Cnoc a' Charnain Bhig

Hill, Mountain in Ross-shire

Scotland

Cnoc a' Charnain Bhig

Heronry on cliff face, Loch Rog Beag, North Harris These herons are very unusual nesting on the open cliff face rather than in tree tops.  The eggs are very vulnerable to predation by Buzzards and Ravens.  Despite our guided tour RIB remaining well away we observed 2 eggs being taken by groups of Ravens attacking, distracting the parents and "sneaking in".  Nature is hard to observe sometimes.
Heronry on cliff face, Loch Rog Beag, North Harris Credit: Hazel Hambidge

Cnoc a' Charnain Bhig is a distinctive hill located in the county of Ross-shire in the Scottish Highlands. It is situated near the village of Ullapool, offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.

Standing at an elevation of approximately 438 meters (1,437 feet), Cnoc a' Charnain Bhig is known for its rugged terrain and rocky slopes. The hill is predominantly composed of Lewisian gneiss, a metamorphic rock formation that dates back to over 2 billion years. This geological feature adds to the hill's unique charm and provides a striking contrast against the surrounding grassy moorland.

The ascent of Cnoc a' Charnain Bhig is a popular activity for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a moderate level of difficulty. Hikers are rewarded with magnificent panoramic views of Loch Broom and the surrounding mountains, including the iconic Stac Pollaidh and An Teallach.

The hill is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. On the lower slopes, heather, bilberry, and mosses can be found, while higher up, hardier alpine plants and lichens thrive. The area is also known for its birdlife, with sightings of golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and red grouse being common.

Cnoc a' Charnain Bhig is a place of natural beauty and tranquility, attracting visitors who seek to immerse themselves in the rugged splendor of the Scottish Highlands. Whether it be for a challenging hike or simply to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, this hill offers an unforgettable experience for those who venture to its summit.

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Cnoc a' Charnain Bhig Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.129085/-6.8831906 or Grid Reference NB1225. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Heronry on cliff face, Loch Rog Beag, North Harris These herons are very unusual nesting on the open cliff face rather than in tree tops.  The eggs are very vulnerable to predation by Buzzards and Ravens.  Despite our guided tour RIB remaining well away we observed 2 eggs being taken by groups of Ravens attacking, distracting the parents and "sneaking in".  Nature is hard to observe sometimes.
Heronry on cliff face, Loch Rog Beag, North Harris
These herons are very unusual nesting on the open cliff face rather than in tree tops. The eggs are very vulnerable to predation by Buzzards and Ravens. Despite our guided tour RIB remaining well away we observed 2 eggs being taken by groups of Ravens attacking, distracting the parents and "sneaking in". Nature is hard to observe sometimes.
West Bank, Loch Rog Beag, North Harris View almost south from RIB towards west bank of this narrow sea loch.
West Bank, Loch Rog Beag, North Harris
View almost south from RIB towards west bank of this narrow sea loch.
Gisla Power Station Small HEP station on the western shore of Loch Rog Beag at Giosla.
Gisla Power Station
Small HEP station on the western shore of Loch Rog Beag at Giosla.
B8011 cut through the hillside By the bottom of Loch Ròg Beag
B8011 cut through the hillside
By the bottom of Loch Ròg Beag
Gisla Power Station A small hydroelectric power station, using water piped from Loch Coirceabhat.
Gisla Power Station
A small hydroelectric power station, using water piped from Loch Coirceabhat.
Enaclete: rainbow over Loch Ròg Beag Having visited the Flannan Isles today, in fine weather, it was clear as we approached the Lewis coast on our return that Lewis itself had not fared so fortunately. However, sunshine did break through as we approached Miavaig harbour and, by the time we set foot ashore the sun was shining brightly.

This would be a shortlived break in the showers, though, as this rainbow across the Loch testifies.

