Loch Bracadale facts for kids
Loch Bracadale is a large sea loch located on the west coast of the Isle of Skye in Scotland. A sea loch is like a long, narrow arm of the sea that reaches inland. In Scottish Gaelic, its name is Loch Bhràcadail. This beautiful loch acts as a natural border, separating the Minginish Peninsula in the south from the Duirinish Peninsula in the north.
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Exploring Loch Bracadale
Loch Bracadale is a big area of water that connects to several smaller lochs. These include Loch Harport, Loch Vatten, Loch Caroy, Loch Bharcasaig, Lochn a Faolinn, and Loch Beag. Together, they create one of the largest areas of sheltered coastal waters around the Isle of Skye.
What Happens in the Loch?
The waters of Loch Bracadale are not very deep in many places. This makes them perfect for different activities. People use the loch for farming fish like salmon and growing mussels. Fishermen also set out traps, called creels, to catch crabs and lobsters. You might even see people diving for scallops in these waters.
Islands of Loch Bracadale
There are four islands located within Loch Bracadale. Each one adds to the beauty and character of the loch.
- Harlosh Island
- Tarner Island
- Wiay
- Oronsay
Oronsay is a special kind of island called a tidal island. This means you can sometimes walk to it from the mainland when the tide is low. It is located near Ullinish Point.
Where the Loch Meets the Sea
The entrance of Loch Bracadale, where it opens up to the vast Atlantic Ocean, is about 3.7 miles wide. This wide mouth stretches from Idrigill Point on the Duirinish Peninsula to Rubha nan Clach on the Minginish Peninsula.
Macleod's Maidens
Just half a mile west of Idrigill Point, you can see three amazing rock formations. These tall, pillar-like rocks are known as Macleod's Maidens. They stand proudly in the sea, looking like ancient guardians.
The Loch's Shores
The south-western side of Loch Bracadale, starting from Rubha nan Clach, features impressive sea cliffs. These cliffs are about 100 meters (or 330 feet) high. They are dotted with hidden caves and beautiful waterfalls that cascade down to the sea.
Further along the shore, you'll find Fiskavaig Bay. This bay stretches around to Ardtreck. A lighthouse at Ardtreck Point helps guide boats safely. This point is opposite Bracadale Point. The area between Ardtreck Point and Bracadale Point is where Loch Bracadale changes its name and becomes Loch Harport.
