North West Highlands Geopark (2016) North West Highlands Geopark Geodiversity Audit and Action Plan 2013–2016

Additional notes: These web pages are sourced from the PDF North West Highlands Geopark Geodiversity Audit and Action Plan 2013–2016

NWHG Ref. 057 — Loch Glendhu

Location, grid reference and photograph

Loch Glendhu extends due eastwards from the Kylesku Bridge, from its confluence with

Loch Glencoul, for a distance of about 4.5 km, Grid Ref. [NC 245 335]–[NC 290 335].

(Figure 47) Loch Glendhu, seen from near Kylesku. BGS Photo P 517103 — R M Key

GCR site reference, block, volume and notified feature of SSSI?

Loch Glendhu is not GCR-listed and does not lie within a SSSI.

Description and geological significance

Loch Glendhu is a classic glacial fjord formed within and through the rocks occurring within the lower structural levels of the Moine Thrust Belt. It transects the Loch Glencoul Thrust Plane which is exposed on both sides of the Loch towards its eastern end near Glendhu Bothy. The area is important as it demonstrates classic features of glacial erosion and fjord development. Post-glacial scree slopes formed of large rectangular blocks of Cambrian Quartzite occur on the north shore about 1.5 km west of Glendhu Bothy and demonstrate classic features of scree deposits. Joint patterns in the Quartzite crags directly above the scree are important for understanding the process of scree development.

Accessibility

The site is accessed via a very rough unsurfaced track heading eastwards along the north shore from a small car park adjacent to the A 894 at Kylestrome ([NC 217 346]). There is no access for all abilities. Loch Ghlendhu can be seen well from the parking place and viewpoint at the southern end of Kylesku bridge — accessible to all abilitities.

Conservation

No conservation requirement due to the scale and location of the site.

Visibility and “clarity”

Loch Glendhu can be seen in the far distance when viewed from the car park on the A

894, on the north side of the Kylesku Bridge, but most features cannot be seen from the car park at Kylestrome which is the starting point for the long entrance walk. Once Loch Glendhu is reached, key features on both sides of the Loch are easily seen from the rough track and the landscape is truly dramatic and inspirational. The Cambrian Quarzite scree slopes are particularly dramatic when viewed from the point at which they encroach upon the Loch shore.

Interpretation and interpretation potential

There is currently no interpretation panel but consideration could be given to positioning one at the main car park on the north side of the Kylesku Bridge. The area should certainly be included in a future Geopark guide and its importance as an educational resource for students of geology, geomorphology and physical geography should be developed with academic institutions. It also merits the creation of a guided walk on its own.