Loch of Skene, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Loch of Skene

This postcard is one that my great Aunt Mary Skene Day had collected.

That may be the boat house across the loch in the distance, just right from the center of the photo.

Skene Boat House on the Loch.

Loch of Skene, 2001

I have found the following photos and descriptions on the Internet.
Someone had taken the Loch of Skene scenic walking route
and photographed it. It is quite the rugged terrain!

http://www.sw-images-scot.co.uk/website/walks/Borders/pages/skene1.htm

The Southern Uplands of Scotland are often overshadowed by the Highlands yet they provide great walking. This view of the Grey Mare's Tail (the high waterfall centre of picture) with White Coomb the peak on the left and Lochcraig Head to the right of the picture gives a superb impression of the terrain. Almost hidden is Loch Skene, which can just be seen beneath the steep screes of Lochcraig Head.

Loch Skene is a hidden gem, not far from a road but enough to deter casual visitors. The mirror-like waters provide a superb reflection of Lochcraig Head as the shadows begin to lengthen.

Seen from the slopes of White Coomb the blue waters of Loch Skene add colour to the landscape. Beyond the Loch stands the Summit of Lochcraig Head.

Tail Burn is the exit stream from Loch Skene and provides the water for the impressive Grey Mare's tail waterfall. In this view the screes of Lochcraig Head can be seen to the right.

This picture shows the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall with some people on the low level path which goes up from the car park to near the bottom of the fall and no further.

A view of Mid Craig and Loch Craig Head from Loch Skene.

A view from the top of Lochcraig Head (801m) down Loch Skene. At the far end of the Loch near the left hand side of the picture you can see where the Tail Burn runs out of the Loch and down to the falls.

There are times when the Tail Burn can be quite a torrent as you can see in the picture on the left below. On the day this picture was taken we were heading for Mid Craig and there was so much water where the burn runs out of the loch that we had to take our boots off and wade. The stepping stones which are usually used were under water.

From White Coomb, sheep following the fence line.

This shot is taken from the Bodesbeck Ridge, looking over Moffat Dale at Grey Mare's Tail, Loch Skene and Lochcraig Head.

This picture shows a view from the path up to Loch Skene, looking back down Moffat Dale with the Tail Burn running down past the car parks.

Geological information on the area of
The Grey Mare's Tail
Between Moffat and Selkirk

Described as: " A "hanging valley" waterfall: the valley was scoured out by glaciers during the last ice age
leaving the outlet burn from Loch Skene falling about 300 feet down a sheer and dangerous cliff face."

Sir Walter Scott wrote:

"Where deep deep down, and far within
Toils with the rocks the roaring linn;
Then issuing forth one foamy wave,
And wheeling round the giant's grave
White as the snowy charger's tail
Drives down the pass of Moffatdale."

Grey Mare's Tail