Loch Arkaig facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch Arkaig |
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Sun setting over the western hills
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 Loch Arkaig
Location in Scotland
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| Location | Lochaber, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 56°57′58″N 5°08′02″W / 56.966°N 5.134°W |
| Primary inflows | Dessarry, Pean River |
| Primary outflows | River Arkaig |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
| Max. length | 12 mi (19 km) |
| Surface area | 16 km2 (6.2 sq mi) |
| Max. depth | 300 ft (91 m) |
| Water volume | 0.75 km3 (0.18 cu mi) |
| Surface elevation | 140 ft (43 m) |
| Islands | 2 |
Loch Arkaig (in Scottish Gaelic: Loch Airceig) is a large freshwater lake in Lochaber, Scotland. It lies to the west of the famous Great Glen.
This beautiful loch is about 12 miles (19 km) long. It sits 140 feet (43 meters) above sea level. The deepest part of Loch Arkaig is around 300 feet (91 meters).
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Geography of Loch Arkaig
Loch Arkaig gets its water from two main rivers. These are the Dessarry and the Pean. They flow into the loch at its far western end, near a small place called Strathan.
The tall mountains of Lochaber are to the north of the loch. To the south, you'll find the Forest of Locheil. Water flows out of Loch Arkaig through the River Arkaig. This river is at the loch's southeastern end. It flows east for about 1.3 miles (2.1 km) to Loch Lochy, passing by Achnacarry.
Islands and History
There are two small islands at the eastern end of Loch Arkaig. The bigger island is called Island Columbkill. It is also known as Eilean Loch Airceig.
This island has the ruins of an old chapel. It was built to honor Saint Columba. For a long time, it was the burial place for the Camerons of Locheil.
A road from the Great Glen goes along the north shore of the loch. It leads to Strathan. From there, you can find paths that go to places like Knoydart, Glenfinnan, and Loch Morar.
The Loch Arkaig Treasure
In 1746, something very interesting happened here. It is said that a large amount of Jacobite money was hidden near Loch Arkaig. The Jacobites were supporters of the Stuart royal family. They were trying to get their king back on the throne. This hidden money is known as the Loch Arkaig treasure. It's a famous mystery in Scottish history!
The Lake Horse Legend
Like many Scottish lochs, Loch Arkaig has its own legend. People once believed a mysterious creature lived in its waters. They called it the "water horse" or "Lake-Horse."
In 1857, a man named James Harris, the 3rd Earl of Malmesbury, wrote about it. He was a very important person in the government. He heard stories from his local guide, John Stuart.
John Stuart said he saw the creature twice. Both times were at sunrise on a clear day. He described seeing only its head and back. He said its head looked like a horse's head. The Highlanders, who lived there, were very superstitious about this creature. They believed there was only one at a time. They also thought it might be something evil.
This legend is similar to stories of the Loch Ness Monster. It shows how people imagined strange creatures living in the deep, mysterious lochs of Scotland.
