Muckle Water facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Muckle Water |
|
|---|---|
The Muckle Water on Rousay's southside
|
|
 Muckle Water
Location in Orkney Islands
|
|
| Location | Rousay, Orkney, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 59°15′32″N 3°06′06″W / 59.25889°N 3.10167°W |
| Type | freshwater loch |
| Primary outflows | Suso Burn on the eastern shore, into the Sound of Rousay |
| Basin countries | Scotland |
| Max. length | 1.25 mi (2.01 km) |
| Max. width | 0.25 mi (0.40 km) |
| Surface area | 45.2 ha (112 acres) |
| Average depth | 11 ft (3.4 m) |
| Max. depth | 20 ft (6.1 m) |
| Water volume | 58,000,000 cu ft (1,600,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 98 m (322 ft) |
Muckle Water is a long, narrow freshwater loch, which is a Scottish word for a lake. It is located on Ward Hill on the island of Rousay in Orkney, Scotland. This is the biggest loch on the island and is a very popular place for fishing. You can easily reach it by following a path from the main road. A stream called the Suso Burn flows out of the loch from its north-eastern side. This burn then carries the water into the Sound of Rousay.
About Muckle Water
Muckle Water is an important natural feature of Rousay. It is known for its clear freshwater and its peaceful surroundings. The loch is a great spot for people who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Unique Plants
A very special and rare type of plant, a hybrid pondweed, grows in Muckle Water. This plant is unique because of the particular nutrient levels in the loch's water. Scientists find it interesting because it is not commonly found elsewhere.
Studying the Loch
Scientists have studied Muckle Water to learn more about its depth and shape. In 1906, a researcher named James Murray surveyed the loch. His work was part of a bigger project called "The Bathymetrical Survey of Fresh-Water Lochs of Scotland," which took place between 1897 and 1909. This survey helped create detailed maps of many Scottish lochs.
The Nuggle: A Local Legend
In the old stories and folklore of Orkney, people say that Muckle Water is home to a magical creature called a Nuggle. A Nuggle is often described as looking like a horse. It is similar to another mythical creature from Celtic stories called a kelpie.
The legend says that the Nuggle waits by the side of the loch. If someone climbs onto its back, the Nuggle will suddenly plunge into the water, trying to drown its rider. People used to believe that only special people called Finmen could safely ride the Nuggle. These stories add a touch of mystery to the beautiful Muckle Water.
