Loch Achnamoine

Loch Achnamoine is a small mountain loch in the Highland council area of northern Scotland, set on the River Helmsdale in Sutherland. Kinbrace, the closest settlement, sits about 4 km to the east along a minor road. The surroundings are classic Flow Country: open peatland, heather and big sky.

What kind of place is it?

The loch is a drift dam. Debris left by the retreating ice sheet blocked the valley and held back the water. Its Gaelic name combines achadh (field) and mòine (peat), so it translates roughly as "peat-field loch", a fair description of the terrain. It lies on the river's course about 1.5 km below the larger Loch Badanloch, which forms a linked group with Loch nan Clàr and Loch Rimsdale.

What role does it play on the Helmsdale?

The River Helmsdale, also known historically as the Ullie, runs south-east from Badanloch through Achnamoine and reaches the Moray Firth at the town of Helmsdale. The chain of lochs works as a compensation reservoir, keeping up flows for the river's well-known salmon fishery. Further downstream the river runs through the Strath of Kildonan, called Strath Ullie in Gaelic.

What can you see here?

• wide, empty ground on both sides of the water, with Ben Klibreck in the distance
• a steel suspension footbridge across the river near the loch, listed in the Highland historic environment record
• the typical northern Highland scene of low hills, bog and unbroken sky

There is no cafe, shop or visitor facility, so bring food and fuel with you. The spot suits anyone after quiet, landscape photographers and birdwatchers.

How do you get there?

You approach via Kinbrace, 4 km from the loch. The village has a station on the Far North Line between Inverness and Thurso/Wick and lies on the A897 through the Strath of Kildonan. From Kinbrace a narrow local road leads west. Driving is the easiest option; plan the journey from Helmsdale or Inverness, because settlements are few and far between.

When should you go?

Late spring, summer and early autumn give long days for walking and photography. Winter in inland Sutherland is cold, windy and wet with short daylight, so allow extra time and dress accordingly.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Loch Achnamoine? In Highland, in the historic county of Sutherland, on the River Helmsdale, 4 km from Kinbrace.

What does the name mean? From Gaelic, roughly "loch of the peat-field".

Are there visitor facilities? No. It is remote country; Kinbrace is the nearest settlement and Helmsdale offers a wider choice of services.

Can you fish here? The Helmsdale is famous for salmon, but fishing rights are controlled by the river's managers, so arrange permission in advance.