Loch Eigheach facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch Eigheach |
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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.
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 Loch Eigheach
Location in Perth and Kinross
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| Coordinates | 56°40′47″N 4°31′57″W / 56.6797°N 4.5325°W |
| 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.
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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.
Fishing at Loch Eigheach
Loch Eigheach is a popular spot for fishing. The main type of fish caught here is perch.
