| Loch a' Bharain | |
| Pushpin Map: | Scotland Argyll and Bute |
| Location: | North Knapdale, Scotland |
| Coords: | 56.0624°N -5.4972°W |
| Type: | Reservoir |
| Basin Countries: | Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Area: | 34000m2[1] |
| Volume: | 63100m2 |
| Elevation: | 19m (62feet) |
Loch a' Bharain (the Baron's Loch) is an impounding[1] reservoir in Scotland.
Loch a' Bharain directly sits on the north bank of the Crinan Canal beside lock No.9, west of Cairnbaan, and acts as a side pound to the summit reach: effectively increasing the area and therefore reducing the level changes caused by downward lockings at either end.. The earthfill[1] dam is [1] high and was constructed in 1801 during the construction of the Crinan Canal. Works were completed by 1810 and after further repair and inspection by 1815 - 1820 the Crinan canal helped bring jobs and industry to the area shortening what would be a longer voyage on boat to get to Crinan and other areas on the west coast. The 9 mile canal became known as a Royal Route when Queen Victoria sailed the canal after works completed, this was part of her tour of Scotland. Loch á Bharain is one of the many many lochs (lakes) and burns (rivers) feeding the Crinan Canal. When the Crinan Canal was drained for repair and inspection in 2020 - 2021, Loch á Bharain was mostly drained, revealing old lock gates, tyres and other bits and pieces as well as the remains (floor plan) of the old castle of Clan McTavish.[2]
The loch is regularly used by Mid Argyll Radio Sailing for model boats.