Loch Morlich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch Morlich |
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 Loch Morlich
Location in Highland
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| Location | Badenoch and Strathspey, Highland, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 57°10′N 3°42′W / 57.167°N 3.700°W |
| Type | freshwater loch |
| Basin countries | Scotland |
Loch Morlich (which means Loch Mhùrlaig in Scottish Gaelic) is a beautiful freshwater loch (that's a Scottish word for lake!). You can find it in the Highland area of Scotland, not far from the town of Aviemore. This loch is a popular spot for many fun activities. It's also known for its sandy beaches, which are quite unusual for a lake! Loch Morlich sits right at the base of the amazing Cairngorm mountains.
Fun on the Water
Loch Morlich is a fantastic place for watersports! There's a special watersports centre where you can try lots of exciting things. You can go kayaking, try sailing, or even learn windsurfing. If you love boats, there's also a yacht club. For those who prefer to stay on land, there are great cycling routes all around the loch. It's a perfect spot for an active day out!
Unique Sandy Beaches
Imagine sandy beaches, but not by the sea! Loch Morlich has long stretches of these unique sandy shores. In 2009, these beaches received a special "Seaside Award." This was a big deal because it was the first time a freshwater loch beach got this honor. It also became the highest beach in Scotland to win the award, as it's about 300 metres (nearly 1,000 feet) above sea level.
If you look closely at the sand on these beaches, you might notice small pieces of broken glass. But don't worry, it's not from litter! This glass is actually a leftover from World War II.
A Bit of History
During World War II, the area around Loch Morlich was used as a special training school. It was a place where soldiers learned commando skills. One group that trained here was called the Kompani Linge. This was a Norwegian army company, and they were trained by the British Special Operations Executive.
The area was chosen because its landscape and climate were very similar to Norway. This made it a perfect place for the Norwegian soldiers to practice for missions back home. Today, you can find a memorial to the brave Kompani Linge soldiers outside the Glenmore Forest Park visitor centre. It's a reminder of the important history of this beautiful loch.
External links
- Loch Morlich beach - Forestry Commission Scotland
- Keep Scotland Beautiful - Awards
- Loch Morlich Watersports
