Loch Kirkaig facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch Kirkaig |
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![]() Looking down the length of Loch Kirkaig with the tiny twin islets of Sgeir Mhòr visible in the distance.
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Location | Sutherland, Scotland |
Coordinates | 58°07′35″N 5°17′21″W / 58.126347°N 5.289161°W |
River sources | River Kirkaig |
Ocean/sea sources | Atlantic Ocean |
Basin countries | Scotland |
Max. length | 2.15 km (1.34 mi) |
Max. width | 1.95 km (1.21 mi) |
Average depth | 20 metres (66 ft) |
Settlements | Inverkirkaig |
Loch Kirkaig is a small sea loch located on the west coast of Scotland. It's found in a beautiful area called the Scottish Highlands, specifically in Assynt, Sutherland. A "sea loch" is like a narrow inlet of the sea, similar to a fjord. This loch is about 1.25 miles south of another place called Loch Inver.
At the very end of Loch Kirkaig, you'll find a small village called Inverkirkaig. It sits right by a lovely pebbly beach. The name "Kirkaig" has an interesting history! It comes from an old Norse word, Kirkju-vik, which means "church bay." This makes people think that maybe, a long time ago during the Viking age, there was a church and a small village right here.
Villages and Towns Near Loch Kirkaig
The small village of Inverkirkaig is located right at the head of Loch Kirkaig. It's known for its pretty sand and pebble beach. The main town in this area is Lochinver in Assynt. Lochinver is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) northwest of Inverkirkaig beach. You can reach it by following the coast road.
Exploring the Geography of Loch Kirkaig
Loch Kirkaig is surrounded by two points of land. To the north, you'll find Kirkaig point. To the south, there's Ribha na Brèige point.
The loch is fed by the River Kirkaig. This river collects water from several other lochs further inland. These include Fionn Loch, Loch Veyatie, Cam Loch, and Loch á Chapuil. It also gets water indirectly from Loch nan Ràc, Loch Borralan, and Loch Urigill.
If you travel southeast along the River Kirkaig, you'll go through a wooded valley. Here, you'll discover a natural wonder called the Falls of Kirkaig. These are beautiful waterfalls that drop about 20 meters (65 feet). They are a popular spot for tourists to visit.
Close to the southern coast of the bay, there's a small island called Sgeir Mhòr.
Images for kids
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River Kirkaig where it flows out of Fionn Loch. The impressive mountain of Suilven, which is 731 meters (2,398 feet) tall, is visible in the distance.
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Fionn Loch and Suilven - geograph.uk - 3018.jpg
Fionn Loch and Suilven. A path by the River Kirkaig leads to the shore of Fionn Loch, where boats are ready for people who like to fish. The unique shape of Suilven mountain dominates the view.
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Soyea Island is located off Loch Inver. It is seen here from a sea kayak passing Kirkaig Point.