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Loch Meala

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Sutherland

Scotland

Loch Meala

Strathy North power station Nearing completion.
Strathy North power station Credit: Richard Webb

Loch Meala is a picturesque fresh water loch located in the stunning county of Sutherland, Scotland. Surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking landscapes, this natural water body is a captivating sight for nature enthusiasts and visitors seeking tranquility.

Covering an area of approximately 0.25 square kilometers, Loch Meala is relatively small in size, resembling a serene pool or pond rather than a vast lake. Despite its modest dimensions, the loch's crystal-clear waters provide a thriving habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The surrounding area of Loch Meala is characterized by lush vegetation, including reeds, sedges, and grasses, creating a vibrant freshwater marsh ecosystem. This marshland is a vital breeding ground for numerous bird species, including ducks, geese, and herons. Birdwatchers are often delighted by the variety of avian activity that can be observed on the loch's shores.

The loch itself offers an idyllic setting for outdoor activities such as fishing and boating. Anglers are drawn to Loch Meala's plentiful stocks of brown trout, which thrive in its clear waters. Many visitors take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere to enjoy a leisurely boat ride or paddle on the calm surface of the loch.

Accessible by a well-maintained path, Loch Meala is a popular destination for walkers and hikers looking to immerse themselves in the unspoiled Scottish countryside. Its tranquil ambiance and stunning natural beauty make it a must-visit location for those seeking solace and a connection with nature in the heart of Sutherland.

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Loch Meala Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.483669/-4.0801901 or Grid Reference NC7856. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Strathy North power station Nearing completion.
Strathy North power station
Nearing completion.
Strathy North power station On the site of a conifer plantation.
Strathy North power station
On the site of a conifer plantation.
Cnoc Meala A hot day in the Flow Country. This is a distant view from the Lochstrathy road.
Cnoc Meala
A hot day in the Flow Country. This is a distant view from the Lochstrathy road.
Strathy North power station The edge of a wind farm nearing completion. It looks terrible from the coast road.
Strathy North power station
The edge of a wind farm nearing completion. It looks terrible from the coast road.
Strathy North power station A digger is working beside a row of turbines in a former forestry plantation. This was taken towards the completion of the wind farm.
Strathy North power station
A digger is working beside a row of turbines in a former forestry plantation. This was taken towards the completion of the wind farm.
Loch Meala Loch Meala has a relatively small catchment area for its size and is located in a featureless area of blanket bog to the west of Strathy Forest. It outflows to the River Strathy
Loch Meala
Loch Meala has a relatively small catchment area for its size and is located in a featureless area of blanket bog to the west of Strathy Forest. It outflows to the River Strathy
Trigpoint on Beinn nam Bo, Sutherland View to Loch Buidhe Mor and Loch Buidhe Beag from the trigpoint on Beinn nam Bo, Sutherland.
Trigpoint on Beinn nam Bo, Sutherland
View to Loch Buidhe Mor and Loch Buidhe Beag from the trigpoint on Beinn nam Bo, Sutherland.
Caol-Loch Creag an Laogh The narrow (caol) loch near Creag an Laogh (crag of the calf).
Caol-Loch Creag an Laogh
The narrow (caol) loch near Creag an Laogh (crag of the calf).
Peatland and Loch Buidhe Mor Blanket bog descending to the southern end of Loch Buidhe Mor.
Peatland and Loch Buidhe Mor
Blanket bog descending to the southern end of Loch Buidhe Mor.
Sutherland Peatland Blanket bog at the head of Loch Buidhe Mor, with Beinn nam Bo in the distance.
Sutherland Peatland
Blanket bog at the head of Loch Buidhe Mor, with Beinn nam Bo in the distance.
Loch Meala Loch Meala, with Strathy Forest behind.
Loch Meala
Loch Meala, with Strathy Forest behind.
Cnoc Meala The remote summit of Cnoc Meala, unmarked by a cairn since the blanket bog covers any building material.
Cnoc Meala
The remote summit of Cnoc Meala, unmarked by a cairn since the blanket bog covers any building material.
Blanket Bog West of Strathy Forest Blanket bog stretches to the horizon. This area is protected by deer fence and the vegetation is undisturbed, with Bog Myrtle a prominent species.
Blanket Bog West of Strathy Forest
Blanket bog stretches to the horizon. This area is protected by deer fence and the vegetation is undisturbed, with Bog Myrtle a prominent species.
Catchment of the Allt an Reidhe This peatland is drained by the Allt an Reidhe, which is a tributary of the River Strathy.
Catchment of the Allt an Reidhe
This peatland is drained by the Allt an Reidhe, which is a tributary of the River Strathy.
Edge of Strathy North Forest in Shadow of Wind Turbine All trees within the windfarm area have been felled, and the brash has been flattened. The boundary fence, which was previously electrified, was still in good condition. The hill in the background is Beinn nam Bo.
Edge of Strathy North Forest in Shadow of Wind Turbine
All trees within the windfarm area have been felled, and the brash has been flattened. The boundary fence, which was previously electrified, was still in good condition. The hill in the background is Beinn nam Bo.
Unnamed Ridge East of Cnoc nan Lamhainn The moorland here was very boggy. The turbines of Strathy North windfarm can be seen in the distance.
Unnamed Ridge East of Cnoc nan Lamhainn
The moorland here was very boggy. The turbines of Strathy North windfarm can be seen in the distance.
Southern Edge of Strathy North Windfarm Area The forest had been cleared up to the southern boundary, and in the distance can be seen other forests where windfarms are planned. The hills behind are the Griams.
Southern Edge of Strathy North Windfarm Area
The forest had been cleared up to the southern boundary, and in the distance can be seen other forests where windfarms are planned. The hills behind are the Griams.
Wind Turbines in Strathy North Windfarm The forest has been cleared and the brash has been spread/ compacted.
Wind Turbines in Strathy North Windfarm
The forest has been cleared and the brash has been spread/ compacted.
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Loch Meala is located at Grid Ref: NC7856 (Lat: 58.483669, Lng: -4.0801901)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///replace.tunnel.birthdays. Near Forsinard, Highland

Nearby Locations

Loch Meala Cnoc Meala

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