Loch Rannoch
| Loch Rannoch | |
|---|---|
 Looking towards Schiehallion | |
| Location | Perth and Kinross |
| Coordinates | 56°40′59″N 4°18′50″W / 56.68306°N 4.31389°WCoordinates: 56°40′59″N 4°18′50″W / 56.68306°N 4.31389°W |
| Type | freshwater loch |
| Primary outflows | River Tummel |
| Max. length | 15 km |
Loch Rannoch (Scottish Gaelic: Loch Raineach) is a large body of fresh water in Perth and Kinross, Scotland.
The loch is over 9 miles (14 km) long in a west-east direction with an average width of about 1,090 yards (1,000 m). The River Tummel begins at its eastern end. The Tay Forest Park lies along its southern shore. The wild Rannoch Moor extends to the west of the loch and used to be part of the Caledonian Forest that stretched across much of Northern Scotland. This is proven in part by the presence of Scots Pine stumps preserved in the boggy areas of the moor, and pollen records from peat cores.
The loch and surrounding areas have suffered from extensive deforestation and plantation of alien species. These practices have given rise to sections of dense tree plantations alternating with deforested areas.
The loch and surrounding area does, however, offer good sport fishing and walking. The small village of Kinloch Rannoch lies at the eastern end of the loch, and a crannog (an ancient artificial island) with a folly on it can be found near its western end. Loch Rannoch was also used as a fictional racetrack in the videogame TOCA Race Driver 2.