Loch Borralan

Loch Borralan is a freshwater loch in the Assynt District of Sutherland, Highland. It lies beside the A837 road near the small settlements of Aultnacealgach and Ledmore. The loch stretches just over a mile across and is 29 kilometres from Ullapool and 40 kilometres from Lairg. Two modest lodges stand on its banks: Aultnacealgach Lodge and Alt Motel, both helping to draw visitors. Three burns feed the loch, while the Ledmore river carries its waters on towards Loch Veyatie and the Atlantic. Nearby hills include Bad na Cleithe, Cnoc Gorm and Cnoc bad na h-Achlaise. The loch attracts travellers because of its setting and easy access from the main road. Its geology is unusual, with igneous rocks such as borolanite found only here. White-spotted nepheline syenite appears in the landscape, mixed with pyroxene-rich mafic rock. A disused quarry nearby exposes these distinctive stones for anyone to see. The unusual rocks give the area a character all its own. Visitors find quiet shorelines and views across the water framed by low hills. The lodges provide simple places to stay or eat, while the road offers quick onward travel. Walkers can follow the burns upstream or head towards the hills for wider views. The loch’s geology remains the main reason people stop here, leaving with a sense of a special place in the far north.