Mill Lochs of Sandvoe

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Shetland

Scotland

Mill Lochs of Sandvoe

The Loch of the Grey Yowe, behind Ronas Hill The first thing that was a little odd to me about this loch on Shetland was the name. I had always associated yowes being used for ewes to occur much further south; the Scottish Dictionary has its use in Angus and Buchan and yet here it was as far north in Scotland as you could go. The second surprise was that, in spite of the northern isles having a poor summer, the loch was really quite low. It had and still has, at least one nice trout in it. Spot-on navigation is needed to find the loch. You can&#039;t see it until you&#039;re within 50 yards or less. — The Loch of the Grey Yowe, behind Ronas Hill Credit: AlastairG

Mill Lochs of Sandvoe is a picturesque freshwater system located in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. Consisting of three interconnected lochs, it covers an area of approximately 25 hectares and is considered an important natural habitat in the region. The lochs are situated in a low-lying area near the village of Sandvoe, surrounded by heathland and peat bog.

The first loch, known as Upper Mill Loch, is the largest and deepest of the three, reaching depths of up to 5 meters. It is bordered by reed beds and provides a suitable breeding ground for various waterfowl species. The middle loch, known as Middle Mill Loch, is relatively shallow and features a diverse range of aquatic plants and algae, attracting a wide array of insects and invertebrates. The final loch, Lower Mill Loch, is the smallest and shallowest, with a maximum depth of around 2 meters. It is characterized by its dense vegetation cover, including water lilies and marsh grasses.

These interconnected lochs form an essential habitat for a variety of bird species, such as mallards, teal, and tufted ducks. They also attract waders, including snipe and lapwings, during the breeding season. Additionally, the lochs support a rich diversity of aquatic life, including brown trout and sticklebacks.

Mill Lochs of Sandvoe offers a tranquil and scenic environment, attracting nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike. It provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to observe and appreciate the wealth of wildlife that thrives in this unique freshwater marsh ecosystem.

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Mill Lochs of Sandvoe Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.574751/-1.3824751 or Grid Reference HU3388. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Loch of the Grey Yowe, behind Ronas Hill

The first thing that was a little odd to me about this loch on Shetland was the name. I had always associated yowes being used for ewes to occur much further south; the Scottish Dictionary has its use in Angus and Buchan and yet here it was as far north in Scotland as you could go. The second surprise was that, in spite of the northern isles having a poor summer, the loch was really quite low. It had and still has, at least one nice trout in it. Spot-on navigation is needed to find the loch. You can't see it until you're within 50 yards or less.

AlastairG

Drainage in North Roe, Shetland

The drainage here is from Clubbi Shuns eastward to Roer Water, a public water supply. The channel between the two lochs is fairly wide at the western end but splits into two unequal burns at its eastern outflow.

AlastairG

Drainage in North Roe, Shetland

This shows the western end of the connection shown in HU3386 : Drainage in North Roe, Shetland. These interconnected lochs both contain brown trout.

AlastairG

Clubbi Shuns, Shetland

This loch forms part of the catchment area for the public water supply for the area. It drains into Roeg Water where the water is drawn off. Like its neighbour, Clubbi Shuns contains a stock of brown trout.

AlastairG

Landmark, viewpoint, shelter

This distinctive granite boulder sits in a commanding position in fairly desolate moorland. Time and probably sheep have worn a circular depression round its base. This provides very welcome shelter in which to enjoy a lunch break when the, not infrequent, high winds blast the moorland. The comfort has been enhanced by carefully positioned boulders which make very acceptable seating.

AlastairG

Moorland drainage, Shetland

In a landscape of peat bogs, running water is actually rather rare. This burn is one of the very few which are crossed while walking along the north side of a chain of lochs between Roer Water and Birka Water.

AlastairG

Looking across to Maadle Swankie from Clubbi Shuns, Shetland

Even in a region of strange placenames, this pair are a bit odd. They are located north of Ronas Hill.

AlastairG

Fencing work, Collafirth, Shetland

Material was stored at the end of the hill track by Roer Water. An existing fence was being replaced. It looked as if it was designed to prevent livestock contaminating the loch which is a public water supply.

AlastairG