Loch Lochy

Loch Lochy
File:Loch Lochy.jpg View from the A82
Location	Lochaber, Highland, Scotland
Coordinates
Type	freshwater loch
Primary inflows	River Lochy
Primary outflows	Caledonian Canal
Basin countries	United Kingdom
Max. length	16 km
Surface area	16 km²
Average depth	70 m
Max. depth	162 m
Water volume	1.1 km3 (0.26 cu mi)
Surface elevation	94 ft (29 m)
Settlements	Close to Nevis range mountains experience 0.7km Loch Lochy image

Loch Lochy (Scottish Gaelic, Loch Lochaidh) is a large freshwater loch in Lochaber, Highland, Scotland. With a mean depth of 70 m (230 ft), it is the third deepest loch of Scotland.

Geography

Located 16 km (10 mi) southwest of Loch Ness along the Great Glen, the loch is over 15 km (9 mi) long with an average width of about 1 km (0.6 mi). The River Lochy flows from its southwestern end while the Caledonian Canal links its northeastern extent to Loch Oich.

History

The Battle of the Shirts was fought at its northern end near Laggan in July 1544, between Clan Donald and Clan Fraser.

The Stand-off at the Fords of Arkaig in September 1665 ended a 360-year feud between the Camerons and the Chattan Confederation. It took place at Achnacarry, on the isthmus between Loch Lochy and Loch Arkaig.

Folklore tales mention 'a supernatural being' called the River Horse which was said to emerge from the lake and assume a horse's shape before feeding on the loch's banks. The River Horse was also known as the Lord Of The Lake and the Water King and would overturn boats and 'entice mares from their pastures'. Another tradition was that of the River Bull, 'a gentle, harmless creature', who would 'emerge from the lake into the pasture of cows'.

References

• The Gazetteer for Scotland Loch Lochy
• Map of Loch Lochy Bathymetrical Survey of the Freshwater Lochs of Scotland 1897–1900 (National Library of Scotland)

File:Loch Lochy 01.JPG

View over Loch Lochy