Loch Choire

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Sutherland

Scotland

Loch Choire

Looking across Loch Choire to the north side of the loch The north side of Loch Choire is marked as 'Loch Choire Forest' on OS maps and the small plantation gives a hint of what the tree cover may once have looked like
Looking across Loch Choire to the north side of the loch Credit: Rob Jayne

Loch Choire is a picturesque freshwater loch located in the remote and scenic area of Sutherland, Scotland. Nestled amidst the rugged Highland landscape, this tranquil body of water is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Covering an area of approximately 1 square kilometer, Loch Choire is characterized by its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by rolling hills and pristine moorlands. The loch is fed by a network of small streams and springs, ensuring a constant flow of fresh water throughout the year. Its depth varies, with the deepest parts reaching around 10 meters.

The shores of Loch Choire are adorned with dense vegetation, including birch and rowan trees, providing a rich habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. The loch serves as a habitat for several species of fish, such as brown trout and Arctic char, attracting fishing enthusiasts from afar.

The surrounding wetlands and marshes offer a haven for various bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatching. Visitors may spot golden eagles soaring high above the loch or catch a glimpse of elusive waterfowl, including teal and tufted ducks.

The tranquil ambiance of Loch Choire provides an ideal setting for outdoor activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and wild swimming. Its remote location ensures a peaceful atmosphere, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

In summary, Loch Choire is a picturesque freshwater loch nestled in the scenic Sutherland region of Scotland. With its clear waters, diverse flora and fauna, and serene surroundings, it offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Loch Choire Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.223557/-4.3313303 or Grid Reference NC6328. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Looking across Loch Choire to the north side of the loch The north side of Loch Choire is marked as 'Loch Choire Forest' on OS maps and the small plantation gives a hint of what the tree cover may once have looked like
Looking across Loch Choire to the north side of the loch
The north side of Loch Choire is marked as 'Loch Choire Forest' on OS maps and the small plantation gives a hint of what the tree cover may once have looked like
Way along Loch Choire New wooden bridge on the way, on the right side is visible small excavator.
Way along Loch Choire
New wooden bridge on the way, on the right side is visible small excavator.
Rewilding! View into NC6428 showing ruinous bridge over the Allt a' Chuilinn Beag.  

The new owners of the Loch Choire Estate are preferring trees to deer, to the dismay of surrounding keepers. Loch Choire Estate acted as a deer reservoir, from where deer dispersed out to neighbouring estates (if a deer is on your land, you own it). Loch Choire Estate is now fencing, planting trees, and excluding deer.

The lush vegetation, as shown in this photo, and neglect of infrastructure (such as bridges and stalkers' tracks) bear witness to this policy of 'Rewilding'. 

For walkers and explorers, the result of this absence of grazing  is an almost impenetrable profusion of ground cover. The path shown on OS maps as crossing the burn via this bridge no longer exists: there is no trace of it on the ground.

