Loch Migdale Lake
Small loch near Bonar Bridge, prehistoric monuments nearby
A freshwater loch in Sutherland notable for an Iron Age crannog; draws walkers and birdwatchers exploring northern Highlands.
Loch Migdale at a Glance#
Address: Near Dornoch/Bonar Bridge area, Sutherland/Highland, Scotland
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
About Loch Migdale#
Loch Migdale is a freshwater loch in the northern Highlands of Scotland, near the village area around Bonar Bridge. The loch occupies low-lying ground and is noted locally for quiet waterside scenery and nearby archaeological interest.
The immediate surroundings offer low-key wildlife and walking opportunities rather than formal visitor infrastructure. Birdwatching and short local walks are common activities around the loch.
The area contains Neolithic remains including a chambered cairn close to the loch, indicating prehistoric use of the landscape. That archaeological presence is the main historical highlight linked to the site.
Situated in Sutherland in the Highlands, the loch is close to Bonar Bridge and lies inland from the Dornoch Firth in a mixed farmland and woodland landscape.
- Neolithic site: nearby Neolithic archaeological remains provide an additional interest for walkers and visitors to the loch.
What to See#
- Loch Migdale chambered cairn: a short distance from the loch edge sits a Neolithic chambered cairn, an archaeological burial monument accessible from local roads and footpaths.
How to Get to Loch Migdale#
Located in the Highlands; accessible by minor roads from the A9 corridor. The nearest towns with services are Bonar Bridge and Dornoch-use local signage and estate tracks to reach car parking and footpaths.
Tips for Visiting Loch Migdale#
- Look out for the reconstructed crannog and interpretive signage-these reveal the loch's long human history.
- The waters are popular with anglers; check local rules and permits if fishing is planned.
- Combine with nearby walks or a visit to the village of Forres or Grantown-on-Spey for services.
Best Time to Visit Loch Migdale#
Loch Migdale lies in the Northern Highlands and is notable for archaeological remains (including a crannog) and wildlife interest in surrounding woodlands and shallows.
Weather & Climate near Loch Migdale#
Loch Migdale's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 0°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1274 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 6° | -1° | 132 mm | overcast | 94% | 6.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.1h |
| February | Poor | 0° - 6° | -2° | 92 mm | overcast | 93% | 6.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.2h |
| March | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 115 mm | overcast | 90% | 6.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 3° | 74 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.1h |
| May | Acceptable | 5° - 13° | 7° | 71 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.4h |
| June | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 82 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.6h |
| July | Good | 10° - 17° | 13° | 86 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.5 m/s | 1.0 high | 17.0h |
| August | Good | 10° - 17° | 13° | 99 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.0h |
| September | Acceptable | 8° - 15° | 11° | 122 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.1 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 5° - 12° | 6° | 132 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.1h |
| November | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 140 mm | overcast | 94% | 5.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.8h |
| December | Poor | 1° - 6° | -1° | 129 mm | overcast | 94% | 5.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |