Loch Cluanie

Loch Cluanie is a large reservoir in the Scottish Highlands located at the end of Glen Shiel and surrounded by mountains. The water is dark and deep, held back by a concrete dam that stretches 675 meters (2,214 feet) long and rises over 40 meters (131 feet) high.

The reservoir was created in 1955 with the construction of a dam as part of a hydroelectric scheme to generate power for the region. The A87 road running alongside the loch follows part of a military road built in the 18th century after the 1745 rebellion to aid troop movement.

The name Cluanie comes from Gaelic and refers to the narrow gorge that characterizes this valley. The small settlement with its inn serves as a gathering point for walkers and travelers who stop here before venturing into the surrounding hills.

The loch is easily accessed via the A87 road with parking available at the dam, along the roadside, and at the Cluanie Inn at the western end. Several walking trails start from the inn leading into the surrounding mountains and smaller lochs, with refreshments available at the inn itself.

During summer months, the water level sometimes drops to reveal an old bridge submerged since the dam was built. This bridge was part of an ancient drovers' road used for centuries to move cattle and sheep long before modern roads existed.