Cnoc Mairstean

Hill, Mountain in Ross-shire

Scotland

Cnoc Mairstean

Baile-na-Cille, Lewis, 1989 Credit: Nigel Thompson

Cnoc Mairstean, located in Ross-shire, Scotland, is a prominent hill that boasts breathtaking natural beauty and historical significance. Rising to an elevation of approximately 286 meters (938 feet), it offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the picturesque village of Alness and the Cromarty Firth.

This hill is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, as it provides a relatively easy climb with well-defined paths and gentle slopes. The terrain is characterized by heather-covered moorland, rocky outcrops, and scattered birch and pine trees. Its diverse flora and fauna make it an ideal spot for wildlife watching, with sightings of red deer, buzzards, and various songbirds being common.

Alongside its natural charm, Cnoc Mairstean holds historical significance. The hill is home to several ancient remains, including a vitrified fort believed to date back to the Iron Age. Vitrification is a process where stone walls are fused together using intense heat, which speaks to the hill's historic importance and the skilled craftsmanship of its ancient inhabitants.

Visitors to Cnoc Mairstean can explore the fort's ruins and gain insight into the area's rich history. The hill also offers a peaceful and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, providing an opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Whether for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, Cnoc Mairstean promises a rewarding and memorable experience for all who venture to its summit.

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Cnoc Mairstean Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.205226/-7.0430123 or Grid Reference NB0335. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Baile-na-Cille, Lewis, 1989

Nigel Thompson

Borranais a Muigh

The northern end of Traigh Uige's expanses of sand flats with the 1980 footbridge across the river close to Dun Borranais. Link

Colin Smith

Old Manse at Baile na Cille

Above Traigh na Cille, the northern end of Traigh Uige's expansive sand flats. Link

Colin Smith

Baile na Cille

Crofts on the grassy hillside west of Timsgearraidh, Uig. Link

Colin Smith

Erista, Uig

Former lazy beds in the river valley below Uig Lodge. The mountain on the skyline is Suaineabhat (429m). Link

Colin Smith

Baile-na-Cille

View from the road end, across the machair, to Traigh na Cille and Traigh Uige. Link

Colin Smith

Uig War Memorial

On the hillside at Timsgearraidh, Uig with the former church behind it. The church has planning permission to be converted to residential property (2011). Link

Colin Smith

Berserker at Uig

8 feet tall wooden sculpture of a Lewis Chessman outside the Uig Heritage Centre. Taken just a few weeks before some of the original chessmen were displayed for a day at the museum. Link

Colin Smith

Uig Heritage Centre and Museum

Some of the exhibits showing local culture and history at Uig - including font, querns and stone mould for oil lamps. Link

Colin Smith

Uig Heritage Centre

Incorporating an interesting local museum at Timsgearraidh / Timsgarry, Uig. Old querns and mill stones lie in front. The adjoining building is the local primary school. Link

Colin Smith

Little church at Timsgearraidh (Timsgarry)

Timsgarry is a quite spread-out settlement in the Uig area of Lewis. This little church is perched on the upper of two roughly parallel roads in the village, overlooking the expanse of sand forming Traigh Uige. (see NB0433 : Traigh Uige) The maps show this area (or perhaps the field behind the church) to be called Sidhean Sarstail.

Rob Farrow

Traigh Uige

Taken from next to NB0534 : Little church at Timsgearraidh (Timsgarry) looking over the vast expanse of sand of Traigh Uige, with the mountains of Mealasta beyond.

Rob Farrow

Timsgearraidh (Timsgarry) settlement

Taken from next to NB0534 : Little church at Timsgearraidh (Timsgarry) looking approximately southwest across the scattered cottages to the bay of Camas Uig and the far peninsula of Aird Mhor Mhangarstaidh.

Rob Farrow

The Manse, Timsgearraidh (Timsgarry)

Viewed across the expanse of Traigh Uige (Uig Beach), Timsgarry Manse stands out white against the greens and fawns of the landscape. The little area of beach directly in front of the house is Traigh na Cille; cille is Gaelic for church or burial place, which accords well with the manse (the minister's house).

Rob Farrow

Burial Ground at Traigh na Cille

Such a beautiful place to be buried. Looking at its best early on a summer morning. Uig is surely a place that would have been famous even without the discovery of the Chessmen.

Julian Paren

On a walk before breakfast at the Baile na Cille Guest House

A perfect combination. Beautiful weather at Uig and the fine ambiance of Baile na Cille with sea trout and lobsters on the evening menu and a delayed breakfast for those who just had to grab their cameras and catch Uig at its best. Later that day the Uig Hills were climbed as the great weather continued. I wonder just where the Uig Chessmen were found?

Julian Paren

Baile-na-Cille Guesthouse in 1986

Whether the tide is in or not the area is outstanding in good weather and the guest house has the very best location. In 1986 and through to the present day the guest house is advertised with an idyllic image of the house and Uig Sands with the words "Rush hour at Baile-na-Cille". The house was the Manse in earlier days.

Julian Paren