Cleit Mhòr

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Cleit Mhòr

Steiseigh and nearby rocks This is a wide, shallow sea, with a big difference in what&#039;s visible at high and low tide. Here, we&#039;re somewhere between the two, and a few rocks are already showing. — Steiseigh and nearby rocks Credit: Toby Speight

Cleit Mhòr is a small island located off the west coast of Scotland in Inverness-shire. It belongs to the Inner Hebrides archipelago and is situated in the Sound of Raasay, between the Isle of Skye and the Scottish mainland. With an area of about 50 hectares, Cleit Mhòr is relatively small but boasts stunning natural beauty and a rich history.

The island is characterized by rugged cliffs, rocky shores, and rolling green hills. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and occasional sightings of dolphins and whales. The landscape offers breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and neighboring islands.

In terms of human habitation, Cleit Mhòr has a fascinating history. Archaeological remains suggest that the island has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of ancient stone structures and burial sites. In more recent centuries, the island was used for farming and grazing livestock.

Today, Cleit Mhòr is uninhabited and serves as a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers. The island provides opportunities for coastal walks, birdwatching, and photography. Visitors can explore the diverse flora and fauna, as well as appreciate the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere that the island offers.

Access to Cleit Mhòr is primarily by boat, with regular ferry services available from nearby ports. Accommodation options are limited on the island itself, but there are various lodging options available on the mainland and neighboring islands for those interested in spending more time exploring the area.

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Cleit Mhòr Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.400667/-7.2332486 or Grid Reference NF8546. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Steiseigh and nearby rocks

This is a wide, shallow sea, with a big difference in what's visible at high and low tide. Here, we're somewhere between the two, and a few rocks are already showing.

Toby Speight

Mystery harbour, Benbecula

This loch is named as Oban Crothintin on the larger scale OS maps. The inlet shown in the photo has been built up on the southern side as if to make some sort of landing stage. The mystery is that, although it is tidal, the burn leading from the loch to the sea is very narrow, barely wide enough to get a rowing boat through at high spring tides. If a boat required sheltered moorings, the bay on the other side of the road offers that in abundance with a much easier passage to the open water.

AlastairG

New track on Benbecula

Neither the OS maps nor Google Earth show this track alongside Loch an Droma bho Dheas. It seems to have been constructed to gain access to a building which looked to be in the process of renovation.

AlastairG

Loch an Droma bho Deas

This is the continuation of the track shown in NF8447 : New track on Benbecula The chimneys of the house under restoration can just be seen on the skyline on the right at the end on the loch.

AlastairG

Extreme weather precautions on Benbecula

This belt and braces job speaks volumes about the anticipated wind conditions on Benbecula ....and, yes, the other side is just the same. The loch is loch an Droma bho Deas.

AlastairG

Loch an Droma bho Deas, Benbecula

The colour of the water is misleading. Unlike nearby lochs, this one has a fringe of unpleasant filamentous algae and the water itself is quite turbid. This reason for this could be the presence of a large number of geese and swans with their resultant deposits. This would be made worse by the lack of meaningful rain for about two months. A pity as it's in a lovely setting.

AlastairG

Dying loch, Benbecula

This loch is near the end of its life. What was once open water has gone through a series of changes, each of which alters the habitat, allowing other plant types to become established. As the submerged plants die each year, for example, their remains accumulate, making the water shallower allowing emergent species e.g. bogbean to grow. These changes are known as a hydrosere and will eventually result in a flat area which will support the climax community for the area, often woodland.

AlastairG

Dying loch, Benbecula

This shows the next stage of succession after that shown in NF8447 : Dying loch, Benbecula The flag iris bases would certainly allow someone to walk across what had been open water. The time taken for these changes to occur can vary greatly. In some circumstances, the habitat can reach this stage in as little as twenty years.

AlastairG

Causeway by Loch Chill Eireabhaigh

Compare with this similar view in 2008 [Link].

Richard Sutcliffe

Cotton grass and tidal inlets

Looking north from one of the tiny islets connected by causeways on the B891 towards Eilean Dubh Fo Thuath and the distant hill of Ruabhal.

Gordon Hatton

Small boats at rest, Port Pheadair

Small boats at anchor in the channel between Eilean na Cille and Fodragaigh. Would I be able to add the latter island to my growing list of island 'bags'? Not with the tide coming in and areas of exposed slippery rocks covered in weed.

Gordon Hatton