Gleann Cnoc nam Mèirleach

Valley in Argyllshire

Scotland

Gleann 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

Gleann Cnoc nam Mèirleach, also known as the Valley of the Thieves, is a captivating valley located in Argyllshire, Scotland. Nestled amidst the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, this valley is renowned for its natural beauty and rich historical significance.

Surrounded by towering mountains and lush greenery, Gleann Cnoc nam Mèirleach offers a picturesque landscape that attracts nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. The valley is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species such as red deer, golden eagles, and otters. The tranquil River Fyne flows through the valley, adding to its scenic charm.

Aside from its natural beauty, Gleann Cnoc nam Mèirleach bears a remarkable historical legacy. The valley's name, meaning "Valley of the Thieves," suggests a history of hidden treasures and banditry. It is said that outlaws sought refuge in this remote location, taking advantage of its rugged terrain and dense forests. These tales of legend add an air of mystery to the valley.

Visitors to Gleann Cnoc nam Mèirleach can explore the valley through various hiking trails and walking routes. The valley's trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the opportunity to witness the diverse wildlife that inhabits this region. Additionally, the valley provides opportunities for camping, fishing, and picnicking, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

In conclusion, Gleann Cnoc nam Mèirleach is a captivating valley in Argyllshire, Scotland, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich history make it a must-visit location for those seeking an authentic Scottish experience.

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Gleann Cnoc nam Mèirleach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.611628/-6.3250382 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.
Path from the American Monument A waymarked path on the Mull of Oa.
Path from the American Monument
A waymarked path on the Mull of Oa.
Path to the American Monument The wet path at the Mull of Oa is being upgraded but there are still some very wet bits.
Path to the American Monument
The wet path at the Mull of Oa is being upgraded but there are still some very wet bits.
Bog near Kinnabus Peat cuttings.
Bog near Kinnabus
Peat cuttings.
Cliffs at the Mull of Oa These are the Oa cliffs looking north.
Cliffs at the Mull of Oa
These are the Oa cliffs looking north.
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.
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Gleann Cnoc nam Mèirleach is located at Grid Ref: NR2743 (Lat: 55.611628, Lng: -6.3250382)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///iterative.gates.patching. Near Port Ellen, Argyll & Bute

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