Gleannan a' Choit

Valley in Sutherland

Scotland

Gleannan a' Choit

Culag Community Woodland Trust shelter, Loch an t-Sabhail Appropriate for the "loch of the barn", the Trust have built this wooden framed shelter beside the loch. Quinag is the background hill.
Culag Community Woodland Trust shelter, Loch an t-Sabhail Credit: AlastairG

Gleannan a' Choit is a picturesque valley located in the county of Sutherland, in the Highland region of Scotland. Situated in the far north of the country, it is known for its stunning natural beauty and serene atmosphere.

The valley is nestled between rolling hills and mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It is characterized by its lush green meadows, sparkling rivers, and dense forests, which provide a haven for a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals.

Gleannan a' Choit is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering numerous opportunities for hiking, walking, and exploring the great outdoors. The valley is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to discover its hidden gems and soak in the tranquility of nature.

One of the main attractions in Gleannan a' Choit is a beautiful waterfall that cascades down the mountainside, creating a mesmerizing sight and a soothing soundtrack to accompany the valley's serenity. The waterfall is particularly impressive after heavy rainfall, when it gushes with even greater force.

The valley is also home to a small, close-knit community, with a handful of charming cottages dotted along its winding roads. The residents of Gleannan a' Choit value their connection to nature and take pride in preserving the area's natural beauty.

Overall, Gleannan a' Choit is a hidden gem in the Scottish Highlands, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and welcoming community make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

