Loch Mullardoch facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Loch Mullardoch
Loch Mullardoch
Loch Mullardoch Location in Scotland
Location	Glen Cannich, Northwest Highlands, Scotland
Coordinates	57°20′N 5°00′W / 57.333°N 5.000°W / 57.333; -5.000
Type	reservoir

Loch Mullardoch is a large reservoir located in Glen Cannich in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. A reservoir is like a huge, man-made lake. It is built to store water, often for making electricity.

This reservoir was created in 1951. Workers built a big dam across the River Cannich. This was part of a major project called the Affric-Beauly hydro-electric power scheme. This scheme uses the power of water to generate electricity for homes and businesses.

Building the Dam

The dam at Loch Mullardoch is the largest concrete dam in Scotland. It was built to hold back the waters of the River Cannich. This created the large reservoir we see today.

Before the dam was built, there was a natural lake called Loch Mullardoch. This original loch was about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) long. It stretched along the valley floor.

What Happened to the Old Loch?

When the new dam was finished, the valley began to fill with water. The old Loch Mullardoch, along with two smaller lakes, Lochan na Cloiche and Loch Lungard, were covered by the rising waters.

Even some old buildings, like Benula Lodge and Benula Old Lodge, now lie beneath the reservoir's surface.

Exploring Loch Mullardoch

The reservoir stretches for about 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) to the west. It reaches the point where two smaller streams, the Abhainn a Choilich and Abhainn Sithidh, flow down from the hills.

There is a car park at the southern end of the dam. This is where the public road up Glen Cannich ends. It's a good starting point for exploring the area.

The large concrete dam at Loch Mullardoch.