Crag Lough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crag Lough |
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Milecastle 39 on Hadrian's Wall,
with Crag Lough in the distance |
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 Crag Lough
Location in Northumberland
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| Location | Northumberland |
| Group | Roman Wall Loughs |
| Coordinates | 55°00′22″N 2°21′58″W / 55.006°N 2.366°W |
| Type | Natural freshwater lake |
| Basin countries | England |
| Max. length | 1,970 feet (600 m) |
| Max. width | 425 feet (130 m) |
Crag Lough is a beautiful freshwater lake in Northumberland, northern England. It sits right at the southern edge of the Northumberland National Park. This special lake is about 2.5 miles (4 km) north of a village called Bardon Mill. It's also just half a mile (0.8 km) north of the B6318 Military Road.
One of the most exciting things about Crag Lough is its location. It lies at the foot of tall cliffs, known as the Whin Sill. These cliffs are also where the famous Hadrian's Wall runs along the very top. This means the lake offers amazing views of both nature and history!
What's in a Name?
The name Crag Lough tells us a lot about the place. The word "Lough" comes from an old language called Cumbric. In Cumbric, "luch" means 'lake'. You can see similar words in other languages, like "llwch" in Welsh or "loch" in Scottish Gaelic.
The "Crag" part of the name is also very descriptive. It likely comes from a word similar to the Welsh word "craig," which means 'cliff'. So, Crag Lough basically means 'Cliff Lake'. This name perfectly describes the lake's dramatic setting, nestled beneath towering cliffs.
Crag Lough and Hadrian's Wall
Crag Lough is very close to Hadrian's Wall, a famous ancient Roman wall. The wall was built almost 2,000 years ago. It marked the northern border of the Roman Empire in Britain. The wall follows the line of the crags, or cliffs, that rise above Crag Lough.
This area is very popular for walkers and history lovers. You can walk along the wall and look down at the lake. It's a great way to imagine what life was like for the Roman soldiers. They would have seen this very same landscape centuries ago.
Nature and Scenery
The area around Crag Lough is known for its stunning natural beauty. The lake is surrounded by rugged hills and open countryside. It's a peaceful spot, perfect for enjoying nature.
Many different types of plants and animals live here. The lake itself is home to various fish. Birds also visit the area, making it a good spot for birdwatching. The dramatic cliffs and the calm water create a beautiful contrast. This makes Crag Lough a truly memorable place to visit.
