Clach Mhòr a Che

Heritage Site in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Clach Mhòr a Che

Floral machair The machair is a wonderful grassland ecosystem, that is fast getting quite rare as farming pratcises change. It houses a wide range of flowering plants and in summer is a wonderful sight.
Floral machair Credit: Malcolm Neal

Clach Mhòr a Che, located in Inverness-shire, Scotland, is a renowned heritage site that holds immense historical and cultural significance. The name Clach Mhòr a Che translates to "the great stone of the mist" in Gaelic, perfectly capturing the mysterious aura of this ancient standing stone.

This monumental megalith dates back to the Neolithic period, estimated to have been erected around 3,000 BC. Standing at an impressive height of over 4 meters, the stone is a striking and imposing presence in the landscape. It is believed to have served as a ceremonial or religious site for the early inhabitants of the region.

The stone itself is composed of local granite, and its surface is adorned with intricate carvings and symbols. Although their meaning remains enigmatic, these markings are undoubtedly a testament to the artistic and symbolic prowess of the people who created them.

Visitors to Clach Mhòr a Che can immerse themselves in the captivating atmosphere of this ancient site. The surrounding landscape offers breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands, further enhancing the experience. Interpretive plaques provide information about the historical context and significance of the stone, helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of its cultural and archaeological importance.

Clach Mhòr a Che stands as a tangible link to Scotland's ancient past, inviting visitors to contemplate the lives and customs of those who walked the land thousands of years ago. It is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, archaeology buffs, and anyone seeking a profound connection to the rich heritage of this remarkable region.

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Clach Mhòr a Che Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.572/-7.413 or Grid Reference NF7666. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Floral machair The machair is a wonderful grassland ecosystem, that is fast getting quite rare as farming pratcises change. It houses a wide range of flowering plants and in summer is a wonderful sight.
Floral machair
The machair is a wonderful grassland ecosystem, that is fast getting quite rare as farming pratcises change. It houses a wide range of flowering plants and in summer is a wonderful sight.
Loch Bruist One of the innumerable small lochs that dot the North Uist landscape.
Loch Bruist
One of the innumerable small lochs that dot the North Uist landscape.
Loch Ardheisgeir Tidal, freshwater or brackish? I suspect it is the last of these three, and like other near sea level lochs around the Uists [Loch Bi on South Uist is a good example] it might be invaded by seawater on high spring tides.
Loch Ardheisgeir
Tidal, freshwater or brackish? I suspect it is the last of these three, and like other near sea level lochs around the Uists [Loch Bi on South Uist is a good example] it might be invaded by seawater on high spring tides.
Miles of sand - Caolas Phaibell Looking out across the tidal flats between 'mainland' North Uist and the island of Kirkibost, which is off picture to the right.
Miles of sand - Caolas Phaibell
Looking out across the tidal flats between 'mainland' North Uist and the island of Kirkibost, which is off picture to the right.
Sand and sea channels Oitir Mhor Large areas of sand between 'mainland' North Uist and the sandy island of Kirkibost, the dunes on that island being visible to the right.
Sand and sea channels Oitir Mhor
Large areas of sand between 'mainland' North Uist and the sandy island of Kirkibost, the dunes on that island being visible to the right.
Shoreline at Sgeir a' Chotain As one heads south westwards along this beach, so white sand tends to give way to pebble and seaweed. The northern end of Kirkibost Island is to the left, whilst to the south the view is towards the big hills of South Uist, the low island of Benbecula hardly showing at all.
Shoreline at Sgeir a' Chotain
As one heads south westwards along this beach, so white sand tends to give way to pebble and seaweed. The northern end of Kirkibost Island is to the left, whilst to the south the view is towards the big hills of South Uist, the low island of Benbecula hardly showing at all.
Looking south east towards Oitir Fhiadhaich A seawater channel separates the camera position from the sandbank of Oitir Fhiadhaich with the north west end of Kirkibost Island beyond. In the distance is Ruabhal, the only hill of note on Benbecula.
Looking south east towards Oitir Fhiadhaich
A seawater channel separates the camera position from the sandbank of Oitir Fhiadhaich with the north west end of Kirkibost Island beyond. In the distance is Ruabhal, the only hill of note on Benbecula.
Vehicle graveyard One of many little out of the way corners on the Uists where old and unwanted vehicles come to die. Is there no scrap yard on the Western isles?
Vehicle graveyard
One of many little out of the way corners on the Uists where old and unwanted vehicles come to die. Is there no scrap yard on the Western isles?
Sand, sea and Kirkibost Island
Sand, sea and Kirkibost Island
Westford Inn Substantial stone house at Claddach on the west coast of North Uist - an inn and a B&B.
Westford Inn
Substantial stone house at Claddach on the west coast of North Uist - an inn and a B&B.
Eilean Chirceboist / Kirkibost Island View across the silvery sands and shifting waters off Cladach Chirceboist towards the islet of Chirceboist / Kirkibost. Taken from the garden of a little hall which also serves as a café and nursery.
Eilean Chirceboist / Kirkibost Island
View across the silvery sands and shifting waters off Cladach Chirceboist towards the islet of Chirceboist / Kirkibost. Taken from the garden of a little hall which also serves as a café and nursery.
The flat isle of Kirkibost Kirkibost (Chirceboist) is a generally very flat island off the western coast of North Uist, though sand dunes at the southern end do give it some height. (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2644175">NF7664 : Eilean Chirceboist / Kirkibost Island</a>)
The tiny dark triangular structures roughly in the centre of the island as seen here, are I believe the ruins of former dwellings on the island at the subject reference I have given for the photo.
The flat isle of Kirkibost
Kirkibost (Chirceboist) is a generally very flat island off the western coast of North Uist, though sand dunes at the southern end do give it some height. (see NF7664 : Eilean Chirceboist / Kirkibost Island) The tiny dark triangular structures roughly in the centre of the island as seen here, are I believe the ruins of former dwellings on the island at the subject reference I have given for the photo.
Loch nan Athan
Loch nan Athan
Moor track by Loch Dubhasairidh An access route over wet boggy ground to the peat cuttings
Moor track by Loch Dubhasairidh
An access route over wet boggy ground to the peat cuttings
Abandoned house, Cladach a' Chaolais Old housing stock on the west side of North Uist.
Abandoned house, Cladach a' Chaolais
Old housing stock on the west side of North Uist.
New road surface, A865 Newly resurfaced single track road.
New road surface, A865
Newly resurfaced single track road.
Loch Ardheisker A loch which is accessible to the higher tides. A greylag goose and some oystercatchers feed by the shore.
Loch Ardheisker
A loch which is accessible to the higher tides. A greylag goose and some oystercatchers feed by the shore.
Cladach Chnoc a Lin Ruins of black houses on the shoreline. The distant hills are Hecla and Beinn Mhòr on South Uist.
Cladach Chnoc a Lin
Ruins of black houses on the shoreline. The distant hills are Hecla and Beinn Mhòr on South Uist.
Show me another place!

Clach Mhòr a Che is located at Grid Ref: NF7666 (Lat: 57.572, Lng: -7.413)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///contexts.strictest.harmony. Near Balivanich, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.572,-7.413
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.5748148/-7.4087053
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.5743286/-7.4083271
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.5753383/-7.4090701
Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 57.5727158/-7.4054747
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.5722475/-7.4053043
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.5714089/-7.4074541
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.5718663/-7.4062739
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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