The Five Largest Freshwater Lochs in Scotland: Lochs by Volume, Area, Length and Depth

Loch Ness might get almost all the press when it comes to the Scottish Lochs, but it’s by no means the largest or longest. There are at least 31,460 lochs in Scotland, and out of these, there are lochs that are deeper, longer and larger in area than Loch Ness. Loch is simply the Scottish Gaelic and Irish word for a lake or sea inlet, and there is only one natural body of water called a ‘lake’ in Scotland: Lake Menteith. This article is a guide to the five largest lochs by volume, area, length and depth.

5 Largest Scottish Lochs by Volume

Loch Ness is by far the largest loch in Scotland by volume, and it contains more water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined. Of course, it’s apparently the home of the fabled Loch Ness monster, and this huge volume of water has given Nessy plenty of space to hide over since her modern ‘sighting’ in 1933.

5 Largest Scottish Lochs by Area

Loch Ness wins for volume for its consistent depth for its area, but Loch Lomond actually has a considerably larger surface area. Most originated from glacial over deepening of the valleys they now occupy, and are subsequently long and thin in shape. Loch Lomond has a bulbous southern expanse of water, which gives it a greater surface area than the other lochs.

5 Longest Scottish Lochs

Loch Awe is the longest loch – just beating Loch Ness by 2km. It is located to the West of Loch Lomond in Argylle and Bute. While it has a length of 41km, it has an average width of 1km. It is particularly well renowned for trout and salmon – so if you’re a keen fisher, then Loch Awe is a good spot.

5 Deepest Scottish Lochs by Depth

Loch Morar is the deepest freshwater body in the British Isles, at a depth of 310m. Much like Loch Ness, it’s home to a legendary monster – dubbed morag by the locals. Loch Morar would be able to fit the newly opened London building The Shard, which is also 310m in height, exactly in its depth.

How the Public Sees Haggis

To most people, Haggis is a savoury pudding.

It is traditionally served with ‘neeps and tatties’ (turnips and potatoes) as part of Burns supper night on the week of January 25th.

What is in Haggis?

Haggis is said to contain sheep’s ‘pluck’ – or heart, liver and lungs; minced with onion, oatmeal, suet and salt. It is traditionally encased in the animal’s stomach.

But This is Not True

It’s strange how this urban legend still exists, because Haggis is actually a real creature.

And they are correct.

The True Story of the Wild Haggis

Image of Loch Lomond sourced from Wikimedia

The true story is that Haggis is a very shy and rare wild animal, which lives in the grasslands of the Scottish highlands and around lochs.

All of the Haggis that you see on display is farmed to cope with demand, but it is very difficult to find a Wild Haggis.

People claim to have seen the haggis, but it is only a mysterious clan of extremely experienced hunters that know where to find this noble beast in the wild.

Scotsman.com runs its own Haggis hunt competition, but the animals ‘found’ are actually planted by the event organisers.

What a Wild Haggis Looks Like

The above image is a model of a wild Haggis scotticus displayed in Glasgow Kelvingrove Gallery, next to a prepared example. There are no photographs of a haggis in the wild.

The Haggis is distinguishable from its long head hair and short fat body. Its left and right legs are of different lengths, allowing it to run quickly around the steep hillsides which make up for its natural habitat.

Where Can the Haggis Be Found?

There have been four notable sightings of a Wild Haggis since 1990. Two near Loch Lomond, one in Cairngorms National Park, and the fourth close to Aberdeen – although there has been dispute about the fourth sighting.

Click on the icons on the map below for more detail about Haggis sightings, and where you could see a Wild Haggis.

A hunting party went in search of Haggis in October 2010, but according to legend one did not return.

Haggis Hunting on a Holiday Parks Break

Holiday Parks locations are well situated for taking a long walk combined with a Haggis hunt. All of our Holiday Parks are close to a recent sighting of a Haggis – will you find a Haggis on your break?

You might even be able to have it for supper.

‘Tis the season to be jolly’ so treat yourself to a break in scenic Scotland and enjoy the festive period. Whether you are looking for a weekend Christmas shopping trip, a family day out at the pantomime or a browse through the Christmas markets, our short breaks in our self-catering accommodation are ideal. With Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dundee and Perth all within easy reach from our parks, there is no better reason to enjoy the Winter activities on offer.