If you wanted a simple way to keep people off your land, Rewilding may well be it!
Rewilding!
View into NC6428 showing ruinous bridge over the Allt a' Chuilinn Beag. The new owners of the Loch Choire Estate are preferring trees to deer, to the dismay of surrounding keepers. Loch Choire Estate acted as a deer reservoir, from where deer dispersed out to neighbouring estates (if a deer is on your land, you own it). Loch Choire Estate is now fencing, planting trees, and excluding deer. The lush vegetation, as shown in this photo, and neglect of infrastructure (such as bridges and stalkers' tracks) bear witness to this policy of 'Rewilding'. For walkers and explorers, the result of this absence of grazing is an almost impenetrable profusion of ground cover. The path shown on OS maps as crossing the burn via this bridge no longer exists: there is no trace of it on the ground. If you wanted a simple way to keep people off your land, Rewilding may well be it!
Ben Klibreck from Meall Meadhon Loch Choire (in the dip, and not visible) is between us and Ben Klibreck <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NC5829">NC5829</a>. The yellow GPS unit is at the best estimate of the position of the summit of Meall Meadhon.
Ben Klibreck from Meall Meadhon
Loch Choire (in the dip, and not visible) is between us and Ben Klibreck NC5829. The yellow GPS unit is at the best estimate of the position of the summit of Meall Meadhon.
Loch Choire Looking NE to the wooded area near Loch Choire Lodge.
Loch Choire
Looking NE to the wooded area near Loch Choire Lodge.
Allt na Ba .
View over confluence of the Allt na Ba. One burn flows from Corrie na Ba, the other from Na Glas-coire.
The Allt na Ba then descends into Loch Coire (seen in distance).
.
Allt na Ba
. View over confluence of the Allt na Ba. One burn flows from Corrie na Ba, the other from Na Glas-coire. The Allt na Ba then descends into Loch Coire (seen in distance). .
Open Hillside .
Green tussock on an otherwise bleak hillside.
The obvious ridge in the distance is the northern end of the Ben Armine range.
.
Open Hillside
. Green tussock on an otherwise bleak hillside. The obvious ridge in the distance is the northern end of the Ben Armine range. .
Loch Choire Looking south west. Surf's up!
Loch Choire
Looking south west. Surf's up!
Loch Choire shoreline Summit of Ben Klibreck hidden in clouds above. Wet feet.
Loch Choire shoreline
Summit of Ben Klibreck hidden in clouds above. Wet feet.
Path Along Loch Choire Path on the southern shore of Loch Choire
Path Along Loch Choire
Path on the southern shore of Loch Choire
Loch Choire A small bay on the south shore of L. Choire
Loch Choire
A small bay on the south shore of L. Choire
Path, Loch Choire Path on the south shore of L. Choire. The wooden bridge crosses the Allt a Chuilinn Mor which is hidden in the mass of gorse.
Path, Loch Choire
Path on the south shore of L. Choire. The wooden bridge crosses the Allt a Chuilinn Mor which is hidden in the mass of gorse.
Loch Choire Northwest shoreline at Alltalaird.
Loch Choire
Northwest shoreline at Alltalaird.
Loch Choire The northwest shoreline at Alltnaba
Loch Choire
The northwest shoreline at Alltnaba
Loch Choire Twisted tree near the head of L. Choire
Loch Choire
Twisted tree near the head of L. Choire
Path along the side of Loch Choire The path starts to get a little rougher here, but it is still easy mountain biking.
Path along the side of Loch Choire
The path starts to get a little rougher here, but it is still easy mountain biking.
Alltalaird Cottage .
A view down onto the cottage at Alltalaird, nestled between two small plantations alongside Loch Coire.
.
Alltalaird Cottage
. A view down onto the cottage at Alltalaird, nestled between two small plantations alongside Loch Coire. .
Show me another place!

Loch Choire is located at Grid Ref: NC6328 (Lat: 58.223557, Lng: -4.3313303)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///mixing.thank.narrow. Near Altnaharra, Highland

Nearby Locations

Loch Choire

Related Wikis

Loch Choire

Loch Choire is a loch in Sutherland in the Highland council area of northern Scotland. It is located at the end of a rural street which links the loch...

Ben Klibreck

Ben Klibreck (Scottish Gaelic: Beinn Clìbric) is a Scottish mountain located in central Sutherland. It is an isolated mountain, rising above a large area...

Ben Armine

Ben Armine (705 m) is a remote hill in Sutherland in the far north of Scotland. It lies in inland, north of the village of Lairg. The best known summit...

Loch Naver

Loch Naver is a loch in the Farr parish in Sutherland in the Highland council area of northern Scotland. It is situated upon the B873 main road. Upon the...

Altnaharra

Altnaharra (Scottish Gaelic: Allt na h-Eirbhe) is a small hamlet in Sutherland in the Highland region of northern Scotland. The hamlet is on the A836...

Have you been to Loch Choire?

Leave your review of Loch Choire below (or comments, questions and feedback).