Loch Duntelchaig facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch Duntelchaig |
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View of Loch Duntelchaig.
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 Loch Duntelchaig
Location in Scotland
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| Location | Inverness-shire, Scottish Highlands, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 57°21′00″N 4°17′56″W / 57.350°N 4.299°W |
| Type | loch |
| Max. length | 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) |
| Max. width | 1.75 kilometres (1.09 mi) |
Loch Duntelchaig is a freshwater loch found in the amazing Scottish Highlands. A loch is the Scottish word for a lake. This loch is in the traditional area of Inverness-shire. Its name comes from the Scottish Gaelic words Loch Dun Seilcheig.
This beautiful loch stretches about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from its southwest end. It flows out towards the northeast. At its widest point, Loch Duntelchaig measures up to 1.75 kilometers (1.09 miles) across. It is a very deep loch, reaching over 60 meters (197 feet) deep near its southern end.
Loch Duntelchaig is super important for the nearby city of Inverness. It acts as the main reservoir, holding water for the city. It is also very close to another important water source, Loch Ashie.
Contents
Discovering Loch Duntelchaig
Loch Duntelchaig is a natural freshwater body. It is a key part of the Scottish landscape. The loch's clear waters and surrounding hills make it a peaceful place. It is a great example of the natural beauty found in the Highlands.
Where is Loch Duntelchaig Located?
This loch is nestled in the Scottish Highlands. This area is famous for its stunning scenery. It is part of Inverness-shire, a historic county in Scotland. The Highlands are known for their mountains, valleys, and many lochs.
How Big and Deep is the Loch?
Loch Duntelchaig is quite long and wide. It is about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) long. Its width can reach 1.75 kilometers (1.09 miles). This makes it a sizable body of water.
The loch is also very deep. Towards its southern end, it plunges to more than 60 meters (197 feet). That's like stacking over 10 double-decker buses on top of each other! Deep lochs often have cold water, even in summer.
How Does the Water Flow?
The water in Loch Duntelchaig flows out from its northeast side. It then drains into a smaller loch called Loch a Chlachain. From there, the water eventually joins the River Nairn. This river then flows out to the sea. This journey shows how water connects different parts of the landscape.
Why is Loch Duntelchaig Important?
Loch Duntelchaig serves a very important purpose. It is the main reservoir for the city of Inverness. A reservoir is like a giant storage tank for water. This water is cleaned and then supplied to homes and businesses. It helps provide drinking water and water for daily use.
Being a reservoir means the loch's water quality is very important. It is carefully looked after to ensure it stays clean and safe. This makes Loch Duntelchaig a vital natural resource for the region.
