Loch Merkland

Loch Merkland

Loch Merkland is a large, long inland loch in the midst of Sutherland. The A838 main road runs beside the loch and provides almost all access to the Loch and Merkland Lodge to the south of it.

This is one of a string of lochs cutting across much of the width of Sutherland in an north-west to south-east direction: Loch Stack and Loch More above it drain north-westwards to Loch Laxford and the Atlantic whilst (just separated by just a mile and a half of moorland, Loch Merkland drains south-westwards toward the North Sea, by the Merkland River which flows to Loch a’ Ghriame and immediately thence to the 17-mile long water of Loch Shin.

It is an almost uninhabited area, though Merkland Lodge is here and a single cottage above it. There are many trails and hiking paths in the area.

The loch is found 13½ miles south of Laxford Bridge and more than 20 miles north of Lairg. It lies in a very mountainous region with peaks on all sides and the Lake and its main inflow and outflow being located in a large valley between the mountains.

Nearby Peaks include Creag Nan Suibheag, Meallan Liath Beag and Meallan Liath Mor. Smaller peaks are also in the area and each of these larger ones all have rivers and streams which directly flow into Loch Merkland. Southbound, flowing out of Loch Merkland is the Merkland River which flows into Loch a' Ghriama which is directly linked to Loch Shin.

Loch Loch is Located at an elevation of 357 feet above sea level.

Archaeology

A site where an ancient furnace was dug up was situated very near to Loch Merkland, and much questioning had arisen about where and when it was made. Inquires to Locals and further research proved unsuccessful.

Tourism

The Merkland Lodge provides a small tourism industry for the area as it is a location where hikers may lodge while using the lake itself or hiking the mountains around it. Fishing is also popular there with trout being the most common catch.

Location

• Location map: 58°14’27"N, 4°44’31"W