An Cruachan

Hill, Mountain in Inverness-shire

Scotland

An Cruachan

North-eastern flank of Beinn na h-Uamha Credit: Mick Garratt

An Cruachan, located in Inverness-shire, Scotland, is a prominent hill/mountain standing at an elevation of approximately 1,116 meters (3,661 feet). It is part of the Grampian Mountains, which stretch across the Scottish Highlands. An Cruachan is situated in a remote and rugged area, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

This mountain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and mountaineers due to its challenging terrain and stunning scenery. It is often climbed as part of a longer hiking route known as the An Cruachan Horseshoe, which includes several other peaks in the region.

The ascent of An Cruachan can be demanding, with steep and rocky sections, making it suitable for experienced hikers or those accompanied by a guide. The summit rewards climbers with an awe-inspiring vista, encompassing the vastness of Loch Ness, the Great Glen, and the nearby Munros (mountains over 3,000 feet).

The area surrounding An Cruachan is rich in wildlife and natural beauty. It is home to a variety of plant species, including heather, moss, and wildflowers, adding color and vibrancy to the landscape. Birdwatchers may spot golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and other raptors soaring above the mountain.

An Cruachan offers a challenging and rewarding experience for outdoor enthusiasts, providing an opportunity to immerse oneself in the untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands and witness breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

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An Cruachan Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.390012/-6.5983338 or Grid Reference NG2342. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

North-eastern flank of Beinn na h-Uamha

Mick Garratt

Ascending the vertiginous eastern ridge of Healabhal Bheag

Mick Garratt

A partially dried-up lochan north of Healabhal Bheag

Mick Garratt

Misnamed majestyâOsdale River and Healabhal Bheag

Mick Garratt

Whispers of CottongrassâA serene blanket bog landscape

Mick Garratt

Contouring Beinn BhuidheâHealabhal Bheag beckons

Mick Garratt

Crossing Abhainn Easa DhuibhâAn inviting pool

Mick Garratt

Renovation at Orbost House

The 18th-century wing (at right) and its early 19th-century extension are enveloped in scaffolding and a major renovation is in place. Orbost House is listed Category B Link

Tiger

Orbost House

The 18th-century east gable of the mansion, scaffolded for major restoration, is glimpsed through bare winter trees with a carpet of snowdrops in the foreground. Orbost House is listed Category B Link

Tiger

Walled garden at Orbost

The walled garden would originally have been used to grow ornamental plants, fruit and vegetables. It was restored from the 1990s in memory of members of the local Swire family- see NG2543 : Inscription at Orbost - but is now laid mainly to lawn.

Tiger

Inscription at Orbost

"This walled garden was restored in memory of Flora MacDonald Swire and of her grandparents Otta and Roger Swire of Orbost". Flora MacDonald Margaret Swire, aged 23, a descendant of Flora MacDonald the Highland heroine of 1746, was one of the victims of Pan Am Flight 103 which crashed over Lockerbie in December 1988. Her grandmother Otta Flora MacDonald Loïs, née Tarn (1898-1973) was an enthusiast for the folklore and traditions of Skye and other islands and wrote three books on the subject. For the location see NG2543 : Walled garden at Orbost.

Tiger

Orbost peacock

One of the resident birds struts his stuff.

Tiger

East front of Orbost House

Emerging after more than two years of extensive restoration by MacKenzie Building & Civil Engineering Contractors of Dunvegan, this is the Regency (early 19th-century) building added to the east of the earlier (1764-5) house, originally the home of the MacLeod tacksmen of Orbost. The stonework has been repointed and newly limewashed to simulate its original appearance, the chimneystacks reconstructed and new attic windows installed in place of the former Velux rooflights. The house is listed Category B Link

"Main (east) facade of tooled Soay stone [from the small island just south of Skye] with polished ashlar dressings, harled flanks; earlier house of rubble. Principal facade; slightly advanced pedimented centre bay with 3 terminal urns; giant angle pilasters [antae] to outer bays; cornice and blocking course. Engaged Roman Doric columned doorpiece; decorative fanlight, sidelights and panelled door approached by flight steps. Ground floor windows taller than 1st; 12-pane glazing; 1 ground, 2 upper south gable windows; broad corniced end stacks with margins; slate roofs."

Tiger

Beach on Loch Bharcasaig

The dark sand beach at the head of the sea loch, a branch of Loch Bracadale.

John Allan

Small lochan on An Cruachan

Looking over Loch Bracadale with the Cuillin in cloud in the far distance.

Ian Taylor

Loch Bharcasaig

Meall Greepa is the prominent headland at centre-left. The Harlosh peninsula is beyond, with Harlosh Island to the right. Tarner Island is just visible beyond that (centre-right).

Ian Taylor