Dubh Loch (Glen Muick) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dubh Loch |
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 Dubh Loch
Location in Aberdeen
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| Location | Aberdeenshire, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 56°55′46″N 3°15′12″W / 56.92944°N 3.25333°W |
| Type | freshwater loch |
| Primary outflows | Allt an Dubh-loch |
| Basin countries | Scotland |
| Surface area | 19.9 ha (49 acres) |
| Shore length1 | 2.3 km (1.4 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 637 m (2,090 ft) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Dubh Loch is a beautiful, small lake located high up in the mountains of Scotland. You can find it within the famous Balmoral Estate in Aberdeenshire.
This freshwater loch sits at an elevation of about 637 meters (2,090 feet) above sea level. Its shoreline stretches for approximately 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles). Water flows out of Dubh Loch through a stream called Allt an Dubh-loch. This stream then empties into Loch Muick, which is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) to the southeast. Near Loch Muick, you'll find the royal lodge called Glas-allt-Shiel.
Dubh Loch is surrounded by impressive mountains. To the southeast is Broad Cairn, a mountain known as a Munro. To the northwest, the land rises steeply towards Càrn a' Coire Boidheach and the majestic Lochnagar. To the west, you'll see Cairn Bannoch. If you travel southwest over a high mountain pass, you'll reach Loch Callater.
Exploring Dubh Loch's Surroundings
The Giant Rock Wall: Creag an Dubh Loch
One of the most striking features near Dubh Loch is a massive granite cliff called Creag an Dubh Loch. This rock wall rises steeply right above the loch on its southeast side. It's so tall that it often shades the loch from the sun, which is why the loch is called "Dubh Loch," meaning "dark lake" in Scottish Gaelic.
Creag an Dubh Loch is about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) long. It's generally around 200 meters (656 feet) high. At its tallest point, it reaches an incredible 270 meters (886 feet). This makes it the highest continuous rock face in the entire Cairngorms mountain range!
A Royal Visitor's Favorite Spot
Dubh Loch was a very special place for Queen Victoria. She loved to visit it from her quiet retreat at Glas-allt-Shiel. It was a peaceful escape for her.
There's even a story about her son, Prince Alfred. Once, a stag (a male deer) was wounded and ended up in the loch. Prince Alfred bravely swam out into the cold water to help capture it.
