Loch Laidon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch Laidon |
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The view from the path that crosses Rannoch Moor. The small wooded island is Eilean Lubhair, whilst in the distance are the Munro's of Beinn a Chreachain and Beinn Achaladair with the flat topped Meall Buidhe between them.
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 Loch Laidon
Location in Argyll and Bute
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| Coordinates | 56°39′18″N 4°38′30″W / 56.655°N 4.6418°W |
| Type | freshwater loch |
| Primary inflows | Abhainn Bà |
| Primary outflows | Garbh Ghaoir |
| Max. length | 8.851 km (5.500 mi) |
| Max. width | 1.207 km (0.750 mi) |
| Surface area | 483 ha (1,190 acres) |
| Average depth | 35 ft (11 m) |
| Max. depth | 128 ft (39 m) |
| Shore length1 | 37.8 km (23.5 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 282 m (925 ft) |
| Islands | 18 |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Loch Laidon, also known as Loch Lydoch or Loch Luydan, is a beautiful freshwater loch (a Scottish word for lake). It is located in the wild and stunning Rannoch Moor area of the Scottish Highlands. This loch is quite unique because of its long, thin shape. It also has a special discovery: a new type of brown trout was found here in late 2018!
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Loch Laidon: A Scottish Gem
Loch Laidon is a freshwater loch found in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. It sits on the border between Argyll and Bute and Perthshire. This area is known for its rugged beauty and wide-open spaces. The loch is part of the Highland council area.
Where is Loch Laidon Located?
Loch Laidon stretches out from southwest to northeast. Its shape is often described as looking like a walking stick. This is because it has two "supports" or arms on its southwest side. The largest of these arms is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long.
The loch is quite large, measuring about 8.85 kilometers (5.5 miles) in length. It is about 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) wide at its widest point. The deepest part of Loch Laidon goes down to about 39 meters (128 feet). This makes it a significant body of water in the region.
Life in the Loch: The Brown Trout
One of the most exciting things about Loch Laidon is its wildlife. In late 2018, scientists made an amazing discovery here. They found a new species or sub-species of brown trout living in the loch.
A sub-species means it's a distinct group within a species. This group has unique features that set it apart. This discovery shows how special and important the natural environment of Loch Laidon is. It highlights the hidden treasures that can still be found in nature.
Exploring Rannoch Moor
Loch Laidon is a key feature of Rannoch Moor. This moor is a vast area of boggy land, hills, and lochs. It is famous for its wild and remote feel. Many people visit Rannoch Moor for hiking, fishing, and enjoying nature.
The moor is home to many different plants and animals. It is a great place to experience the true wilderness of Scotland. Loch Laidon adds to the beauty and ecological importance of this unique landscape.
Fun Facts About Scottish Lochs
- A loch is the Scottish word for a lake or sea inlet. Most lochs, like Loch Laidon, are freshwater lakes.
- Scottish lochs were often formed by glaciers during the last Ice Age. These huge sheets of ice carved out deep valleys. When the ice melted, these valleys filled with water.
- Loch Laidon has 18 islands within its waters. These islands add to the scenic beauty of the loch. They also provide habitats for various birds and other wildlife.
