Gare Loch facts for kids
_Gare_Loch.png)
The Gare Loch or Gareloch (in Scottish Gaelic, An Gearr Loch) is a sea loch in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It is similar in name to the village of Gairloch in the north west Highlands.
This loch is popular for fun activities like boating, water sports, and fishing. You can often see Harbour and Grey seals swimming in the Gare Loch. Sometimes, groups of Porpoise appear. In September 2020, Bottle Nose whales were even photographed here! The loch has also been used since the early 1900s by the Royal Navy for training and as a base for submarines that carry the United Kingdom's nuclear defense system.
Contents
Exploring Gare Loch's Geography
Gare Loch is a sea loch that runs from north to south. It is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) long. Its average width is about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile). At its southern end, it opens into the Firth of Clyde through a narrow passage called the Rhu narrows.
The village of Rosneath is on the western shore, just north of Rosneath Point. The land between Gare Loch and Loch Long to the west is called the Rosneath Peninsula.
The town of Helensburgh is on the eastern shore. It is the biggest town along the loch. Other towns and villages next to the loch include Rhu, Garelochhead, Shandon, Argyll, Clynder, and Rosneath.
Fun Activities and Shipping
At the northern end of the loch is the village of Garelochhead. It has places for adventure holidays. It also has a train station on the West Highland Line.
The Gare Loch is a great place for sightseeing. You can enjoy the views, go sailing, or try sea angling (fishing in the sea).
The Royal Navy has used Gare Loch as a base for a very long time. This goes back to the First World War.
Submarine Incident in World War I
On January 29, 1917, a steam-powered submarine called HMS K13 sank in the loch. This happened during its sea-trials (tests). The submarine had 80 people on board, including naval staff and shipbuilders. Seawater got into the engine room, causing it to flood. Sadly, 31 people died. However, 48 men were rescued in a huge effort that took over 57 hours. The submarine was later fixed and put back into service as HMS K22. Because of the sinking of K13, no other Royal Navy ship has ever been named with the number 13.
During the Second World War, Gare Loch became a very important naval base. Its deep water was perfect for many different types of naval ships. The United States military also used the loch a lot. They prepared for important naval landings that would happen in North Africa and during the Normandy landings. In the 1950s, the Royal Navy used the loch to store ships that were no longer in use.
HMNB Clyde was built on the banks of the loch in 1964. This was part of the United Kingdom's plan to host the Polaris submarine-based nuclear program. The site was chosen because of its deep water, which is good for submarines. It also has easy access to the North Atlantic.
Today, the site continues to be used for many naval operations. Most of these are connected to the current nuclear Trident defense system. It is also the home base for the Royal Navy's Astute-class submarines.
Peace Camp and Training
Because the nuclear missile program is based on the loch, some groups have set up a permanent peace camp. Groups like the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and Trident Ploughshares have been outside the gates of the naval facility since 1982.
The Royal Marines also have a training camp at Garelochhead. This camp was set up in the 1940s. It is still used today, and new facilities were added in 2014.
