Loch Treig facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch Treig |
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with Glen Spean
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 Loch Treig
Location in Highland
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| Location | Highland, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 56°48′50″N 4°43′37″W / 56.81399°N 4.72704°W |
| Type | freshwater loch, natural, reservoir |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
Loch Treig is a long, narrow freshwater loch (which is the Scottish word for lake). It is located in a deep valley, called a glen, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Fort William in Scotland. The loch is sometimes called the "loch of death" (from its Scottish Gaelic name, Loch Trèig). This name might come from its deep, dark waters or the steep mountains surrounding it.
Even though there are no roads along Loch Treig, the famous West Highland Line railway runs right along its eastern side. This makes for some amazing train journeys with great views!
Loch Treig as a Reservoir
Since 1929, Loch Treig has been used as a reservoir. This means its water level is controlled by a large wall, called the Treig Dam, at one end.
Why is Loch Treig a Reservoir?
The loch is an important part of the Lochaber hydro-electric scheme. This is a big project that uses the power of water to make electricity. Water from Loch Treig flows through tunnels to a power station, where it spins turbines to create clean energy.
Changes Due to the Dam
Building the Treig Dam caused the water level in Loch Treig to rise. This meant that some small villages at the southern end of the loch, called Kinlochtreig and Creaguaineach, were covered by the water.
These villages were once important places. People used to hold local markets there, and they were also the end point for "drovers' roads." Drovers were people who walked cattle long distances to sell them at markets. The railway line also had to be moved a little bit to make way for the new, higher water level of the loch.
