Cnoc nam Mèirleach

Hill, Mountain in Argyllshire

Scotland

Cnoc nam Mèirleach

Moorland beside unsurfaced road to RSPB reserve A minor road crosses the peninsula of The Oa eventually becoming unsurfaced and presumably unadopted. It reaches the RSPB reserve after a kilometre or so of rough motoring.
Moorland beside unsurfaced road to RSPB reserve Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Cnoc nam Mèirleach is a prominent hill located in Argyllshire, Scotland. It stands at an impressive height of 813 meters (2,667 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest peaks in the region. The hill is part of the Grampian Mountains, which are known for their rugged and picturesque landscapes.

The name Cnoc nam Mèirleach translates to "Hill of the Thieves" in English, suggesting a fascinating history behind the name. The hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the nearby Loch Awe and the enchanting Glen Strae. On a clear day, one can even catch a glimpse of the stunning Inner Hebrides islands in the distance.

The terrain of Cnoc nam Mèirleach is characterized by steep slopes and rocky outcrops, which attract both experienced hikers and rock climbers. The hill is often frequented by outdoor enthusiasts seeking a challenging yet rewarding adventure. Its unique geological features, including exposed granite and quartzite, add to its allure.

The wildlife on Cnoc nam Mèirleach is diverse and abundant. The hill is home to various species of birds, such as golden eagles and red grouse, as well as mammals like red deer and mountain hares. The area surrounding the hill is also known for its rich flora, with heather, mosses, and grasses covering the slopes.

Cnoc nam Mèirleach is a popular destination for outdoor activities, such as hillwalking, birdwatching, and nature photography. Its striking beauty and challenging terrain make it an ideal spot for adventurers and nature lovers alike, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of Argyllshire.

