Loch an Ear

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Loch an Ear

Islands off the West coast of Scalpay From Airdna Cille on the Isle of Scalpay, looking across East Loch Tarbert towards Drinisiadar, with the South Harris hills on the horizon.
Islands off the West coast of Scalpay Credit: David Wake

Loch an Ear is a picturesque body of water located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated near the coastal town of Inverness, it is classified as both a sea inlet and an estuary, with a creek flowing into its southeastern edge. The name "Loch an Ear" translates to "Loch of the East" in Gaelic, which is apt considering its location on the eastern coast of Scotland.

The loch is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with rolling hills and lush greenery adorning its shores. Its calm waters provide a peaceful retreat for both locals and visitors alike. The area is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including a variety of bird species such as herons and ducks that can be spotted along its shores. It is not uncommon to witness seals and otters swimming in the loch, adding to its charm and natural allure.

The loch's strategic location near Inverness makes it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the surroundings while enjoying their favorite pastimes. Additionally, Loch an Ear is an ideal location for nature walks and hikes, with several trails in the vicinity offering stunning views of the loch and its surrounding landscape.

Overall, Loch an Ear is a stunning natural gem in Inverness-shire, offering a serene and picturesque escape for those seeking to connect with nature and indulge in outdoor activities.

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Loch an Ear Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.86576/-6.748523 or Grid Reference NG1896. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Islands off the West coast of Scalpay From Airdna Cille on the Isle of Scalpay, looking across East Loch Tarbert towards Drinisiadar, with the South Harris hills on the horizon.
Islands off the West coast of Scalpay
From Airdna Cille on the Isle of Scalpay, looking across East Loch Tarbert towards Drinisiadar, with the South Harris hills on the horizon.
Drinishader A bay on the west side of islet-studded Loch Tairbeart, the largest of the sea-lochs on the east side of Harris.
Drinishader
A bay on the west side of islet-studded Loch Tairbeart, the largest of the sea-lochs on the east side of Harris.
In the driving seat of the Hattersley Mk1 at Drinisiadar Built in Keighley, West Yorkshire and one time Luddite bait the loom was designed by George Hattersley and from 1919 to the present has proved a godsend to the people of Harris.
In the driving seat of the Hattersley Mk1 at Drinisiadar
Built in Keighley, West Yorkshire and one time Luddite bait the loom was designed by George Hattersley and from 1919 to the present has proved a godsend to the people of Harris.
All trades their gear, tackle, and trim.. The loom and some of the products at the exhibition at Drinisiadar.
All trades their gear, tackle, and trim..
The loom and some of the products at the exhibition at Drinisiadar.
Original Harris Tweed Introduced to Harris in 1919 the Hattersley cottage loom which was manufactured by George Hattersley of Keighley, West Yorkshire and proved a godsend for the people of Harris.
Original Harris Tweed
Introduced to Harris in 1919 the Hattersley cottage loom which was manufactured by George Hattersley of Keighley, West Yorkshire and proved a godsend for the people of Harris.
Nostalgia's not what it used to be! If ever a poem ran in parallel with Yeats' Lake Isle of Innisfree then this is the one.
Nostalgia's not what it used to be!
If ever a poem ran in parallel with Yeats' Lake Isle of Innisfree then this is the one.
The Spinning Wheels of Harris Before you weave, first spin the wool.
The Spinning Wheels of Harris
Before you weave, first spin the wool.
Islands and skerries off Drinishader Not quite a painted ship on a painted ocean, but close;  there is a fishing boat dead-centre in this image.
Islands and skerries off Drinishader
Not quite a painted ship on a painted ocean, but close; there is a fishing boat dead-centre in this image.
Gloraig Dhubh, Loch an Tairbeairt, Harris The northern (right hand) tip of Gloraig Dhubh, the larger skerry, and the whole of the smaller skerry lie within the grid square.
Gloraig Dhubh, Loch an Tairbeairt, Harris
The northern (right hand) tip of Gloraig Dhubh, the larger skerry, and the whole of the smaller skerry lie within the grid square.
Dun Corr Mor
Dun Corr Mor
South end of Loch Drinisiadair
South end of Loch Drinisiadair
Rubha na Mòine The ferry heading in to Tarbert past the Gloraigs.
Rubha na Mòine
The ferry heading in to Tarbert past the Gloraigs.
Sgeotasaigh Sgeotasaigh, or Scotsay, is an island west of Scalpay in East Loch Tarbert. The light on the right of the image is on Sgeir Ghlas in NG1896.
Sgeotasaigh
Sgeotasaigh, or Scotsay, is an island west of Scalpay in East Loch Tarbert. The light on the right of the image is on Sgeir Ghlas in NG1896.
Stac a Chaorainn A small island to the east of Sgeotasaigh in East Loch Tarbert.
Stac a Chaorainn
A small island to the east of Sgeotasaigh in East Loch Tarbert.
The harbour at Drinisiadair
The harbour at Drinisiadair
Drinishader on The Golden Road Wonderful cycling southwards from Tarbert.
Drinishader on The Golden Road
Wonderful cycling southwards from Tarbert.
Rainbow over East Loch Tarbert A lovely end to the day at Drinishader.
Rainbow over East Loch Tarbert
A lovely end to the day at Drinishader.
Sgeir Ghlas lighthouse A small lighthouse built around 1900. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://uklighthousetour.com/tag/sgeir-ghlas/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://uklighthousetour.com/tag/sgeir-ghlas/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Sgeir Ghlas lighthouse
A small lighthouse built around 1900. LinkExternal link
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Loch an Ear is located at Grid Ref: NG1896 (Lat: 57.86576, Lng: -6.748523)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///indulges.factor.recliner. Near Tarbert, Na h-Eileanan Siar

Nearby Locations

Loch an Ear Sgeir Ghlas

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