Afton Reservoir and Filter Station
The green cabinet is the Afton Regulatory Final Sample Point for the water supply.
Approaching the Afton Filter Station The extensive buildings are largely hidden by the trees in this view.
Approaching the Afton Filter Station
The extensive buildings are largely hidden by the trees in this view.
Deteriorating path South of Black Loch, the marked path deteriorates from a forest track to an indistinct line through a maze of rarely trodden firebreaks.
Deteriorating path
South of Black Loch, the marked path deteriorates from a forest track to an indistinct line through a maze of rarely trodden firebreaks.
The entrance to Craigdarroch
The entrance to Craigdarroch
A track to a bridge over Afton Water The minor road, on the right, leads to Afton Filter Station.
A track to a bridge over Afton Water
The minor road, on the right, leads to Afton Filter Station.
Heading towards Afton Filter Station
Heading towards Afton Filter Station
Old Storage Tank Discharge at Afton Filter Station
Old Storage Tank Discharge at Afton Filter Station
Parking area at Afton Filter Station Craigbraneoch Hill is in the background.
Parking area at Afton Filter Station
Craigbraneoch Hill is in the background.
A bridge on the track to the car park
A bridge on the track to the car park
A parking area beside the track Afton Filter Station can be seen at the end of the track.
A parking area beside the track
Afton Filter Station can be seen at the end of the track.
Heading towards Craigdarroch in Glen Afton
Heading towards Craigdarroch in Glen Afton
A cottage in Glen Afton
A cottage in Glen Afton
Afton filter station Below the Afton Reservoir, which is less than a kilometre upstream, to the left.
Afton filter station
Below the Afton Reservoir, which is less than a kilometre upstream, to the left.
The Glen Afton road The flank of Blackcraig Hill is on the left, with Craigbraneoch Hill in the distance.
The Glen Afton road
The flank of Blackcraig Hill is on the left, with Craigbraneoch Hill in the distance.
Newly planted trees by the Afton Water Saplings in protective tubes by the edge of the burn, looking towards the valley of the Craig Burn.
Newly planted trees by the Afton Water
Saplings in protective tubes by the edge of the burn, looking towards the valley of the Craig Burn.
Dry stane dyke and fence on Struther's Brae On moorland west of Glen Afton
Dry stane dyke and fence on Struther's Brae
On moorland west of Glen Afton
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Black Loch is located at Grid Ref: NS6106 (Lat: 55.3363, Lng: -4.1883455)

Unitary Authority: East Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire

What 3 Words

///masterpiece.theme.bought. Near New Cumnock, East Ayrshire

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Black Loch

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