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Cnoc nam Mèirleach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.612735/-6.3250331 or Grid Reference NR2743. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Moorland beside unsurfaced road to RSPB reserve A minor road crosses the peninsula of The Oa eventually becoming unsurfaced and presumably unadopted. It reaches the RSPB reserve after a kilometre or so of rough motoring.
Moorland beside unsurfaced road to RSPB reserve
A minor road crosses the peninsula of The Oa eventually becoming unsurfaced and presumably unadopted. It reaches the RSPB reserve after a kilometre or so of rough motoring.
Low hill on rough grazing from path to American Monument A path runs from the RSPB reserve at The Oa to the American Monument passing the low hill at the centre of the image on its south side.
Low hill on rough grazing from path to American Monument
A path runs from the RSPB reserve at The Oa to the American Monument passing the low hill at the centre of the image on its south side.
Unsurfaced public road near to Kinnabus The road serves farms on The Oa but is also the access for the RSPB reserve on the peninsula.
Unsurfaced public road near to Kinnabus
The road serves farms on The Oa but is also the access for the RSPB reserve on the peninsula.
Old field boundary Grassed over dyke, Upper Killeyan.
Old field boundary
Grassed over dyke, Upper Killeyan.
Wetland, Upper Killeyan Beside the path to the American Monument.
Wetland, Upper Killeyan
Beside the path to the American Monument.
Bog near Kinnabus Peat cuttings.
Bog near Kinnabus
Peat cuttings.
Car Park at the start of the route to the American Monument, Islay The route starts out as a track leaving the car park at the far end. Soon after this point a path leading to the American Monument leaves the track.
Car Park at the start of the route to the American Monument, Islay
The route starts out as a track leaving the car park at the far end. Soon after this point a path leading to the American Monument leaves the track.
Kissing Gate on the Path to the American Monument, Islay It's amazing how many different ways there are for opening gates and kissing gates. This was one of the more common ones.
Kissing Gate on the Path to the American Monument, Islay
It's amazing how many different ways there are for opening gates and kissing gates. This was one of the more common ones.
Killeyan Moorland View The settlement of Lower Killeyan is shown in the background, in the next square.
Killeyan Moorland View
The settlement of Lower Killeyan is shown in the background, in the next square.
Birdwatching On The Oa This popular birdwatching area is managed by the RSPB.
Birdwatching On The Oa
This popular birdwatching area is managed by the RSPB.
Cill Eathain The site near Killeyan lies on a natural terrace on the south bank of Abhainn Ghil. The roughly circular site enclosed by low turfed stony mounds contains the ruin of a medieval chapel.
Cill Eathain
The site near Killeyan lies on a natural terrace on the south bank of Abhainn Ghil. The roughly circular site enclosed by low turfed stony mounds contains the ruin of a medieval chapel.
Cill Eathain Chapel Site The site near Killeyan lies on a natural terrace on the south bank of Abhainn Ghil. The roughly circular site enclosed by low turfed stony mounds contains the ruin of a medieval chapel. It may also have been used as a burial ground. The Explorer Map shows it as a chapel and uses two small circles to indicate its location.
There’s another collection of stones nearby which might be related to Cill Eathain.
Cill Eathain Chapel Site
The site near Killeyan lies on a natural terrace on the south bank of Abhainn Ghil. The roughly circular site enclosed by low turfed stony mounds contains the ruin of a medieval chapel. It may also have been used as a burial ground. The Explorer Map shows it as a chapel and uses two small circles to indicate its location. There’s another collection of stones nearby which might be related to Cill Eathain.
At Cill Eathain The site near Killeyan lies on a natural terrace on the south bank of Abhainn Ghil. The roughly circular site enclosed by low turfed stony mounds contains the ruin of a medieval chapel from the 8th century. It may also have been used as a burial ground. The Explorer Map shows it as a chapel and uses two small circles to indicate its location.
Moorland sites like this are not always easy to find.
At Cill Eathain
The site near Killeyan lies on a natural terrace on the south bank of Abhainn Ghil. The roughly circular site enclosed by low turfed stony mounds contains the ruin of a medieval chapel from the 8th century. It may also have been used as a burial ground. The Explorer Map shows it as a chapel and uses two small circles to indicate its location. Moorland sites like this are not always easy to find.
Leacann Ruin The abandoned farm building at Leacann near Lower Killeyan.
Leacann Ruin
The abandoned farm building at Leacann near Lower Killeyan.
Killeyan Coastal View Looking over the moorland at Lower Killeyan towards its spectacular rocky coast.
Killeyan Coastal View
Looking over the moorland at Lower Killeyan towards its spectacular rocky coast.
From The Cairn Site At Lower Killeyan The rocky shore at Lower Killeyan viewed from a potentially interesting collection of stones on the moorland. The pile of stones could be a cairn related to the 8th century Cill Eathain chapel site nearby.
From The Cairn Site At Lower Killeyan
The rocky shore at Lower Killeyan viewed from a potentially interesting collection of stones on the moorland. The pile of stones could be a cairn related to the 8th century Cill Eathain chapel site nearby.
Moorland Cairn At Lower Killeyan This collection of stones lies near the medieval chapel site of Cill Eathain - see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6151273">NR2743 : Cill Eathain Chapel Site</a> It's not possible to tell if the two sites are related to each other.
Moorland Cairn At Lower Killeyan
This collection of stones lies near the medieval chapel site of Cill Eathain - see NR2743 : Cill Eathain Chapel Site It's not possible to tell if the two sites are related to each other.
At Lower Killeyan Visitors are asked to park here as space further on is very limited. The name Killeyan has been Anglicised from the Gaelic Cill Eathain, which refers to a medieval chapel and a burial ground - see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6151286">NR2743 : At Cill Eathain</a>
At Lower Killeyan
Visitors are asked to park here as space further on is very limited. The name Killeyan has been Anglicised from the Gaelic Cill Eathain, which refers to a medieval chapel and a burial ground - see NR2743 : At Cill Eathain
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Cnoc nam Mèirleach is located at Grid Ref: NR2743 (Lat: 55.612735, Lng: -6.3250331)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///grant.yachting.overlaid. Near Port Ellen, Argyll & Bute

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