Loch Heilen

Loch Heilen lies two kilometres inland from Dunnet Bay on Scotland’s north coast. It is the larger of two lochs in the parish of Dunnet, Caithness. The loch stretches over one and a half kilometres from east to west and nearly half a kilometre from north to south. Its surface covers 0.8 square kilometres, and the deepest point in the centre is about one and a half metres down. The Burn of Inkstack carries water away from the north shore to join the Burn of Ham before reaching the sea. The loch attracts many wild birds, especially Mallard, Wigeon and Common goldeneye. These ducks gather on the water in large numbers throughout the year. The surrounding land is flat and open, giving the birds clear views of any approaching danger. The loch’s shallow depth and calm surface make it an ideal feeding ground for waterfowl. Visitors walk along the shore where the reeds meet the water. The path follows the north bank past patches of rushes and sedges. From here the loch stretches eastward, its surface dotted with feeding ducks. On the far side, low hills rise gently against the sky, framing the water in a quiet landscape. The air is often filled with the calls of wading birds as they move between feeding and resting areas.