Our luxury lodges and caravan holiday homes are also available for hire over Christmas and New Year, providing you and your family a fabulous holiday with the convenience of self-catering.  Whether you are looking for a romantic break for 2 or a week of celebrating with the family, our range of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom accommodation can provide the ideal haven.  Our festive breaks start from only £297 for a 3 night break or enjoy a week in one of our lodges and receive £100 discount between 21^st and 31^st December.

Selected lodges at Blairgowrie now have the added luxury of your own private outdoor hot tub – perfect for relaxing in on a cold Winters day!

Contact reservations on 01250 876666 for availability or book online.

A static or mobile caravan is a major investment that can provide you and your family with many years of enjoyable holidays, but caring for your home on wheels can seem like a daunting task, especially for the uninitiated amongst us. To keep your caravan in fine working order, you need to carry out some basic maintenance tasks from time to time. Take a look at this simple guide to maintaining your static or mobile caravan.

Servicing

The main point to bear in mind and remind yourself whenever you are contemplating carrying out maintenance tasks, is that caravans are almost the equivalent of  a car and a home rolled into one, with electrical and mechanical components found on cars and plumbing and maintenance issues that you would tackle in your own home. Mobile caravans should have a full service once a year. The service should incorporate a number of essential checks followed by replenishing or replacing where required. On your check list should be all aspects your caravan’s water supply, also electric and gas systems should be thoroughly checked by a suitably qualified person if you do not have previous experience or feel competent enough to do this yourself. You should also consider checking the interior and exterior body of the vehicle to check for any surface damage, evidence of damp or any leaks that are evident. In addition to this, the motor vehicle aspect of your maintenance schedule should include a test of the braking system, a visual check on the quality of the tyres(making sure that the tread is of sufficient depth and that there are no cracks or obvious signs of damage) , and that the wheels show no evidence of damage and the suspension system is working fine, so that you are confident that your caravan is roadworthy and ready for the next time that you put in into use.

Storage

Long periods of inactivity represent a serious challenge that should never be underestimated in terms of potential damage caused by lack of use, so it is vital to properly prepare your caravan for any long periods of time where the mechanical and even material aspects of your caravan are exposed to potential damage through lack of use. If you are planning on hibernating your vehicle for the winter period you should ensure that your water systems are properly drained down preferably by a professional service as the effects of simply leaving your caravan exposed to the elements are far more financially punitive than the cost of getting your vehicle drained down and ready for winter. Unlike a domestic property, your caravan will have a greater number of external pipes that are exposed to the elements and any residual water that is left in the pipes will expand when frozen and lead to potential burst pipes, causing potentially severe damage as a result, so this is a key element in your maintenance schedule if you want to avoid an insurance claim and repair issues that could easily be avoided with adequate preparation. Also remember to avoid subjecting your caravan tyres to any lengthy period of strain due to the pressure exerted on them by lifting your caravan off the ground and reducing the pressure so that the risk of tyre wall damage or punctures is minimal during exposure to winter temperatures.

A final check of your caravan before shutting down for the winter period should also include a visual check to ensure that you have not left any perishable food items in the vehicle that may attract vermin and also create health issues when you return after the break.

Safety

There are several checks that you should carry out before each journey with your mobile caravan. Check all the road lights before you set out; it is a legal requirement to have these lights working correctly while you are towing. Double check the breakaway cable and the stabiliser before setting out on the road; doing so could save you from being involved in an accident.

Your caravan should be fitted with a smoke alarm to alert you in case a fire breaks out during the night. Check the alarm regularly and replace the batteries when they start to run down. Fire extinguishers in your caravan need to be in date if they are to provide you with proper protection. You should also have a carbon monoxide monitor as carbon monoxide can be produced by faulty heating appliances. Carbon monoxide poisoning quickly takes hold in a small space like a caravan and can be fatal. In addition to the thorough maintenance program that you should implement on an annual basis or when you are exposing the vehicle to a long period of inactivity, there are also some more regular tasks that should be carried out as part of your routine maintenance schedule.

