Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin
Freshwater loch in Inverness-shire, Scotland
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Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin (Anglicised as Loch Benevian) is a freshwater loch in Inverness-shire, Scotland. It is one of several lochs in Glen Affric, a National Nature Reserve within Scotland's Caledonian Forest.[1]
| Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin | |
|---|---|
| Loch Benevian | |
Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin from its northern shore, with its namesake mountain, centre | |
  Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin | |
| Location | Scottish Highlands |
| Coordinates | 57°16′45.3″N 4°55′51.4″W |
| Primary inflows | Abhainn Gleann nam Fiadh, Allt an Laghair, Allt an Ruighe Dhuibh, Allt na h'Imrich, Garbh Uisge |
| Primary outflows | River Affric |
| Basin countries | Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Max. length | 8.18 km (5.08 mi) |
| Max. width | 917 m (3,009 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 220 m (720 ft) |
| Islands | 7 |
The loch is named after the mountain on its northwest shore, Beinn a' Mheadhoin, which translates from Scottish Gaelic to "Middle Mountain".[2]
The Affric-Kintail Way runs along the loch's south shore.
In 2016, Scottish rewilding charity Trees for Life planted aspen along Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin's shores to support the reintroduction of beavers.[3]
The loch was partially expanded in the 1950s as part of the Affric-Beauly hydro-electric power scheme, drawing water from Loch Mullardoch to the north via a 5.5 km long tunnel.[4] To this end, the loch has a small dam at its east end, and its water levels are artificially controlled.
Within the center of the lake lies a small island accessible by foot. Referred to as “Stone Island” by locals, named after the many stones found on the beach, the area offers visitors a scenic retreat with gorgeous views of the entire lake.[1]