Loch Awe
The Jewel of Argyll
Loch Awe and the Lochawe village are popular destinations for tourists to Scotland. The Loch is situated in the Argyll area at the foot of Ben Cruachan and many visitors use the hotels and guest houses there as an accommodation base when visiting the region. The village itself is also worth a visit in its own right, both for the buildings and the stunning scenery including the view across the Loch to Kilchurn Castle and Ben Lui. The Loch itself is one of the largest freshwater lochs in the country.Loch Awe and the River Orchy are also popular with anglers hunting salmon or trout - in 2003 a record breaking 3lb 11oz brown trout was caught in the Loch itself.
Like most places in Scotland Loch Awe has its share of history and folklore. The Loch is situated in a mountain pass that has had great strategic influence in various battles over the centuries. It was from this region that the Clan Campbell established its power and in 1309 Robert the Bruce defeated supporters of Edward II there.
Cailleach Bheithir
The most prominent legend regarding Loch Awe concerns its creation and the coming of Cailleach Bheithir, the dreadful winter hag of death.It's said that a mystic well or spring of youth was once situated on the slopes of Ben Cruachan. This was used by the goddess Bheithir to maintain her beauty, and every evening she visited the well and bathed in its enchanted waters. However one night she was distracted and forgot to replace the capstone on the spring. As she slept the waters continued to run until they had drained away completely, losing their potency as they were exposed to the air. The once magical waters ran down the mountainside and flooded the valley below - creating the waters of Loch Awe.
There are two stories of what happened then. In one Bheithir was unable to retain her youth yet remained immortal and aged rapidly. In another the other gods decided to punish her for her carelessness. Either way, she went from beautiful goddess to wizened and ancient hag. She retreated to the mountains where she screams in anger at the loss of her youth. Her cries frequently presage misfortune and she became known as Cailleach Bheithir the icy hag of winter and darkness.
Some say her cries can still be heard to this day.
External Links:
The River Orchy Fishings
