Cortes Loch

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Cortes Loch

Minor road near Rathen Credit: Steven Brown

Cortes Loch is a picturesque freshwater loch located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Situated near the village of Cortes, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and locals alike. Covering an area of approximately 30 acres, the loch is surrounded by rolling hills and lush vegetation, creating a serene and tranquil environment.

The loch is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife. The surrounding marshland provides a habitat for various bird species, including ducks, swans, and herons, which can often be seen gracefully gliding across the water. It is also a nesting ground for several species of waterfowl, adding to the area's natural beauty.

Cortes Loch offers recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck catching trout, which are abundant in the loch. The calm and peaceful atmosphere of the loch also makes it a perfect spot for boating and kayaking.

For those who prefer to stay on land, there are several walking trails around the loch that provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trails are well-maintained and suitable for all levels of hikers.

Additionally, Cortes Loch has a picnic area where visitors can relax and enjoy a packed lunch amidst the tranquil surroundings. The area is also equipped with basic facilities such as parking and restroom facilities to ensure a comfortable visit for all.

Overall, Cortes Loch in Aberdeenshire is a natural gem, offering a variety of recreational activities and a chance to immerse oneself in the beauty of Scotland's countryside.

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Cortes Loch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.623847/-1.9950806 or Grid Reference NK0059. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Minor road near Rathen

Steven Brown

Lane, Rathen

Access to outlying residential properties with a hopelessly iced up car park on the left.

Richard Webb

Field entrance, south of Rathen

During a thaw and at the start of a warm spell the snow has gone, save for icy strips where it was compacted by agricultural vehicles.

Richard Webb

Wetland, Rathen

A small area of marsh remains near Brig o' Craigengorie.

Richard Webb

Ditch under Mormond Hill

Looking over grassland towards a cloud covered Mormond Hill.

Richard Webb

Rathen Primary School and Village Hall

This small Buchan village was originally a farming community and most of its old buildings built of granite. The local Peterhead granite is pink.

Colin Smith

Rathen, West Kirk

The spire dominates the village and immediate vicinity. The Gothic style kirk dates from 1870 and replaced the older, ruined one, to the east. Beside the church is a derelict but'n'ben, an old single-storey, two-roomed cottage built of granite.

Colin Smith

Rathen, Old Kirk

The ruined St Ethernan's sits beside the modern Rathen West Kirk. Some of the remains are pre-Reformation when its patron was Alexander Fraser of Philorth (Philorth established the planned town of Fraserburgh). Behind the ruined kirk is Rathen House.

Colin Smith

In Rathen

Scrubby field on the edge of the village. The roofs of scattered new cottages are visible above the trees. The ground is very dry due to the long, dry spell.

Colin Smith

'Lodge' house adjacent to Buchan Line

on a minor road / old rail line crossing point

Ken Fitlike

Rathen Kirk

This is the 19th century kirk which replaced an older one, now in ruins.

Anne Burgess

Disused railway

Now the Formartine and Buchan Way cyclepath

Iain Macaulay

Kirk at Rathen

Iain Macaulay

Rathen Church after the snow

JBPM67

The Edge of Rathen

This small village has a mix of old and new cottages. Rathen is connected to the main A92 by the minor road above. Some of the gardens, like this one, stretch to the road verges. Beyond are some of the large cereal fields of Buchan, a very rich farming area.

Colin Smith

Lonmay, Old Formartine & Buchan Railway

Lonmay once had a station on the Maud - Fraserburgh railway which was opened in 1965. Lonmay also has potatoes named after it eg Lonmay Pinks, which reflects well on this farming area in Buchan.

Colin Smith

A92 Crossing with the F&B Way

A railway bridge once crossed this road, but today the Formartine 7 Buchan Way descends to ground level. The road is busy with refrigerated fish lorries thundering south from Fraserburgh ("The Broch") to the large UK cities and to France.

Colin Smith

Pond on the F&B Way

This attractive pond is by Kilbirnie Farm, on the Formartine & Buchan Way, west of Lonmay. Water lilies cover the far end of the water while fireweed coats the bank by the old railway line.

Colin Smith

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Cortes Loch is located at Grid Ref: NK0059 (Lat: 57.623847, Lng: -1.9950806)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East