Cnoc an Ruagain

Hill, Mountain in Ross-shire

Scotland

Cnoc an Ruagain

Loch Griomarstadh (Loch Grimersta) Loch Griomarstadh is a long narrow inlet of Loch Ceann Hulabhaig. It is tidal, and this view shows the sea a foot or so below high tide. In the distant, at left is Calanais (Callanish). — Loch Griomarstadh (Loch Grimersta) Credit: Anne Burgess

Cnoc an Ruagain is a prominent hill located in Ross-shire, Scotland. It is part of the Northwest Highlands and is situated near the village of Garve. Standing at an impressive height of 551 meters (1,808 feet), it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The hill is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts due to its accessibility and stunning vistas. The ascent to the summit is moderately challenging, with a well-defined path leading through heather-covered slopes. On a clear day, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the nearby Munros, including the famous Ben Wyvis.

Cnoc an Ruagain is known for its diverse flora and fauna. The lower slopes are covered in a mix of heather, grasses, and scattered birch trees, while the higher elevations are characterized by rocky outcrops and alpine vegetation. The hill is home to various bird species, such as golden eagles and peregrine falcons, as well as smaller mammals like red deer and mountain hares.

The hill's location in the Scottish Highlands means that weather conditions can change rapidly, so hikers are advised to come prepared with appropriate clothing and equipment. It is also important to note that the hill is part of private land, so visitors should respect any access restrictions and ensure they leave no trace of their presence.

Overall, Cnoc an Ruagain offers a rewarding hiking experience for nature lovers and adventurers, providing an opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of the Scottish countryside while enjoying stunning views from its summit.

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Cnoc an Ruagain Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.163731/-6.7386341 or Grid Reference NB2129. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Loch Griomarstadh (Loch Grimersta)

Loch Griomarstadh is a long narrow inlet of Loch Ceann Hulabhaig. It is tidal, and this view shows the sea a foot or so below high tide. In the distant, at left is Calanais (Callanish).

Anne Burgess

Griomarstadh

Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh (River Grimersta) enters the sea here from the left. The house at Griomarstadh is in the next square, and in the distance are the crofting communities of Calanais and Breascleit.

Anne Burgess

Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh (Grimersta River)

Dramatic lighting as storm clouds gather to the south-west. This river is possibly the best salmon fishing river in the Western Isles, and drains a large tract of southern Lewis. There was a lot of water today following a week of unsettled weather with frequent rain showers.

Anne Burgess

Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh (Grimersta River)

Looking downstream from the new bridge which carries the B8011 over the river. The next bridge is the private access to Griomarstadh House and jetty.

Anne Burgess

Roadside Cutting

This cutting was made to accommodate the new B8011 south of Gearraidh na h-Aibhne (Garynahine). It reveals a sheet of dark rock intruded into grey gneiss. The gneiss is about 3000 million years old, and the dark rock is 'Younger Basic' mafic material intruded about 2400 million years ago. These events took place deep in the crust of the Earth as a result of tectonic movements associated with the break-up on an ancient continent.

Anne Burgess

Loch Ceann Hulabhig

The tidal head, the southern end, of the sea loch close to Calanais / Callanish.

Colin Smith

Grimersta River

Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh tumbling down to the sea at Loch Ceann Hulabhig. The old road and bridge are visible in mid distance.

Colin Smith

Grimersta River from the Bridge

View upstream of a tumbling, Highland river (Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh) from the new B8011 road bridge.

Colin Smith

Lewis style bus shelter (i)

Peter Moore

Old road bridge over the Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh/Grimersta River

When this photo was taken in 1975, the bridge seen carried the B road to west Lewis over the river. Since then, a replacement has been constructed a short distance downstream. Fairly recent imagery seen online suggests that the bridge is still standing, although it no longer lies on a public road.

eswales

Loch Faoghail am Tuim

Looking south towards the hills of West Lewis. The little house highlighted by a ray of sunshine is a boathouse, in the next square. The nearest hill on the left is Ciorabhal, and on the right is Geure Dubh Mhòr. On the distant skyline is Roineabhal.

Anne Burgess

Cycling the B8059

The hills of Harris on the skyline

Alan Reid

B8059 and the lochs leading in to the Lewis-Harris borderlands

This string of linked lochs have 'Faoghail' in their names; this is the Gaelic word for ford.

Alan Reid

Looking south east from the old Ardroil road

A short spur which has been bypassed by new road construction forms a convenient parking place to admire the view.

John Lucas

Loch Griomarstadh (Loch Grimersta)

Part of the intricate coastline of west Lewis.

Alan Reid

Allt na Muilne drains into Loch Griomarstadh

Underlit clouds illuminate the southern tip of Loch Griomarstadh during a summer sunset. The view is barely west of due north, but this far north, the sun stays above the horizon late - it is almost half past ten - and the earth has time to rotate much further before the light finally fades.

Andy Waddington