Situated between steeply wooded hills, Loch Faskally
(Scottish Gaelic: Loch Faschoille) is nicely sheltered, and is approximately 2 miles in length narrowing to around 800 yards wide. Loch Faskally is man-made reservoir built between 1947 and 1950 by Wimpey Construction to stabilise river flows below the dam at Pitlochry as part of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board's Tummel Hydro-Electric Power Scheme.
Pitlochry Dam incorporates a salmon fish ladder, allowing around 5,400 salmon to ascend annually, and is a popular visitor attraction. Loch Faskally is fed by two rivers, the River Tummel and the River Garry from the North.
The Clunie Memorial Arch is located on the northwest side of Loch Faskally and leads to an attractive riverside picnic area, parking and picnic benches available. It was built to the same dimensions of the tunnel that carries water between Loch Tummel and the Clunie Power Station. The tunnel itself measures 2791 metres in length, approximately 400,000 tons of rock were removed during its construction.
The circular walk from Pitlochry to
Killiecrankie follows a route close to Loch Faskally and then along the banks of the River Garry, this is one of the best low level walks in the area. Much of the walk is through oak and deciduous woodland, rich in wildlife such as
red squirrels and woodland birds. Another highlight is the beautiful
Linn of Tummel, a natural salmon leap at the confluence of the Rivers Garry and Tummel.
Fishing Loch Faskally
Loch Faskally is popular with anglers who fish for brown trout, pike and grayling. Salmon and a few sea trout pass through as they head up the Tummel and Garry systems. The water holds a good head of brown trout and the native fish are augmented by a stocking in the 1-5lb range. June sees the arrival of the summer grilse. There are also good numbers of small pike with a few larger specimens mixed in. The best recorded pike have been over 30lb.
Faskally Boating Station is easily accessible by car and has ample good parking available. The Boating Station can be found at the north end of Pitlochry and is clearly signposted on the left just as you exit the town boundary. There is a very pleasant café offering good quality, honest food at reasonable prices with excellent service.
Permits are available from the Boating Station, fishing tackle is available for sale and for hire there too. Contact the Boating Station by phone 01796 472919.
Fishing Permits: Bank per day £9.00, Bank per week £27.00, Boat 1/2 day £8.00, Boat full day £10.00, Boat weekly £36.00
Boats with Outboards: 4 Hours £30.00, 8 Hours £40.00
Notes: All anglers require a permit. Boats with outboards are for anglers only. Boats must be returned by 5.00pm. Life jackets must be worn at all times, which are included in cost of boat hire. No alcohol permitted.
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