There are some quick checks and simple maintenance steps that you can take yourself to keep all the components of your caravan in fine working order.

• A caravan door that sticks or refuses to open can be fixed by applying light oil to the hinges.
• Keep the front jockey wheel of a mobile caravan lubricated with oil to make hitching and manoeuvring easier.
• Check the seals around doors and windows regularly, as these are prime sites for water to leak into your caravan. Repair the seals using a sealant gun or make an appointment for professional repair as soon as possible.
• Clean the fridge and wipe out cupboards after each trip to prevent mould growth; leave the doors open for 24 hours to allow the surfaces to dry thoroughly.
• Replace caravan tires as soon as cracks appear in the side walls, when the tread depth approaches the legal minimum of 1.6 mm, or when the tyres are five years old. Use a digital tyre gauge to make sure that the tyres are inflated to the pressure specified in the caravan manual.

Caring for Your Caravan

If you keep your caravan well maintained it will hopefully bring you years of relatively trouble free ownership and fun. If you adopt the same level of pride and commitment to maintenance  that you would in your home by performing regular checks and repairs when needed, you will also enjoy greater peace of mind during your caravanning holidays.

Camping trips are a lot of fun, but if you don’t have family activities planned you might end up dealing with bored, unhappy kids. Here are some fun activities that all the family can enjoy while camping.

1. Take a nature hike.

Exploring on foot is the perfect way to get to know the local landscape. Equip the kids with a camera and a notebook so they can record what they see; the trip is even more educational if you bring a book (or app) to help you identify the birds and plants you see.

2. Unleash your creativity.

Bring pencils, crayons and paper so that you can sketch the campsite and your surroundings. Collect fallen leaves and petals during your hike so you can make a family collage when the rain is falling.

3. Take a cycle ride.

You can cover a much greater distance on two wheels than two feet. Zooming along a forest trail on a mountain bike gives a wonderful sense of freedom, which is what camping is all about.

4. Visit the local villages.

Rural regions contain many unique village communities. Visiting nearby villages gives you a sense of what life is like in the local area. Use the Internet to find family-friendly country pubs where you can relax and soak up the atmosphere.

5. Catch a fish.

Fishing is not only relaxing, it is also a great family bonding activity. Check the Environment Agency website to find out where you can and can’t fish, and don’t forget to apply for a rod licence from the Post Office. Adults can get a week’s licence for as little as a tenner; teenagers are cheaper and under-twelves are allowed to fish without a licence.

6. Play some games.

Addictive card games like Uno, Happy Families, or Go Fish are a lifesaver on rainy days. Card games are less bulky than board games so they are easy to transport. Sunny days are perfect for playing Frisbee, rounders, or Swingball.

7. Forgotten to pack any games equipment? Then it’s time to improvise!

Children love games such as tag or hide and seek, and they’ll be delighted to see their parents joining in the fun. On a rainy day, guessing games such as Twenty Questions keep everyone entertained; all you need are post-it notes and a pen. Write the name of a famous person on the note and stick it on one person’s forehead; that person can then ask twenty “yes or no” questions to work out who they are.

8. Teach your kids survival skills.

A camping trip is the perfect opportunity to teach your kids how to tie knots, build a fire, cook outdoors, and navigate using a compass and map. Kids these days expect technology to look after them, but what will they do when it fails? Break their dependence by teaching them basic outdoor survival skills.

9. Have a water fight!

On a hot, sunny day, don’t you just dream of a nice cool mist of water on your skin? It’s time to shake off that grown-up self-restraint, load up the super-soakers and enjoy a good old-fashioned water fight. Just make sure you have a dry change of clothes ready to wear or you’ll end up shivering when the sun drops low in the sky.

10. Tell ghost stories.

Sitting around the campfire (or the barbeque) and telling ghost stories is the perfect spooky family evening. Place a torch under your chin to show yourself in your creepiest light, but don’t make the stories too dark if you want the kids to sleep.

11. Look at the night sky.

Notice anything different? The view from a remote campsite can be truly incredible; away from city light pollution, the Milky Way spills across the middle of the sky like a bright white ribbon. Lie flat on your back to take in the view.

