Loch Ordais

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Ross-shire

Scotland

Loch Ordais

Aird Bheag BhrÃ gair A small area of the rocky headland here is the only land in this square. — Aird Bheag BhrÃ gair Credit: Anne Burgess

Loch Ordais is a picturesque body of water located in Ross-shire, Scotland. Nestled between the rolling hills and stunning landscapes, it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. The loch is situated near the village of Aultbea, providing visitors with easy access to its calming waters.

As a sea loch, Loch Ordais is connected to the sea by a narrow channel, creating a unique estuary environment. The tidal flow coming in from the sea mixes with the freshwater from the loch, resulting in a diverse ecosystem. This rich blend of saltwater and freshwater supports a wide variety of marine life, including fish, crustaceans, and seabirds.

The loch is relatively shallow, with an average depth of around 20 meters (65 feet). Its tranquil waters are perfect for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of catching species like brown trout and salmon, while boaters can explore the loch’s charming surroundings.

Loch Ordais is also home to a small creek that feeds into its waters. This creek, known as Allt nan Criche, adds to the loch’s natural beauty and is a great spot for nature enthusiasts to observe local wildlife. The surrounding area is abundant in native flora and fauna, making it a haven for hikers and nature lovers.

Overall, Loch Ordais is a serene and captivating destination that offers a unique blend of sea, estuary, and creek environments. Its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities make it a must-visit location for anyone exploring the Ross-shire region.

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Loch Ordais Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.34204/-6.6451722 or Grid Reference NB2848. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Aird Bheag BhrÃ gair

A small area of the rocky headland here is the only land in this square.

Anne Burgess

Aird Bheag BhrÃ gair

This rocky shelf, the rocks on the shore below, and a couple of offshore rocks, are the only land in this square.

Anne Burgess

Sgeir MhÃ²r

The grid line bisects these rock outcrops just off Aird Bheag Bhràgair.

Anne Burgess

Aird Bheag BhrÃ gair

Looking down on the rocky shelf shown in NB2750 : Aird Bheag Bhràgair.

Anne Burgess

Coastline of Lewis

Ralph Greig

The Whalebone Arch at Bragar

The arch dates from 1920. It was made from the jawbone of a dead blue whale which was washed ashore in a nearby inlet Geodha nam Muc and has since become a tourist attraction. It is Category B-listed by Historic Environment Scotland (LB5767 Link

). More information Link

(Britain Express).

David Dixon

Bragar

Bragar (Bràgar) is a village situated on the A858 between Carloway and Barvas on the west side of the Isle of Lewis, 14 miles from the island's only town, Stornoway

South Bragar

Loch na Muilne

North Shawbost

Small beach east of Rubha Gharsan

Rob Burke

Iuchair

Like much of this coast, the sea has made deep cuts into the headland. See NB2649 : Coastal rubbish dump for a close up of the old rubbish dump in the nearer cut.

Rob Burke

Coastal rubbish dump

The sea used to be a convenient disposal point for all island rubbish. Here there are the remains of buildings, vehicle parts, and wire fencing,

Rob Burke

Blow hole at Dunan Croir

The sea has cut a cave deep into the cliff, and then created a hole in the roof of the cave. The hole is 2 or 3m across, and the floor of the cave perhaps 10m below.

Rob Burke

Dunan Croir

This looks as if it might be a "little fort", hence the name. However Canmore reports that there is no evidence of artificial construction. There is the remains of a rectangular enclosure in the foreground, but again Canmore dryly notes "Not an antiquity".

Rob Burke

Bad stile near Labost

This type of stile is used throughout the coastal walk from Bragar to Siabost. It's an object lesson in how not to make a stile. Firstly the single step is much too high, as demonstrated by my able assistant. It risks pulled muscles, climbing up or jumping down. Secondly, as everyone has to pull on the top bar to climb up, the bar soon breaks off. Half the stiles on this part of the walk had lost the bar. Once the bar comes off, the rest of the stile becomes unstable because the legs are long and there is no cross bracing. Next, the mortice joint attaching the step to the back legs is too shallow. After we climbed over one stile, we found that the joint had come unscrewed and only a 1cm edge of wood on the wonky stile stopped it from collapsing. Finally, to add damage to injury, the barbed wire of the fence is uncovered, so it catches rucsacks as you jump off.

Rob Burke

Footbridge over Loch Ordais outflow

This footbridge gives access to the coastal walk west from the car park at Bragar.

Rob Burke

War graves at Bragar cemetery

There are several war graves in the cemetery. Sadly, half of them bear the date 1st January 1919. 205 men returning to Lewis were drowned in the Iolaire disaster close to Stornoway. The grave in the foreground has an even later date, 26 October 1919. Donald Morrison served on HMS Pontefract, a minesweeper, and died in an accident.

Rob Burke

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Loch Ordais is located at Grid Ref: NB2848 (Lat: 58.34204, Lng: -6.6451722)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands