Loch Lomond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch Lomond |
|
---|---|
Location | West Dunbartonshire/Argyll and Bute/Stirling |
Coordinates | 56°05′N 4°34′W / 56.083°N 4.567°W |
Type | freshwater loch |
Primary inflows | Endrick Water, Fruin Water, River Falloch |
Primary outflows | River Leven |
Catchment area | 696 km2 (269 sq mi) |
Basin countries | Scotland |
Max. length | 39 km (24 mi) |
Max. width | 8 km (5.0 mi) |
Surface area | 71 km2 (27 sq mi) |
Average depth | 37 m (121 ft) |
Max. depth | 190 m (620 ft) |
Water volume | 2.6 km3 (0.62 cu mi) |
Residence time | 1.9 years |
Surface elevation | 7.6 m (25 ft) |
Islands | 60 (Inchcailloch, Inchmurrin, Inchfad) |
Sections/sub-basins | north basin, south basin |
Loch Lomond is a famous freshwater loch (which is the Scottish word for a lake!). It's located in Scotland and is the biggest inland body of water in Great Britain when you look at its surface area. This beautiful loch is home to many islands, including Inchmurrin, which is the largest freshwater island in the whole British Isles. Loch Lomond is a favorite spot for fun activities and is even famous from the old Scottish song, The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond.
Contents
About Loch Lomond's Location and Size
Loch Lomond sits right on the Highland Boundary Fault. This is a very old geological line that divides the Lowlands of central Scotland from the rugged Highlands.
How Big is Loch Lomond?
This loch is quite long! It stretches for about 24 miles (39 kilometres). Its width changes a lot, from about 0.75 miles (1.21 km) to 5 miles (8 km) across.
The average depth of Loch Lomond is around 121 feet (37 metres). But in some places, it gets much deeper, reaching about 620 feet (190 metres) at its deepest point. The total surface area of the loch is about 27 square miles (71 km2). It holds a huge amount of water, about 0.62 cubic miles (2.6 km3)!
Comparing Loch Lomond to Other Lakes
Loch Lomond is the largest lake in Great Britain by its surface area. When you look at how much water it holds, it's the second largest in Great Britain, right after Loch Ness.
If we look at the entire United Kingdom, Loch Lomond is still very big. Only Lough Neagh and Lower Lough Erne in Northern Ireland are larger. There are also a few bigger lakes in the Republic of Ireland.
Islands of Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is famous for its many islands. There are over 60 islands and islets (tiny islands) scattered across the loch. These islands add to the beauty and unique feel of the area.
Inchmurrin Island
One of the most notable islands is Inchmurrin. It holds the record for being the largest freshwater island in the entire British Isles. Many of the islands have interesting histories and are home to different kinds of wildlife.
Loch Lomond as a Fun Place to Visit
Loch Lomond is a very popular place for people to visit and enjoy the outdoors. It's a great spot for many different activities.
Popular Activities at the Loch
- Boating and Water Sports: With its large size, the loch is perfect for sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even water skiing.
- Walking and Hiking: The areas around the loch offer many walking paths, from easy strolls to challenging hikes up nearby mountains like Ben Lomond.
- Wildlife Spotting: The loch and its islands are home to various birds and animals, making it a great place for nature lovers.
- Relaxing: Many people simply enjoy the beautiful views and peaceful atmosphere of the loch.
Images for kids
-
From the summit of the island of Inchcailloch to Torrinch, Creinch, Inchmurrin and Ben Bowie
-
Moonlight, Loch Lomond by George Leslie Hunter, c.1924
See also
In Spanish: Lago Lomond para niños