Croidh-La

Hill, Mountain in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Croidh-La

A green splash in Glen Tromie In contrast with the rough sedge moorland and the wooded or rocky slopes above, the lush vegetation on the inside of this long bend in the River Tromie perhaps explains the siting of the (now ruined) settlement of Lynacragan. There&#039;s no agriculture this far up the glen nowadays, although apiculture seems alive and well, with at least two groups of over two dozen hives in each, near to the estate road to make heather honey. — A green splash in Glen Tromie Credit: Andy Waddington

Croidh-La is a prominent hill located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. It is situated in the western part of the county, approximately 15 kilometers southwest of the town of Fort William. Croidh-La is part of the Grampian Mountains, which are renowned for their picturesque landscapes and challenging hiking trails.

Standing at an elevation of 1,069 meters (3,507 feet), Croidh-La offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. Its distinct triangular shape and rocky terrain make it a distinctive landmark in Inverness-shire. The hill is primarily composed of granite, which adds to its rugged and imposing appearance.

The ascent to the summit of Croidh-La can be challenging, requiring a moderate level of fitness and experience in hillwalking. However, the reward is well worth the effort, as on clear days, hikers are treated to breathtaking vistas of Loch Linnhe and the nearby mountain ranges, including Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles.

Croidh-La is also known for its rich biodiversity. The hill is home to a variety of plant species, including heather, bilberry, and crowberry, which add vibrant colors to the landscape. Wildlife enthusiasts may also spot red deer, mountain hares, and various bird species, such as golden eagles and ptarmigans, during their hike.

Given its stunning views, challenging trails, and diverse flora and fauna, Croidh-La is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking to explore the natural beauty of Inverness-shire.

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Croidh-La Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.029129/-4.0187443 or Grid Reference NN7794. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A green splash in Glen Tromie

In contrast with the rough sedge moorland and the wooded or rocky slopes above, the lush vegetation on the inside of this long bend in the River Tromie perhaps explains the siting of the (now ruined) settlement of Lynacragan. There's no agriculture this far up the glen nowadays, although apiculture seems alive and well, with at least two groups of over two dozen hives in each, near to the estate road to make heather honey.

Andy Waddington

Lynaberack, loved but locked

The last remaining building of Lynaberack seems well looked after and the recently cut grass in front suggests that it is in use as well as in good condition. However a couple cycling down the glen from the Pass of Gaick a few minutes behind me arrived hoping to find it was in use as a bothy and were disappointed that it was locked. No doubt tourist visitors such as ourselves are inimical to the shooting interests and mid-September is still in the partial annihilation season for grouse. Maybe in some utopian future it will be in use as accommodation for eco-tourists coming in hope of seeing the wildcats, beavers, lynx, wolves and bears... one can but hope.

Andy Waddington

Farming in lower Glen Tromie

This is the first evidence, coming down the glen, of any kind of economic activity not obviously involving the use of firearms to slaughter wildlife. Although no livestock were in view, it certainly looks like grazing...

Andy Waddington

River Tromie

Just downstream from the bridge leading to Glentromie Lodge, the river is shallow with boulder obstacles and some tree hazard and in this view has nowhere near enough water to paddle. The rowans are in full fruit, but other riverside trees are clearly dead. It looks likely that in this case it's just part of the normal cycle of life by the riverside.

Andy Waddington

On Clach-mheall - view towards Meallach Mhor & Meallach Bheag

Meallach Mhor is in the centre of this photograph. A rough track passes between the two summits and can be followed over Clach-mheall but it is quite faint on the ground.

Colin Park

Trig Point on Croidh-la

At a late stage, around 1958, the secondary triangulation of Great Britain had progressed to the Highlands of Scotland, it was necessary to design a new and lighter pillar, cylindrical in shape, in order to avoid excessive transport costs. These round pillars, usually called 'Vanessas', or sometimes 'Branders' or 'Kelsey Columns', were considered "less aesthetically satisfying" than the standard pillar, so they were only placed in inaccessible locations to "reduce the risk of criticism from the more sensitive element of the population to an acceptable level." Vanessa pillars weigh around 6½ cwt, less than half of a typical Hotine pillar (14 cwt), and did not require such a large foundation, making them ideal for the rocky outcrops of the Scottish Highlands. 'Vanessas' are so-called because of a mispronunciation of 'Venesta', the name of the company which produced the tubes which the concrete was poured into. 'Kelsey' was the officer who commissioned the design of these pillars. (source Wikipedia)

Colin Park

Path through heather, Croidh-La in distance

thejackrustles

Views from path to Croidh-La

thejackrustles

Wide open gate and deer fencing

I met a lovely guy at the top who told me that the deer fencing is being taken down as part of a re-wilding project, carbon offsetting. Apparently the landowner owns most of the land in Scotland (and probably beyond)

thejackrustles