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

Gleannan a' Choit Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.193731/-5.1223765 or Grid Reference NC1627. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Culag Community Woodland Trust shelter, Loch an t-Sabhail Appropriate for the "loch of the barn", the Trust have built this wooden framed shelter beside the loch. Quinag is the background hill.
Culag Community Woodland Trust shelter, Loch an t-Sabhail
Appropriate for the "loch of the barn", the Trust have built this wooden framed shelter beside the loch. Quinag is the background hill.
Assynt path network On the other side of the burn, the post marks the junction of a deer track with one of the well-made Assynt paths. Quinag is the distant hill.
Assynt path network
On the other side of the burn, the post marks the junction of a deer track with one of the well-made Assynt paths. Quinag is the distant hill.
Assynt sheilings One of the easier photos to place with absolute certainty! The path, part of the Assynt path network, makes the walk up to the ruins easy.  Bealach a' Chornaidh on Quinag  is the obvious dip in the skyline behind the sheiling walls.
Assynt sheilings
One of the easier photos to place with absolute certainty! The path, part of the Assynt path network, makes the walk up to the ruins easy. Bealach a' Chornaidh on Quinag is the obvious dip in the skyline behind the sheiling walls.
Shallow valley in rough country This might be rough country with rock, bog and lochs, but the Little Assynt estate has created a network of good paths that make access easy. The long western flanks of Quinag in the distance.
Shallow valley in rough country
This might be rough country with rock, bog and lochs, but the Little Assynt estate has created a network of good paths that make access easy. The long western flanks of Quinag in the distance.
Ruins on the moor A series of ruins on a dry patch of moor. The OS map shows 'sheilings' in this area, although the shape of some of the ruins would suggest blackhouses.
Ruins on the moor
A series of ruins on a dry patch of moor. The OS map shows 'sheilings' in this area, although the shape of some of the ruins would suggest blackhouses.
Little Assynt estate path An excellent path that winds its way over low craggy hills and around lochans and bogs through the Little Assynt estate. The view here is along the path with Suilven on the skyline.
Little Assynt estate path
An excellent path that winds its way over low craggy hills and around lochans and bogs through the Little Assynt estate. The view here is along the path with Suilven on the skyline.
East from point 116m The well marked and maintained path through the area leads over two small hills, this view being from the 116m spot height, and which includes the other small rocky hill [the path can be seen to the left]  at 130m. The distant view is dominated by the long serrated ridge of Quirang, one of the finest mountains in the NW Highlands.
East from point 116m
The well marked and maintained path through the area leads over two small hills, this view being from the 116m spot height, and which includes the other small rocky hill [the path can be seen to the left] at 130m. The distant view is dominated by the long serrated ridge of Quirang, one of the finest mountains in the NW Highlands.
Old sheiling above Loch an t-Sabhail On the drier slopes above this loch are the remains of several sheilings. The question is, were they just summer pasture shelters or something more permanent?
Old sheiling above Loch an t-Sabhail
On the drier slopes above this loch are the remains of several sheilings. The question is, were they just summer pasture shelters or something more permanent?
Loch an t-Sabhail Small loch set amongst the knobbly terrain below Quinag.
Loch an t-Sabhail
Small loch set amongst the knobbly terrain below Quinag.
Path ascending from the lochside On one of the Little Assynt estate paths as it climbs a small rocky hill above Loch an t-Sabhail. Beyond the loch is its slightly larger neighbour, Loch an Ruighein, and beyond that again a line of small crags denote the edge of the promised land of a 'virgin' grid square.  This contributor did attempt to reach the square via the moor on the west side of the lochs, but after floundering in thick vegetation and bog for some time decided that the prize wasn't worth the effort.
Path ascending from the lochside
On one of the Little Assynt estate paths as it climbs a small rocky hill above Loch an t-Sabhail. Beyond the loch is its slightly larger neighbour, Loch an Ruighein, and beyond that again a line of small crags denote the edge of the promised land of a 'virgin' grid square. This contributor did attempt to reach the square via the moor on the west side of the lochs, but after floundering in thick vegetation and bog for some time decided that the prize wasn't worth the effort.
Unnamed lochan on the moor It would be a very hard task to count all the lochs and lochans on OS Explorer sheet 442, and it is not surprising that many are not named. However this lochan does provide some foreground interest in a fine view of Quinag's western flanks. This area which is part of the Little Assynt estate is surrounded by deer fences and there are efforts being made to encourage tree growth through natural seeding and through planting. However there are a few deer within the fenced area as we came across deer slots in mud.
Unnamed lochan on the moor
It would be a very hard task to count all the lochs and lochans on OS Explorer sheet 442, and it is not surprising that many are not named. However this lochan does provide some foreground interest in a fine view of Quinag's western flanks. This area which is part of the Little Assynt estate is surrounded by deer fences and there are efforts being made to encourage tree growth through natural seeding and through planting. However there are a few deer within the fenced area as we came across deer slots in mud.
Path into Assynt Estate
Path into Assynt Estate
Jetty by Loch Leitir Easaidh
Jetty by Loch Leitir Easaidh
Assynt sheiling
Assynt sheiling
Eilean an Sgudain A small tree covered island in Loch Assynt. The OS map shows extensive tree cover on the hilly land on the far shore, but that doesn't exist apart from the usual stunted birch and willow.
Eilean an Sgudain
A small tree covered island in Loch Assynt. The OS map shows extensive tree cover on the hilly land on the far shore, but that doesn't exist apart from the usual stunted birch and willow.
Along Loch Assynt Looking north east along the loch towards Quinag.
Along Loch Assynt
Looking north east along the loch towards Quinag.
Loch Assynt A gravelly spit of land on the west side of Loch Assynt gives the chance for views along the loch towards the cloud capped peaks of Quinag.
Loch Assynt
A gravelly spit of land on the west side of Loch Assynt gives the chance for views along the loch towards the cloud capped peaks of Quinag.
The A837 by Loch Assynt A fine road running eastwards from Lochinver and re-engineered in the 1970's. Not a lot of traffic about on this occasion. The telephoto shot brings the frowning cliffs of Quinag into close view.
The A837 by Loch Assynt
A fine road running eastwards from Lochinver and re-engineered in the 1970's. Not a lot of traffic about on this occasion. The telephoto shot brings the frowning cliffs of Quinag into close view.
Show me another place!

Gleannan a' Choit is located at Grid Ref: NC1627 (Lat: 58.193731, Lng: -5.1223765)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///edgy.shrubbery.decisions. Near Inchnadamph, Highland

Related Wikis

Loch Leitir Easaidh

Loch Leitir Easaidh is a small shallow irregular shaped freshwater lochan that flows directly into the northwestern end of Loch Assynt in Assynt, Sutherland...

Loch Beannach, Assynt

Loch Beannach is a small v-shaped loch, located 2 miles to the west of Loch Assynt and 3 miles northeast of Lochinver within the Assynt area of Sutherland...

Assynt Castle

Assynt Castle was a castle, located on Eilean Assynt located in Loch Assynt, Highland in Scotland. == History == The Murray of Culbin family held lands...

Assynt

Assynt (Scottish Gaelic: Asainn [ˈas̪ɪɲ] or Asainte [ˈas̪ɪɲtʲə]) is a sparsely populated area in the south-west of Sutherland, lying north of Ullapool...

Have you been to Gleannan a' Choit?

Leave your review of Gleannan a' Choit below (or comments, questions and feedback).