Camping trips mean getting away from it all and spending quality time with those you care about. By planning fun activities for all the family to take part in you ensure that your camping trip will be filled with laughter and joy.

What are your favourite activities when you’re camping with your family?

Feel like treating yourself to that little extra luxury?  We now have private outdoor hot tubs on our lodges at Blairgowrie, Perthshire.

Stay in our Larches or Firs Deluxe lodge and enjoy your own private hot tub to sit back, relax and enjoy.

Our Larches and Firs Deluxe lodges also offer:

• Decking area with outdoor furniture
• Washing machine and dishwasher
• Flat screen television with freeview channels
• A second shower room
• Open plan living/dining area with fully fitted kitchen

Whether it’s for a long soak after a day of activities in the Perthshire outdoors or simply for some quality relaxation time with someone special, our hot tub lodges will provide that perfect place!

From only £15 p/night extra, enjoy a bubble with us at Blairgowrie.

You can book online right now or speak to one of us directly on 01250 876666.

We look forward to seeing you!

Thanks,
The Wood Family

With Spring in the air, there’s no better time to purchase a caravan holiday home for you and your family to enjoy at one of our five holiday parks in Scotland.

We have a wide range now available including new 2012 models at fabulous prices. Our second hand caravan holiday home prices have just been reduced and are now even better value for money!

Choose from five fantastic holiday locations including Perthshire, Loch Lomond, Stirlingshire and Aberdeen. With most of our parks being open all year round, you can enjoy quality family time together in the comfort of your own holiday home.

New caravan holiday homes

Our luxury new caravan holiday homes offer contemporary décor, modern facilities and many have built in appliances.

• 2012 models now available
• Free 2012 pitch fees on all new caravan holiday homes purchased
• Prices from only £25,000
• Fantastic range of pitches available
• Central heating and double glazing optional

Pre-owned caravan holiday homes

Our second hand caravan holiday homes are ideal for first time buyers. They are an excellent way to begin your caravanning experience and provide great value for money.

• Prices from as little as £3,900
• Value for money
• Range of models to suit all budgets
• Fantastic for first time buyers
• Many already sited on a pitch and include boarding in and decking

Pine Lodges for sale

Our lodges are located on our ’5 star’ holiday park at Blairgowire and situated on landscaped pitches overlooking the park.

• Prices from £39,900
• Available at our park in Blairgowrie, Perthshire
• Situated on landscaped pitches
• Large deckings included to enjoy the lovely Summer evenings
• Situated on sheltered, sunny pitches surrounded by landscaped gardens

For more information on our static caravans and pinelodges for sale, visit our sales page or e-mail Margaret on margaret@holiday-parks.co.uk.

If you are looking for static caravan sites in Scotland then why not enjoy a stay in one of our family owned, award winning holiday parks?

Caravan holiday homes and luxury pinelodges are available for holiday hire at our static caravan sites and we welcome Touring Caravans and Motorhomes.

• Caravan sites graded 5 Star by Visit Scotland
  
  
• 5 stunning locations across Scotland
  
  
• Open all year round
  
  
• Lodges and static caravans for sale
  
  
• Tents welcome at Deeside & Balgair
  
  
• Dedicated to providing high levels of quality and service
  
  
• Walkers Welcome & Cyclists Welcome badge holders
  
  

Choose from our fantastic range of static caravan sites Scotland:

Lomond Woods Holiday ParkMore Info

Blairgowrie Holiday ParkMore Info

Corriefodly Holiday ParkMore Info

Deeside Holiday ParkMore Info

Balgair Castle Holiday ParkMore Info

Thistle Awarded Caravans

Our caravan holiday homes at Blairgowrie and Lomond Woods are thistle awarded and meet the specified criteria. Caravans that are thistle awarded have been thoroughly inspected by Visit Scotland and provide top-class self catering accommodation at affordable prices. For more information on the Thistle award visit http://www.thistleparks.co.uk/

If you would prefer to buy a holiday home in Scotland we have a range of new and second hand static caravan holiday homes, pinelodges and holiday chalets for sale.