Crianan Mòr

Island in Ross-shire

Scotland

Crianan Mòr

Traigh MhÃ²r Beach Traigh Mhòr Beach, Isle of Lewis, looking north towards cliffs round to Garry Beach — Traigh MhÃ²r Beach Credit: Adam Forsyth

Crianan Mòr is a small island located off the coast of Ross-shire, Scotland. It lies in the North Atlantic Ocean and is part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago. The island is situated approximately 3 miles west of the mainland and covers an area of around 20 acres.

The geography of Crianan Mòr is characterized by its rugged and rocky landscape. It has steep cliffs that surround most of the island, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding sea and the nearby mainland. The island is uninhabited by humans, but it serves as an important nesting site for various seabird species, including guillemots, razorbills, and puffins.

Access to Crianan Mòr is mainly by boat, and it is a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts and those seeking solitude in a remote natural setting. The island's isolation and lack of amenities make it a perfect spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Aside from its natural beauty and wildlife, Crianan Mòr is also known for its historical significance. The remains of a medieval chapel and a fortification dating back to the Iron Age can be found on the island. These archaeological sites provide a glimpse into the island's rich past and its importance in the region's history.

In summary, Crianan Mòr is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Ross-shire, Scotland. With its rugged cliffs, diverse birdlife, and historical sites, it offers visitors a unique and peaceful experience in the midst of nature.

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Crianan Mòr Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.365453/-6.210079 or Grid Reference NB5349. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Traigh MhÃ²r Beach

Traigh Mhòr Beach, Isle of Lewis, looking north towards cliffs round to Garry Beach

Adam Forsyth

Lewis Coastal path

Ralph Greig

The real bridge to nowhere

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A secret bothy

The coast of Lewis

Lewis coastline

Old building on Lewis

Ralph Greig

A private beach

Ralph Greig

Abhainn Ghearadha (Garry River)

Abhainn Ghearadha drains a gentle boggy glen on to Tràigh Ghearadha (Garry Beach). This is the view of the river from Lord Leverhulme's NB5350 : A Bridge to Nowhere.

Anne Burgess

Abandoned Vehicle

This looks like the remains of one of those little 4wd things with roll-over bars. Presumably it expired or got irrevocably stuck in the bog here on Cnocan Ruairidh, and, not being visible from the public road, has escaped the attention of the council's collectors of rusting metal.

Anne Burgess

Nameless Glen

The map doesn't name this rather featureless glen, though it does manage to name the river that drains it as Abhainn Ghearadha (River Garry).

Anne Burgess

Bella Chnoc

Looking across the glen of the Abhiann Ghearadha from Cnocan Ruairidh. The slope on the far side of the glen is named as Bella Chnoc on the 1:25,000 map. This is a very odd-looking name because Gaelic, at least according to my dictionary, has no words beginning 'b' then 'e' then a consonant.

Anne Burgess

TrÃ igh Ghearadha (Garry Beach)

This is one of the most beautiful of the beaches on the east coast of Lewis. The car park at lower right is the very end of the public road, and rather to my surprise the bus runs all the way to here. The grid line actually bisects the beach.

Anne Burgess

A Bridge to Nowhere

Lord Leverhulme's plan was to build a road all the way up the east coast of Lewis, but the final stretch, from Tràigh Ghearadha to Sgiogarstaigh near the Butt of Lewis, was never completed. This bridge was built to carry the road across the Abhainn Ghearadha, and it is still possible to drive over it, but no further, with an ordinary car.

Anne Burgess

River Garry Bridge, Tolsta

"The Bridge to Nowhere" as the road just north of the bridge degenerates into a path / track to Ness. Lord Leverhulme funded this fine concrete span across the Abhainn Ghearda but his plans for the coast road to Ness succumbed to costs and lack of labour after WW1. The subject of whether this road should now be built is being officially discussed by local authorities on Lewis (2011).

Colin Smith

Moorland West of Cnoc Mor

The Tolsta-Ness path, just north of the footbridge across the Abhainn na Cloich, soon degenerates into a narrow grassy path on the heather moorland. About 10 kilometres further north, it once again becomes hard-surfaced.

Colin Smith