Loch of Forfar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch of Forfar |
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| Forfar loch | |
Loch of Forfar
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 Loch of Forfar
Location in Angus
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| Location | Forfar, Angus, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 56°38′36″N 2°54′44″W / 56.64333°N 2.91222°W |
| Type | freshwater loch |
| Primary outflows | Dean Water |
| Basin countries | Scotland |
| Max. length | 1 mi (1.6 km) |
| Max. width | 0.14 mi (0.23 km) |
| Surface area | 37.7 ha (93 acres) |
| Average depth | 11.5 ft (3.5 m) |
| Max. depth | 29 ft (8.8 m) |
| Water volume | 51,232,000 cu ft (1,450,700 m3) |
| Shore length1 | 4.3 km (2.7 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 57 m (187 ft) |
| Islands | 1 |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
The Loch of Forfar is a beautiful freshwater loch (that's a Scottish word for lake!). It's located on the west side of the town of Forfar in Scotland. This loch stretches about 1 mile (1.6 km) from east to west. The loch and the land around it are part of the Forfar Loch Country Park, a great place for outdoor fun!
On the northern side of the loch, there's a natural gravel area called Queen Margaret's Inch or Saint Margaret's Inch. This spot was named after Queen Margaret, who was the Queen of Scots in the 11th century. Interesting old structures, like a crannog (an ancient island home) and a chapel, have been found on the Inch.
History of Queen Margaret's Inch
A special ancient home called a crannog once stood on Queen Margaret's Inch. This crannog was discovered when the loch was partly drained in 1781. When it was found, people retrieved many interesting items. These included silver earrings, chess pieces made of bone, and various bronze objects.
It is believed that around the year 1243, a group of monks from Coupar Angus Abbey lived on the Inch. They are thought to have built The Chapel of the Holy Trinity and several houses there.
Fun Activities at the Loch
The Loch of Forfar is a popular spot for many fun outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking, sailing, canoeing, orienteering (a sport where you use a map and compass), and fishing.
The Forfar Loch Country Park Ranger Service offers cool environmental activities and talks. They help people learn more about nature around the loch. The Forfar Sailing Club also has its facilities right on the Inch.
There are several paths and trails around the loch. These paths are clearly marked and are easy for everyone to use, including those in wheelchairs.
Loch Survey and Study
The loch was carefully studied on June 26, 1903. This survey was done by Sir John Murray. He later created a map of the loch as part of his big project called the Bathymetrical Survey of Fresh-Water Lochs of Scotland 1897-1909. This survey helped scientists understand the depth and shape of Scotland's freshwater lochs.
