Cnoc na h-Aibhne

Hill, Mountain in Ross-shire

Scotland

Cnoc na h-Aibhne

Lochs Show 2011 North Harris and the 10th Lochs Agricultural Show at the Laxey Showground, Balallan / Baile Ailein. — Lochs Show 2011 Credit: Colin Smith

Cnoc na h-Aibhne, located in Ross-shire, Scotland, is a prominent hill/mountain that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Standing at an elevation of approximately 700 meters (2,300 feet), it is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking a challenging but rewarding climb.

The hill is characterized by its rugged terrain, with steep slopes and rocky outcrops that add to its allure. Its summit provides an excellent vantage point to admire the picturesque Scottish Highlands, with panoramic views stretching for miles in all directions. On clear days, it is possible to see iconic landmarks such as Loch Maree and the Torridon Hills.

The ascent to the summit of Cnoc na h-Aibhne is not for the faint-hearted, as it requires a moderate to advanced level of fitness and navigation skills. The trail, although not well-marked, is generally accessible from the nearby village of Achnasheen. Hikers can expect to encounter heather-covered slopes, bogs, and occasional streams during their climb.

Flora and fauna enthusiasts will also find Cnoc na h-Aibhne intriguing, as the hill is home to a variety of plant and animal species. Heather, mosses, and lichens adorn the slopes, while golden eagles, ptarmigans, and red deer can often be spotted in the surrounding area.

Cnoc na h-Aibhne offers an invigorating outdoor experience for those seeking a challenging climb and a chance to immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands. It truly is a hidden gem in the Ross-shire region.

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Cnoc na h-Aibhne Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.099325/-6.5690301 or Grid Reference NB3021. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Lochs Show 2011

North Harris and the 10th Lochs Agricultural Show at the Laxey Showground, Balallan / Baile Ailein.

Colin Smith

Balallan: view along Loch Ãireasort

Looking east from the A859 as it passes through this long, linear village.

Chris Downer

Bridge on the Hebridean Way

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Ralph Greig

Kinloch Parish Kirk

Belonging to the Church of Scotland.

Anne Burgess

A859 skirting Loch Bhaltois

Alan Reid

House at Beinn Bhuidhe

Ian S

Houses near Mircill Glas, Baile Ailein

Ian S

Loch Bhaltois, taken from the A859

Ian S

Crofting land at Baile Ailean

Stretching down to the shore of Loch Eireasort.

John Allan

Fence line at Balallan

I was going to walk further in but the weather was so miserable, typically Lewis, that the fence was as far as I got before the rain was on my lens!

Stephen Branley

Baile Ailean (Balallan) and Loch na Deasport

The loch marks the eastern extremity of the crofting township of Baile Ailean. On older maps it is named Loch nan Deaspoirt. In the background are some of the hills north of Loch Shiphoirt (Loch Seaforth).

Anne Burgess

Lousewort (Pedicularis sylvatica)

A common plant of wet, boggy places, Lousewort thrives in the acid peat of Leòdhas.

Anne Burgess

Cnoc a' Ghille Ruaidh Bhig

The name applies to the rocky outcrop and means 'rock of the small red boy'. The puddles on the road are evidence of recent heavy showers, and there were many more to come.

Anne Burgess

Wrecked Car

This one hasn't been here for long enough to become rusted through, so in spite of the good work of the local authority in removing hundreds of eyesores all over the islands, it still seems to be the thing to abandon old cars and then use them for target practice. The slight elevation on the left is Cnoc na Buaile, meaning 'rock of the cattle fold', and the matching one to the left is Druim Bioraig, whose meaning I don't know.

Anne Burgess

A Bend in the Track

Marked by another puddle, the track curves round the foot of Cnoc a' Ghille Ruaidh Bhig, just above an expanse of peat bog. The distant hill is Ròineabhal, just visible between Druim Biorag to its left and Cnoc Dubh Druim Biorag to its right.

Anne Burgess

Track across the Moor

All over the Hebrides there are rough roads and tracks which give access to areas where peat is cut. The peat banks show up as dark lines across the bog, where bare peat has been exposed by cutting. The low ridge is unnamed on the maps, but the outcrop of rock to its right is Creag Latharbaidh, round which a meander of the Abhainn Lacasaidh (Laxay River) 'salmon river' flows. The very distant highest point, crowned with masts, is Èitseal (223 metres) above Acha Mòr (Achmore) in NB3030.

Anne Burgess

Looking towards RÃ²ineabhal

Ròineabhal (269 metres) appears in the gap between Cnoc na Buaile on the left and Druim Biorag on the right. In the bog in the foreground are the faces of peat banks laid bare when peat was last cut here, and not yet overgrown again. It would be interesting to know why the top of Druim Biorag is so green by comparison with the surrounding brown bog. It certainly seems to be the preferred grazing place for the sheep!

Anne Burgess

Peat Bog near Baile Ailean

In the bog in the foreground are the faces of peat banks laid bare when peat was last cut here, and not yet overgrown again.Notre how green the top of Druim Biorag by comparison with the surrounding brown bog. The grass there is obviously attractive to the sheep. The distant mountain is Ròineabhal, its appearance beying its modest 269 metres above sea level.

Anne Burgess

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Cnoc na h-Aibhne is located at Grid Ref: NB3021 (Lat: 58.099325, Lng: -6.5690301)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands