Loch Calder facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch Calder |
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 Loch Calder
Location in Highland
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| Location | Caithness, Highlands Scotland |
| Coordinates | 58°31′00″N 3°35′00″W / 58.516667°N 3.583333°W |
| Type | freshwater loch |
| Primary inflows | Loch Olginey |
| Primary outflows | Alltan Ghuinne |
| Basin countries | Scotland |
| Max. length | 5 mi (8.0 km) |
| Max. width | 1 mi (1.6 km) |
| Surface area | 381.5 ha (943 acres) |
| Average depth | 21 ft (6.4 m) |
| Max. depth | 85 ft (26 m) |
| Water volume | 767,000,000 cu ft (21,700,000 m3) |
| Shore length1 | 12.9 km (8.0 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 66 m (217 ft) |
| Islands | 0 |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Loch Calder is a large freshwater loch (which is the Scottish word for lake!) located in the Scottish Highlands. It's about 5 mi (8.0 km) southwest of a town called Thurso in Caithness.
This loch has an interesting, uneven shape and its edge measures about 12.8 km (8.0 mi) all the way around. It stretches for about 2.33 mi (3.75 km) and is usually about 21 ft (6.4 m) deep. At its deepest point, Loch Calder goes down to 85 ft (26 m)!
Contents
Ancient History Around the Loch
Around Loch Calder, you can find some really old historical sites. These places tell us about people who lived here a very long time ago.
Mysterious Burial Sites
At the north end of the loch, there's an ancient burial place called Tulach an t'Sionnaich. It's a well-kept chambered cairn, which is like a stone tomb from a long time ago. This cairn is one of two similar ones known as the Tullochs of Assery.
Remains of an Old Tower
On the east side, near a place called Achavarn, you can find where a broch once stood. A broch was a tall, round stone tower built by ancient people in Scotland. Much of this old structure has been taken away over time, but its site is still there.
The Island of the Robber
Near the western shore, people believe there was once an artificial island, called a crannog. This island, known as Big Island, might have been built around the 1600s. Stories say it had a house on it that belonged to a robber!
Standing Stones of Aultan Broubster
A short distance to the west of the loch, you can see the ruins of a stone circle at Aultan Broubster. Several of these ancient stones are still standing, with five of them upright. The tallest one is about 1.3 m (4 ft 3 in) high. These circles were often used for special ceremonies or as ancient calendars.
Wildlife and Nature
Loch Calder is a very important place for nature. It's recognized as a Scottish Natural Heritage Site of Special Scientific Interest. This means it's protected because of its special wildlife.
Amazing Birds
The loch is a home for many interesting birds, especially during certain times of the year. You might spot:
These birds often come to the loch to rest and feed during their long migrations.
Fishing Fun
Loch Calder is a popular spot for people who enjoy fishing. The loch is home to several types of fish, making it a great place to cast a line.
Types of Fish
In the waters of Loch Calder, you can find:
These fish provide a fun challenge for anglers of all ages!
