Creag Orril

Cliff, Slope in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Creag Orril

A855 approaching the Museum of Island Life from Duntulm Credit: Elliott Simpson

Creag Orril is a prominent cliff located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated in the northern part of the county, it is nestled within the picturesque Scottish Highlands. The cliff is renowned for its impressive height and stunning views, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

Rising to a height of approximately 300 meters (984 feet), Creag Orril offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape. Its rocky face is characterized by rugged features and sheer drops, making it a popular destination for rock climbers and adventure enthusiasts. The cliff's challenging terrain provides an exhilarating experience for those seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

Creag Orril is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The surrounding slopes are covered in lush vegetation, including heather, ferns, and mosses, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape. The cliff provides a natural habitat for various bird species, such as peregrine falcons and golden eagles, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Access to Creag Orril is relatively easy, with several well-marked trails leading to the cliff's base. These paths cater to different levels of fitness and expertise, ensuring that visitors of all abilities can enjoy the beauty of this natural wonder. Additionally, the cliff is located in close proximity to other popular attractions in Inverness-shire, such as Loch Ness and the Cairngorms National Park, making it an ideal stop for those exploring the region.

In summary, Creag Orril is a magnificent cliff in Inverness-shire, Scotland, offering awe-inspiring views, challenging rock climbing opportunities, and a rich biodiversity. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking to immerse themselves in the stunning Scottish Highlands.

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Creag Orril Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.67519/-6.3406684 or Grid Reference NG4173. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A855 approaching the Museum of Island Life from Duntulm

Elliott Simpson

A855 near Osmigarry

Alpin Stewart

Farmland at Osmigarry

Near the Flora Macdonald monument.

David Purchase

Skye coastline near Osmigarry

Looking towards Rubha Hunish

David Purchase

Coast road southwest of Duntulm, Skye

Richard Park

Wrapped bales

N Chadwick

Old Settlement at Osmigarry

Remains of an old coastal crofting community.

John Allan

Metal Stile

Near Kilmuir Cemetery. The small islands on the Minch, seen through the handrail, are Sgeir nan Ruideag, An t-lasgair and An Dubh Sgeir.

Dave Fergusson

Unfinished inscription

Kilmuir graveyard is better known for the memorial to Flora MacDonald. But within the burial ground is this oddity - the inscription is unfinished. The stone marks the burial place of Charles MacArthur, one of the pipers to Clan MacDonald. According to tradition, the piper's son, who had commissioned a sculptor to letter the stone, was drowned while crossing the Minch. As the sculptor considered he was unlikely therefore to be paid, he abandoned his work, never to return. (From information board in Kilmuir cemetery).

Richard Dorrell

Grave of Angus Martin, Kilmuir Cemetery

According to tradition, this slab, depicting a mailed figure, once marked the grave of an early Scottish king, but was stolen by Angus to be placed in due course over his own grave. He is reputed to have carried it up on his back from the shore. (From information board in Kilmuir cemetery).

Richard Dorrell

Kilmuir Cemetery

The large Celtic Cross marks the grave of Flora MacDonald. The Outer Isles lie on the horizon.

Richard Dorrell

Tablet in mausoleum

See also NG3971 : Mausoleum in Kilmuir cemetery . The Mausoleum contains the burial place of Dr John Maclean. The inscription on his tablet is in Latin. It reads: "Sacred to the memory of Johannis Maclean who being as distinguished in medicine as he was loved for his high principle, pleasant manner and sound judgement, died, lamented by all, on the 1st May 1793 at the age of 85". (From information board in Kilmuir cemetery).

Richard Dorrell

A855 near Osmigarry

Jo and Steve Turner

Flora Macdonald Monument

The inscription around the base reads: "Flora Macdonald. Born at Milton, South Uist 1722. Died at Kingsburgh Skye 4th March 1790." She actually died at Peinduin NG3857 : The deathplace of Flora MacDonald, a few miles from Kingsburgh. In 1746 Flora had become famous for assisting Charles Edward Stuart, dressed as her maid Betty Burke, over the sea from Uist to Skye. She was subsequently arrested for her actions and imprisoned in the Tower of London. She married Alan Macdonald of Kingsburgh and spent time in North Carolina before returning to Skye. She died in 1790, and a memorial was built here at Kilmuir in 1871. This first one blew over in 1879, but a new cross was erected in 1880 and refurbished in 1882. The epitaph on this memorial is a comment from Dr Johnson. It reads: "A name that will be mentioned in history and, if courage and fidelity be virtues, mentioned with honour."

John Allan

Footprints in Kilmuir Cemetery

The frozen snow gives evidence that someone has walked the path around the graves. The sun was very low in the sky, as it is all day at this time of year. The picture was taken at 2pm, an hour and a half before sunset.

John Allan