Cnoc an t-Searraich

Hill, Mountain in Ross-shire

Scotland

Cnoc an t-Searraich

Thatched Cottage on Loch Duich Although I have stated that this cottage is on Loch Duich this bit of the pebble beach might actually be the beginning of the banks of Loch Alsh. The sea loch changes its name at some indeterminate point about here when its direction near enough follows a 90° bend. Loch Alsh is the bit nearest the sea.
A large proportion of the properties round here are either bed and breakfasts or self-catering. This one was obviously self-catering, and is part of a small collection of houses that make up Lower Ardelve.
The houses round here are a strange mix of older ones, which go from fairly dilapidated to very well-maintained, and newer ones, which sometimes blend in but at other times are obviously designed to make a status statement!
So it is quite common to see a showy newbuild next to a very functional home with a corrugated metal roof which could easily be mistaken for a scout hut.
The seaweed on the beech is a type of egg-wrack. Unlike most seaweeds it doesn&#039;t attach itself to pebbles on the beach or seabed. It just floats when the tide comes in. The big length of seaweed in the picture is actually formed from hundreds of individual plants, mostly around two feet long. This type of free-floating egg-wrack can be found at various locations on the West coast of Scotland but apparently right here is one of its hotspots, so to speak. — Thatched Cottage on Loch Duich Credit: Ian Dodds

Cnoc an t-Searraich, also known as "The Hill of the Foals," is a prominent hill located in Ross-shire, Scotland. It is situated within the broader region of the Scottish Highlands, known for its rugged and picturesque landscapes. Rising to an elevation of approximately 442 meters (1,450 feet), Cnoc an t-Searraich offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The hill is characterized by its distinctive shape, with a gently sloping eastern side and a steeper western face. Its name, "The Hill of the Foals," originates from the Gaelic word "searraich," which means foals. Legend has it that the hill was a gathering place for wild horses in the past, hence the name.

The ascent to Cnoc an t-Searraich is relatively straightforward and can be accessed from various starting points, including nearby villages such as Achnasheen or Kinlochewe. The route takes hikers through a mixture of heather-clad moorland, rocky outcrops, and grassy slopes. As they ascend, visitors may encounter a variety of wildlife, including red deer, mountain hares, and golden eagles.

Upon reaching the summit, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views across the surrounding countryside, including the picturesque Loch Maree and the Torridon mountain range. On clear days, it is even possible to see as far as the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides.

Cnoc an t-Searraich provides a wonderful opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands, offering a memorable experience for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil escape.

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Cnoc an t-Searraich Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.289304/-5.5349054 or Grid Reference NG8727. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Thatched Cottage on Loch Duich

Although I have stated that this cottage is on Loch Duich this bit of the pebble beach might actually be the beginning of the banks of Loch Alsh. The sea loch changes its name at some indeterminate point about here when its direction near enough follows a 90° bend. Loch Alsh is the bit nearest the sea. A large proportion of the properties round here are either bed and breakfasts or self-catering. This one was obviously self-catering, and is part of a small collection of houses that make up Lower Ardelve. The houses round here are a strange mix of older ones, which go from fairly dilapidated to very well-maintained, and newer ones, which sometimes blend in but at other times are obviously designed to make a status statement! So it is quite common to see a showy newbuild next to a very functional home with a corrugated metal roof which could easily be mistaken for a scout hut. The seaweed on the beech is a type of egg-wrack. Unlike most seaweeds it doesn't attach itself to pebbles on the beach or seabed. It just floats when the tide comes in. The big length of seaweed in the picture is actually formed from hundreds of individual plants, mostly around two feet long. This type of free-floating egg-wrack can be found at various locations on the West coast of Scotland but apparently right here is one of its hotspots, so to speak.

Ian Dodds

A87 at Nostie Bridge

Steven Brown

A87 near Ardelve

Steven Brown

Minor road to Ardelve

Steven Brown

Loch Long Bridge (Dornie New Bridge)

The current bridge carrying the A87 across Loch Long between Dornie and Ardelve was opened in 1990, providing a two-way road in place of the narrower old structure a little upstream. It consists of ten spans across the river, supported by pairs of concrete piers under the deck. The old bridge was a single-track concrete structure, which spanned from the middle of Dornie Village to immediately north of the new bridge on the Ardelve side. Nothing now remains of the old bridge, as it was removed soon after the new bridge opened. The new road, bypassing Carr Brae, had been built some years earlier.

David Dixon

Loch Long Shore near Dornie

Looking across Loch Long towards Ardelve Point.

David Dixon

Natural Harbour at Conchra

It has just started to clear out after a wet day in the west highlands. This is the view from near Conchra and its natural harbour. The tiny settlement of Bundalloch can be seen across Loch Long and beyond the hills either side of River Glennan.

Adam Ward

Westbound A87 near to Nostie

The A87 is a primary route in the Highland region of Scotland. It runs west for 99 miles from its junction with the A82 at Invergarry, along the north shores of Loch Garry and Loch Cluanie, then through Glen Shiel and along Loch Duich to Kyle of Lochalsh before crossing the Skye Bridge to Kyleakin, Broadford, and Portree, before terminating at Uig in the north of the Isle of Skye.

David Dixon

A87 at Nostie Bridge

David Dixon

A890 above Auchtertyre

After leaving the A87 at Auchtertyre, the A890 rises steeply through the rocky terrain.

David Dixon

A890, Gleann Udalain

The A890 is a non-primary cross-country route in sparsely populated, mountainous terrain from Lochalsh and Skye on the west coast of the Highlands to Achnasheen where it joins the A832 to Inverness. Like many Highland roads, the A890 was entirely single track until the 1960s, but road improvements in recent years (along with improvements on the A832) have made it increasingly popular as an alternative route between Inverness and the Isle of Skye, avoiding the A82 along Loch Ness. It is also an important route for residents of the Lochalsh, Applecross and Strathcarron areas, connecting them to the services of Kyle of Lochalsh , as well as the High School in Plockton.

David Dixon

Lochalsh Free Church of Scotland (Continuing)

David Brown

A corner of Loch Long

David Brown

Manuella's Wee Bakery, Ardelve

David Brown

A87 near Ardelve

Steven Brown

The A890 near Loch Alsh. 1966

Then a single carriageway road, photographed from a Passing place whilst waiting for a vehicle coming up hill. Note the white post near the centre of the picture, this marks the next passing place.

Peter Jeffery