Monk's Pool

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Angus

Scotland

Monk's Pool

Invermark Church, Glen Esk The church dates from 1803 and replaced a now ruined building that stands further west overlooking Loch Lee. — Invermark Church, Glen Esk Credit: Gordon Hatton

Monk's Pool, located in Angus, Scotland, is a picturesque freshwater marsh that serves as a popular recreational spot for locals and tourists alike. With its serene ambiance and diverse wildlife, the pool offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Covering an area of approximately 10 acres, Monk's Pool is nestled amidst lush greenery and rolling hills, providing a stunning backdrop for nature enthusiasts and photographers. The pool itself is a shallow body of water, fed by natural springs and rainwater runoff, with an average depth of around 3 feet.

The pool is teeming with a rich variety of plant and animal species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The surrounding marshland provides a suitable habitat for numerous waterfowl species, including geese, swans, ducks, and herons. Additionally, the pool is home to a diverse range of aquatic plants, such as reeds, water lilies, and rushes, which thrive in its nutrient-rich waters.

Visitors to Monk's Pool can enjoy a range of activities, including fishing, birdwatching, and nature walks. The pool is well-stocked with fish, such as trout and perch, making it a popular destination for anglers. Furthermore, the tranquil nature trails that surround the pool offer an opportunity to explore the area's natural beauty up close.

Monk's Pool is a cherished natural gem in the Angus region, attracting visitors who seek solace in its serene surroundings and appreciate the diverse ecosystem it supports.

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Monk's Pool Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.908527/-2.9306752 or Grid Reference NO4380. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Invermark Church, Glen Esk

The church dates from 1803 and replaced a now ruined building that stands further west overlooking Loch Lee.

Gordon Hatton

Invermark Castle

According to local estate information, the castle dates from 1526 and was built to help deter, or provide protection from caterans [Highland raiders], who were in the habit of coming over the mountains from Deeside and stealing cattle and anything else they could get their hands on. The only door is high on the south side [left, and out of sight in this view], whilst there are gun loops at the base of the tower in the 5ft thick walls.

Gordon Hatton

The 'front door' of Invermark Castle

The only way into the castle is via this doorway, which retains its iron grille, and which is some 3m off the ground. Rather than have a ladder, it is thought that there was some form of drawbridge linked to an outbuilding which has now been demolished.

Gordon Hatton

Invermark shooting lodge [and Dobbin]

A Victorian shooting lodge for those interested in grouse shooting, deer stalking or fishing. Apparently the building is available for rent, but then if you can afford the grouse shooting you can almost certainly afford the rental fee.

Gordon Hatton

Water of Lee, looking upstream

The Water of Lee a short distance downstream from Loch Lee. A September view which would be much more colourful a month later as the leaves turn to gold.

Gordon Hatton

Water of Lee, looking downstream

The watercourse has only a short distance to run eastwards to where it joins the Water of Mark, the combined waters then forming the River North Esk.

Gordon Hatton

Cottages at Kirkton

Estate cottages at Kirkton, which is close to the original church in the glen.

Gordon Hatton

Invermark old kirk

The ruins of St Drostan's church at the eastern end of Loch Lee. The ruins date from the 17th century and are a rebuilding of an earlier church that was laid waste by the Marquis of Montrose in 1645. There are some interesting old gravestones and a fine view along Loch Lee towards the mountains beyond.

Gordon Hatton

Loch Lee from the old kirkyard

A still September day with hardly a ripple on the surface of the loch.

Gordon Hatton

Eastern end of Loch Lee

The loch occupies a glacial trench within the mountains of the Mounth and was adapted to serve as a reservoir, initially for the city of Dundee. The loch doesn't bear the usual reservoir scars of exposed edges, whilst the tiny dam/weir at the eastern end is hardly noticeable.

Gordon Hatton

Water of Mark, Glen Mark

Steven Brown

Loch Lee bothy

This bothy is at the head of Loch Lee and looks private.

Ralph Greig

Invermark castle

The castle at the top of Glen Esk

Ralph Greig

Stuck tree

Not quite sure how the tree made it under the bridge I'm standing on but I think it will take a bit of effort to remove.

Ralph Greig

Bothy on Loch Lee

A small bothy on the shores of Loch Lee

Ralph Greig

Loch Lee

View along the loch from the north shore, where the excellent track can be seen following the edge of the loch. The rocky rib in the distance is the Shank of Inchgrundle.

Gordon Hatton