kids encyclopedia robot

Loch Eigheach facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Loch Eigheach
Marker cairn on plateau - geograph.org.uk - 218549.jpg
Marker cairn on plateau. This small marker cairn is at the eastern edge of the Meall Liath na Doire plateau. The view eastwards takes in Loch Eigheach, Loch Rannoch and Schiehallion on the skyline.
Loch Eigheach is located in Perth and Kinross
Loch Eigheach
Loch Eigheach
Location in Perth and Kinross
Coordinates 56°40′47″N 4°31′57″W / 56.6797°N 4.5325°W / 56.6797; -4.5325
Type freshwater loch
Primary inflows Allt Eigheach
River sources River Gaur
Primary outflows River Gaur
Max. length 1.81 km (1.12 mi)
Max. width 1.02 km (0.63 mi)
Surface area 132.3 ha (327 acres)
Average depth 6 ft (1.8 m)
Max. depth 28 ft (8.5 m)
Shore length1 7.9 km (4.9 mi)
Surface elevation 252 m (827 ft)
Islands 2
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Loch Eigheach is a large freshwater loch located high up in the Scottish Highlands. It can be found in a wild area called Rannoch Moor, which is part of Perth and Kinross. Originally, Loch Eigheach was much smaller. It was later made bigger by building a dam.

The Dam and Hydro-Electric Power

Loch Eigheach is an important part of the Tummel hydro-electric power scheme. This project uses the power of water to create electricity. The loch was made much larger in the 1950s when the Gaur Dam was built at its eastern end.

How Water Power Makes Electricity

Hydro-electric power stations use the force of falling water to spin large turbines. These turbines then power generators that create electricity. The dam at Loch Eigheach helps control the water flow for this purpose.

Geography of Loch Eigheach

Loch Eigheach sits on the River Gaur. It is located between two other lochs: Loch Laidon to the west and Loch Rannoch to the east.

Rivers Flowing In and Out

On its northern side, a river called Allt Eigheach flows into the loch. The main river feeding the loch from the east is the Garbh Ghaoir. The River Gaur flows right through Loch Eigheach. After leaving the loch, the water from the River Gaur first goes through a hydro-electric power station. Then, it returns to the riverbed.

Surrounding Area and Access

The areas around Loch Eigheach are completely empty of people. No one lives directly on its shores. You can reach parts of the northern shore and the dam wall by a road called the B846. However, most of the loch's edges cannot be reached by car.

Loch Eigheach from the north - geograph.org.uk - 11887
Loch Eigheach from the north

Fishing at Loch Eigheach

Loch Eigheach is a popular spot for fishing. The main type of fish caught here is perch.

kids search engine
Loch Eigheach Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.