Loch Monar

Loch Monar is a freshwater loch at the head of Glen Strathfarrar in the West Highlands. Since the 1960s it has been dammed for the Affric-Beauly hydro-electric scheme. The loch collects water from small burns on the surrounding hills. Its main outflow is the Garbh-uisge, which meets the Uisge Misgeach to form the River Farrar. The surrounding land is remote and mountainous. The area includes several Munros such as Sgùrr a' Chaorachain, Sgùrr Choinnich, Maoile Lunndaidh, Lurg Mhòr and Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich. These peaks rise above the loch and add to the wild scenery. The dam itself is part of a larger hydro-electric network in the region. The loch’s water levels fluctuate with power generation needs. Visitors find a quiet Highland landscape of water, hills and sky. The loch sits in a narrow valley with steep slopes on either side. The road to Glen Strathfarrar ends before the dam, so the area remains undisturbed. Walkers can follow paths along the shore or climb the nearby Munros. The views across the water show the scale of the mountains and the engineering of the dam.