Cnoc-na-Ciste

Hill, Mountain in Argyllshire

Scotland

Cnoc-na-Ciste

Taigh Geal House near Fionnphort. — Taigh Geal Credit: Andrew Abbott

Cnoc-na-Ciste, located in Argyllshire, Scotland, is a prominent hill or mountain that offers breathtaking views and attracts outdoor enthusiasts from all over. Standing at an elevation of approximately 535 meters (1,755 feet), it is a notable landmark within the region.

The hill is characterized by its rugged terrain, with steep slopes and rocky outcrops, making it a challenging but rewarding climb for experienced hikers and mountaineers. The ascent to the summit can be demanding, but the panoramic views at the top make it well worth the effort. On a clear day, visitors are rewarded with stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside, including the nearby lochs and glens, as well as the picturesque Argyll coastline.

Cnoc-na-Ciste is also known for its diverse flora and fauna. As hikers make their way up the hill, they may encounter a variety of plant species such as heather, ferns, and mosses, adding to the natural beauty of the landscape. Wildlife enthusiasts may also spot red deer, mountain hares, and a variety of bird species, including golden eagles and peregrine falcons.

For those looking to explore further, Cnoc-na-Ciste serves as a starting point for longer hikes and walks, offering access to nearby trails and paths that crisscross the surrounding countryside. The hill is also a popular destination for photographers, who are drawn to the ever-changing light and the stunning vistas it provides.

In conclusion, Cnoc-na-Ciste in Argyllshire is a majestic hill or mountain that offers a challenging climb, breathtaking views, and an opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the Scottish countryside.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Cnoc-na-Ciste Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.340662/-6.3358397 or Grid Reference NM3224. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Taigh Geal

House near Fionnphort.

Andrew Abbott

Approaching the junction for Kintra

On the A849.

Andrew Abbott

Eilean Dubh na Ciste

Eilean Dubh na Ciste is a rocky skerry at the NNE end of Bull Hole, a narrow channel and anchorage between Iona and the Ross of Mull. Its advantage from my perspective is that the two main rocks are linked by a small sandy tombolo beach which provides a convenient place to land a sea kayak and wander around getting the best views. This view looks northwards to more skerries outside Kinta harbour, where the water is a lot calmer than on my last visit NM3125 : Paddling into the sun - Eilean Corrach.

Andy Waddington

Landing on Eilean Dubh na Ciste

Eilean Dubh na Ciste is a rocky skerry at the NNE end of Bull Hole, a narrow channel and anchorage between Iona and the Ross of Mull. Its advantage from my perspective is that the two main rocks are linked by a small sandy tombolo beach which provides a convenient place to land a sea kayak and wander around getting the best views. This is the full extent of the beach - my back is almost against the rocks looking over my landing spot towards the bay south of Kintra.

Andy Waddington

Sand on Eilean Dubh na Ciste

Eilean Dubh na Ciste is a rocky skerry at the NNE end of Bull Hole, a narrow channel and anchorage between Iona and the Ross of Mull. Its advantage from my perspective is that the two main rocks are linked by a small sandy tombolo beach which provides a convenient place to land a sea kayak and wander around getting the best views. These are the rocks on the eastern edge of the beach, beyond which lie the shallow bays and rocky coast hiding the settlement of Kintra.

Andy Waddington

Passing Rubha na Reing, seen from the entrance of Garbh Phort

Taken during a paddle from Bunessan round to Fidden Farm on the Ross of Mull, the evening sun made for sore eyes paddling west, but provided great lighting looking back. The Ross of Mull Granite is here part of the RM1 zone of equigranular biotite monzogranite, well outside the zone with diorite xenoliths seen so well to the SW (eg. in Erraid). Reference: BGS Scotland Sheet 43S, "Ross of Mull", provisional series 1:50000, 1999. The lovely pink feldspars catch the rays of the setting sun, but the quartz crystals provide a rough time for any rock-hopping sea kayaker who gets a bit too close. There had been little swell to the east, protected by this small headland, but as we pass to its west, the conditions are getting a bit more interesting and we would meet some quite big waves as we headed for the Sound of Iona.

Andy Waddington

Rock-hopping towards Rubh na Cearc, Ross of Mull

Like most sea kayaking trips, we'd chosen our time of day to get the tides working for us - soon after this shot was taken, the ebb tide was whisking us south down the Sound of Iona with very little effort on our part. That meant that we were passing Rubha na Cearc close to the top of the tide (and getting towards evening). These skerries look a lot bigger on the map and on aerial photos which are mostly shot near low tide. Even with this much water covering them, the small swell was causing the occasional breaking wave, one of which had just knocked Pete somewhat off-course, needing a swift reactive steering stroke to avoid the biggest barnacle-encrusted bit of granite.

Andy Waddington