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Loch Long, Highlands facts for kids

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Loch Long, Highlands
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Location Highland Council area, Scotland
Type sea inlet
Primary inflows River Elchaing
Primary outflows Junction of Loch Alsh and Loch Duich
Basin countries Scotland, Great Britain
Max. length 2,440 km (1,520 mi)
Max. width 1,940 km (1,210 mi)
Surface elevation 0 m (0 ft)
Islands 2 Islets
Loch Long
Loch Long, looking towards Ben Killilan and Sgumain Coinntich.

Loch Long is a beautiful sea loch located on the west coast of Scotland. It's found in a region called the Highlands. This area is famous for its stunning natural beauty.

Loch Long is a popular spot for many people. Tourists love to visit for the amazing views. It's also a great place for fishermen to cast their lines.

Exploring Loch Long

A "sea loch" is like a long, narrow arm of the sea that reaches inland. Loch Long is connected to the ocean, which means its waters are salty. It stretches for about 2440 kilometers (1516 miles) and is around 1940 kilometers (1205 miles) wide.

This loch is surrounded by impressive mountains. It offers breathtaking scenery that makes it a perfect place for outdoor adventures. You can enjoy activities like hiking, photography, or just relaxing by the water.

A Special Place for Nature

Loch Long is not just pretty; it's also very important for nature. In 2014, it was named a Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area (NCMPA). This means it's a special zone where marine life is protected.

The main reason for this protection is to save two important habitats:

  • Burrowed mud: This is a type of soft seabed where many small creatures live. They dig burrows and tunnels in the mud.
  • Flame shell beds: These are areas where tiny shellfish called flame shells live. They build nests using small stones and shells. These nests create homes for other sea creatures.

Protecting these areas helps many different animals thrive. It ensures that the unique underwater world of Loch Long stays healthy.

Nearby Attractions

Close to Loch Long, you can find the famous Eilean Donan Castle. This historic castle is one of Scotland's most iconic landmarks. It sits right where Loch Long meets two other lochs, Loch Duich and Loch Alsh.

The castle is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. It has a rich history and offers amazing views of the surrounding lochs and mountains.

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