Loch More and the River Thurso, Caithness

Explore the the beautiful and remove Caithness Flow Country with walks from Loch More

Loch More
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Loch More is a natural fresh water loch formed by the River Thurso flowing into and out of it. The loch is damned at the north-east end and this has greatly increased the area covered by the loch and the volume of water held in the catchment area. This allows the water levels of the bottom fishing beats of the River Thurso to be controlled by managing the amount of water flowing into the lower section of the river, enabling fish to move up the river from the sea at Thurso even during periods when there is less rainfall. When the loch is full it enables a longer period when the fishing beats on the river can be productive. The dam has a fish ladder to allow salmon to travel into the loch and move further up the River Thurso to the spawning grounds.

The management team that manage the salmon fishing on the river, and also provide Ghillies for people booking fishing beats, are working to conserve the salmon, with strict limits on the salmon that can be kept by people fishing the river. This is to allow for the river to maintain its high standards and reputation for being one of the best salmon rivers in Scotland. To book fishing on the River Thurso visit the official website.

The river along with Loch More is set within beautiful scenery within the county of Caithness and the Flow Country. From Loch More there are several estate tracks that can be walked or cycled using mountain bikes.

The tracks around Loch More are popular with local dog walkers and a favourite for people wanting to see the beauty of the surrounding moorland with the Caithness distant hills on the horizon. If you plan to take your dog on a walk in this area then it is worth being aware that adders are found around the loch side and in the heather covered moorland. Under most circumstances’ adders will keep out of your (and your dogs) way, in spring they may be a bit slower and can be a danger to dogs running around. There are also deer within this area and if your dog picks up the sent of deer you may have a long wait to get them back – you do not need to keep your dogs on a lead, just be aware of the potential problems and keep them near you.

At the dam you walk over an old twin arched rubble bridge that was built in 1834. The bridge also provides you a good location to take photographs of Loch More and the fishing ponds below the dam. You may possibly see an individual or two fishing for salmon. The bridge, loch and River Thurso are ideal photographic subjects, or if your passion is drawing or painting, this is a wonderful location to spend a day or two creating your next masterpiece.

On OS Maps there is shown the remains of St Bridget's Chapel Caithness, near the remains of crofting township at Achscoraclate (old Caithness OS map image), and can be seen on the aerial photo by Highland Aerial Views on Facebook), the interactive aerial map view of Achscoraclate can be clearly seen on Bing.com/maps. Nearby is a so-called holy well. The Canmore website has some information on this location and has a picture of the well.

The River Thurso flows into Loch Beg a short distance below the dam at Loch More

The River Thurso flows into Loch Beg a short distance below the dam at Loch More. A popular section of the river for salmon fishing.

Lochmore cottage at the damn at Loch More

Lochmore cottage at the damn at Loch More

Loch More has beautiful winter scenery

Beautiful winter scenery over Loch More in Caithness

Beautiful winter scenery over Loch More in Caithness with views towards Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve and Morven (on the far left of the picture).

Picture Gallery | Loch More and the River Thurso

Old Croft near Loch More

Old Croft near Loch More

Salmon Fishing with your faithfull dog

Salmon Fishing with your faithfull dog

Loch More dam and fish ladder

Loch More dam and fish ladder

Loch More Cottage, dam and fish ladder

Deer near Loch More

Deer near Loch More

Winter views over Loch More and the track along the loch

Winter views over Loch More and the track along the loch

Winter over the highland Loch

Winter over the highland Loch

Collies on the sandy beach at Loch More

Collies on the sandy beach at Loch More

Dogs on Loch More sandy beach

Dogs on Loch More sandy beach

The River Thurso below the dam at Loch More

The River Thurso below the dam at Loch More

Flowering orchid near the loch

Flowering orchid near the loch

Large beetle on the track beside Loch More

Large beetle on the track beside Loch More

Lichen covering the stones beside the lochside track

Lichen covering the stones beside the lochside track

Abandoned Highland croft near Loch More in Caithness, Scotland.

Loch More / River Thurso Location Map

Loch More / River Thurso Location map

Loch More / River Thurso map