Loch Etive facts for kids

Loch Etive (pronounced "EET-iv") is a long sea loch in Scotland. It's like a deep, narrow arm of the sea that stretches inland. This beautiful loch is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) long and can be up to 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) wide. It's located in an area called Argyll and Bute. The loch connects to the sea at a place called Connel, which is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) north of Oban. Loch Etive is quite deep, reaching down to about 150 meters (490 feet) in some spots!

The name Etive is thought to mean "little fierce one." This name might come from an old Scottish goddess who was connected to the loch.

Discovering Loch Etive's Features

Loch Etive stretches east for about half its length. Then, it turns northeast and goes into the mountains. A road through Glen Etive helps people get to the end of the loch from Glen Coe.

The Falls of Lora

One of the most interesting things about Loch Etive is the Falls of Lora. These "falls" aren't like a waterfall you might imagine. Instead, they are strong, swirling rapids that form when the tide changes. This happens because the mouth of the loch is very narrow.

Nature and Wildlife

Part of the north side of Loch Etive is a special protected area. It's important because of its old oak forests. You might be surprised to learn that about 20 common seals live in Loch Etive. They are often seen swimming or resting on the rocks.

Historic Places Around the Loch

Near the mouth of Loch Etive, you'll find Dunstaffnage Castle. This old castle was a very important stronghold for the ancient kingdom of Dál Riata. It's even thought that the famous Stone of Scone was kept here before it moved to Scone Palace. The castle ruins you see today were built around the year 1275. In the late 1800s, people started taking boat trips up Loch Etive as Oban became a popular holiday spot.

Connel Bridge

The Connel Bridge crosses the loch right over the Falls of Lora. It's a special type of bridge called a cantilever bridge. It was first built in 1903 for a railway line. For a while, it carried both trains and road traffic on the same track! Since 1966, when the railway closed, the bridge has only been used for cars and other road vehicles.

St. Modan's Priory

On the north shore of the loch, in the area of Ardchattan, are the beautiful ruins of St. Modan's Priory. This priory was founded in the 1200s for a group of monks called Cistercians. It's said that Robert the Bruce, a famous Scottish king, held an important meeting here. It was one of the last times the Scottish Gaelic language was used in a Scottish parliament.

Beregonium Fort

Near the coast of Loch Nell (also called Ardmucknish Bay) is an ancient fort called Beregonium. This fort is "vitrified," which means its stone walls were heated so much that they melted and turned into a glassy substance.

Other Connections to Loch Etive

The Ship Loch Etive

A famous old sailing ship, an Iron Clipper, was named Loch Etive. The well-known writer Joseph Conrad once worked on this ship.

Geology

In the world of geology, the name Etive is also used for a type of rock formation. This formation is found in the North Sea and is named after the loch.

Images for kids

• 

  Loch Etive looking northeast from Sron nam Feannag

• 

  Reflections on Loch Etive