Observatory Gully

Valley in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Observatory Gully

Bealach Cumhann Between Ben Nevis and Meall Cumhann. Gives a glimpse of Aonach Beag, or at least the cloud its hiding in. — Bealach Cumhann Credit: Richard Webb

Observatory Gully is a prominent feature located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. It is a steep-sided valley nestled within the rugged and picturesque landscape of the Scottish Highlands. The gully stretches for approximately 1.5 kilometers, running from the summit of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, down to the floor of Glen Nevis.

The name "Observatory Gully" stems from the historical use of the area as a vantage point for scientific and meteorological observations. In the 19th century, an observatory was established in the vicinity to study the weather patterns and atmospheric conditions of the region. Today, the remnants of the observatory can still be seen, adding to the historical charm of the gully.

The terrain of Observatory Gully is characterized by its steep slopes, scree, and loose rocks, which pose a challenge to hikers and mountaineers. The gully is known for its difficult and technical climbing routes, attracting experienced climbers from around the world. The infamous "Observatory Ridge" is a popular climbing route that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Due to its elevation and exposure to the elements, Observatory Gully experiences harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and rapid changes in temperature. It is advisable for visitors to be well-prepared and equipped with appropriate gear when venturing into the gully.

Despite the challenging nature of the terrain, Observatory Gully is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and stunning natural beauty. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of the Scottish Highlands and explore the rich mountaineering history of the area.

Show me another place!

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

Observatory Gully Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.799532/-5.003546 or Grid Reference NN1671. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bealach Cumhann

Between Ben Nevis and Meall Cumhann. Gives a glimpse of Aonach Beag, or at least the cloud its hiding in.

Richard Webb

Allt Coire Eoghainn

Waterfall in Glen Nevis

David Dixon

Upper part of the Allt Coire Eoghainn waterslide

The Allt Coire Eoghainn drops over 450m in 1km horizontal distance at a fairly uniform gradient, tumbling down slabby rocks on the lower slopes of Ben Nevis.

Jim Barton

Allt Coire Eoghainn and Carn Dearg

Chris Morgan

Bealach Cumhann

Looking to the Mamores.

Alan Reid

Allt Coire Eoghainn

Steven Skilbeck

Stony ridge rising to summit of Carn MÃ²r Dearg

The summit of Carn Mòr Dearg viewed along the ridge from the minor top, Carn Dearg Meadhonach. The rock tower at the right side of the image is the north-east buttress of Ben Nevis which leads to its summit.

Trevor Littlewood

Carn MÃ²r Dearg Arete rising for summit of Ben Nevis

The arete is well known as the obvious route connecting the mountains Carn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis; it gives an easy scramble. There's a walker on the near rocks at the left side of the ridge which gives some scale to the scene. The rock tower is the north-east buttress of Ben Nevis; in the image it gives the impression that the summit of 'The Ben' will be at the sharp point of a cone; in fact the actual summit area is quite flat!

Trevor Littlewood

Walkers Traversing the Carn Mor Dearg Arete, Scottish Highlands

The Carn Mor Dearg Arete is a ridge running between the peaks of Carn Mor Dearg and Ben Nevis in the Scottish Highlands

Andrew Tryon

Footpath on Carn Beag Dearg, Scottish Highlands

The footpath from the north face car park below ascends Carn Beag Dearg, part of the route leading towards the Carn Mor Dearg Arete and Ben Nevis.

Andrew Tryon

Carn Mor Dearg, Scottish Highlands

The summit of the munro Carn Mor Dearg, viewed from the peak of Carn Dearg Meadhonach. At 1220 m (4003 ft) Carn Mor Dearg is the ninth highest mountain in Scotland, and is located just 1 mile to the east of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain.

Andrew Tryon

On the Carn Mor Dearg Arete, Scottish Highlands

View facing west along the Arete, which is the ridge linking Carn Mor Dearg to Ben Nevis. The ridge is steep to the north, but always less so to the south.

Andrew Tryon