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Loch Kirkaig facts for kids

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Loch Kirkaig
Loch Kirkaig - geograph.org.uk - 1018113.jpg
Looking down the length of Loch Kirkaig with the tiny twin islets of Sgeir Mhòr visible in the distance.
Loch Kirkaig is located in Sutherland
Loch Kirkaig
Loch Kirkaig
Location in Sutherland
Location Sutherland, Scotland
Coordinates 58°07′35″N 5°17′21″W / 58.126347°N 5.289161°W / 58.126347; -5.289161
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.

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