The B8011 has very recently been upgraded (not yet included on the 1:50,000 mapping but updated at 1:25,000 scale) and Enaclete village is now bypassed by a two-carriageway road. I am not certain but the track immediately in front of us may derive from the course of the old road.
Enaclete: rainbow over Loch Ròg Beag
Having visited the Flannan Isles today, in fine weather, it was clear as we approached the Lewis coast on our return that Lewis itself had not fared so fortunately. However, sunshine did break through as we approached Miavaig harbour and, by the time we set foot ashore the sun was shining brightly. This would be a shortlived break in the showers, though, as this rainbow across the Loch testifies. The B8011 has very recently been upgraded (not yet included on the 1:50,000 mapping but updated at 1:25,000 scale) and Enaclete village is now bypassed by a two-carriageway road. I am not certain but the track immediately in front of us may derive from the course of the old road.
A typical view on Lewis The recently constructed Enacleit bypass takes the B8011 through the extreme NE corner of this square. I climbed up onto a rocky knoll above the road and walked a little way, to get a good view of the lochans in the distance. The high ground beyond is not in the square.
A typical view on Lewis
The recently constructed Enacleit bypass takes the B8011 through the extreme NE corner of this square. I climbed up onto a rocky knoll above the road and walked a little way, to get a good view of the lochans in the distance. The high ground beyond is not in the square.
Old road bridge at Giosla
Old road bridge at Giosla
The B8011 road from Ardroil An excellent stretch of full width road - the only road which connects Ardroil to the rest of the island.
The B8011 road from Ardroil
An excellent stretch of full width road - the only road which connects Ardroil to the rest of the island.
Loch Ròg Beag Viewed from Einacleite.
Loch Ròg Beag
Viewed from Einacleite.
Gate below Sgeun, Isle of Lewis Looking towards Loch Mòr Ruadh.
Gate below Sgeun, Isle of Lewis
Looking towards Loch Mòr Ruadh.
Rock on moorland near Loch Fuarail, Isle of Lewis Looking towards Loch Fuarail and Coduinn.
Rock on moorland near Loch Fuarail, Isle of Lewis
Looking towards Loch Fuarail and Coduinn.
Looking towards Giosla from the B8011
Looking towards Giosla from the B8011
Falls on the Abhainn Giosla
Falls on the Abhainn Giosla
Looking back down the Abhainn Giosla to hydro Loch Coirceabhat
Looking back down the Abhainn Giosla to hydro Loch Coirceabhat
Giosla Looking towards Giosla across little loch roag
Giosla
Looking towards Giosla across little loch roag
Loch Beag Ruadh with ridge of Sgeun behind
Loch Beag Ruadh with ridge of Sgeun behind
Heading along the B8011 The B8011 is a scenic road leading to remote communities in west Lewis. Much of it has been upgraded in recent years.
Heading along the B8011
The B8011 is a scenic road leading to remote communities in west Lewis. Much of it has been upgraded in recent years.
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Cnoc a' Charnain Bhig is located at Grid Ref: NB1225 (Lat: 58.129085, Lng: -6.8831906)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///surround.pressing.scored. Near Carloway, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.129085,-6.8831906
Bus Stop
Gisla
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 6010731662
Naptan Bearing: N
Naptan CommonName: Gisla
Naptan Indicator: Gisla
Naptan Landmark: Gisla
Naptan NaptanCode: 94723756
Naptan Street: Gisla
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 58.1269727/-6.8804914
Giosla
Name En: Gisla
Name Gd: Giosla
Place: hamlet
Lat/Long: 58.1270731/-6.8801291
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.125922/-6.8785117
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1269895/-6.8788062
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1276589/-6.8789718
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1279108/-6.8790516
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1274759/-6.8800919
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1277864/-6.8799647
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1284466/-6.8797567
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1291277/-6.8795495
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1298332/-6.8797933
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1305732/-6.8800528
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1313144/-6.8803147
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1320533/-6.88073
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1327873/-6.8811407
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.126466/-6.8786553
Noexit: yes
Lat/Long: 58.1294345/-6.8800399
Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 58.1266234/-6.8800966
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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