THE FRESH-WATER LOCHS OF SCOTLAND. 



219 



Lochan Fada (see Plate XLVIIL). Lochan Fada (i.e., the long 

 loch) is the largest of its name. It is situated about 3 miles to the 

 north-east of the upper end of Loch Maree, and runs parallel to it for 

 a distance of 4 miles. The scenery around Lochan Fada is of the most 

 magnificent description, Slioch and Beinn Lair overlooking it on the 

 south-west shore, and Beinn Tharsuinn and A Mhaighdean on the north- 

 east shore. The ridge between Lochan Fada and Gorm Loch Mor is 

 particularly noticeable ; the rise from the loch is 750 feet in 350 yards, 

 and the top of the ridge is exactly like a knife-edge. The crags on the 



FIG. 39. LOCH FADA, LOOKING NORTH, SHOWING RIDGE. 



(Photograph by Mr. T. N. Johnston, M.B., C.M., F.R.S.E.) 



south-west shore are very bold and wild, being composed of the Beinn 

 Lair sill of hornblende-schist, and extend from between Lochan Fada 

 and Loch Garbhaig to south of Loch Fionn. When standing above the 

 north-west end of the loch, the outlet to the south is not suspected; 

 the loch appears to drain away down the continuation of the glen into 

 Glen Na Muic. Doubtless at one time this was the outlet of the loch, 

 for the col here between Lochan Sgeireach and L'och Gleann na Muic 

 is only 13 feet above the level of Lochan Fada. But Abhuinn an 

 Fhasaigh, having a much shorter course than Abhuinn Gleann na Muic, 

 has been able to cut back much more rapidly, and perhaps all the 

 more so since its course lies along the line of fault, which runs from 



