Tobar Chaluim Chille

Heritage Site in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Tobar Chaluim Chille

A865 road by Traigh Athmor And another of those square "Passing Place" signs;  I much prefer the diamond shaped ones!
A865 road by Traigh Athmor Credit: Gordon Brown

Tobar Chaluim Chille, also known as St. Columba's Well, is a significant heritage site located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. This ancient well holds great historical and religious importance and is associated with the renowned Irish missionary, St. Columba.

Situated in a serene and picturesque setting, Tobar Chaluim Chille is nestled amidst lush greenery and rolling hills. It is believed to have been a sacred site for centuries, attracting pilgrims and worshippers from near and far. The well is associated with various legends and miracles attributed to St. Columba, who is said to have visited the site and blessed the water.

Tobar Chaluim Chille is characterized by its small stone-walled enclosure, protecting the well from the elements. The well itself is a simple stone structure, with a small opening through which the water flows. Visitors often leave small tokens or offerings near the well, reflecting the continuing spiritual significance of the site.

In addition to its religious and historical importance, Tobar Chaluim Chille is also renowned for its natural beauty. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and breathtaking vistas, it offers a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere for visitors to reflect and connect with nature.

Access to Tobar Chaluim Chille is relatively easy, with a short walk from a nearby parking area. Interpretive signage provides information about the site's history and significance.

Overall, Tobar Chaluim Chille is a cherished heritage site, revered for its religious, historical, and natural value. It continues to attract visitors seeking solace, inspiration, and a connection to the ancient traditions of Scotland.

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Tobar Chaluim Chille Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.662/-7.24 or Grid Reference NF8775. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A865 road by Traigh Athmor And another of those square "Passing Place" signs;  I much prefer the diamond shaped ones!
A865 road by Traigh Athmor
And another of those square "Passing Place" signs; I much prefer the diamond shaped ones!
Salt marsh at Trumaisgearraidh With a good flowering of Thrift [Armeria maritima].
Salt marsh at Trumaisgearraidh
With a good flowering of Thrift [Armeria maritima].
Thrift on North Uist Good flowering on a salt marsh at Trumaisgearraidh. Growing with Sea Plantain.
Thrift on North Uist
Good flowering on a salt marsh at Trumaisgearraidh. Growing with Sea Plantain.
Thrift and Sea Plantain Armeria maritima and Plantago maritima on the salt marsh at Trumaisgearraidh.
Thrift and Sea Plantain
Armeria maritima and Plantago maritima on the salt marsh at Trumaisgearraidh.
Sea pinks, North Uist If you're lucky enough to be there at the right time, it's an amazing display.
Sea pinks, North Uist
If you're lucky enough to be there at the right time, it's an amazing display.
Loch na Leacaich Shoreline A view along the shoreline of Loch na Leacaich, with the peaked hill of Crogearraidh Mor is the far distance.
Loch na Leacaich Shoreline
A view along the shoreline of Loch na Leacaich, with the peaked hill of Crogearraidh Mor is the far distance.
Old graveyard at Clachan Sanda This also contains the ruin of St Columba's Chapel.
Old graveyard at Clachan Sanda
This also contains the ruin of St Columba's Chapel.
Machair and beach at Traigh Lingeigh The machair is white and yellow with flowers at this time.
Machair and beach at Traigh Lingeigh
The machair is white and yellow with flowers at this time.
Traigh Hornais Miles of sand and not a soul to be seen - that's Hebridean beaches for you.
Traigh Hornais
Miles of sand and not a soul to be seen - that's Hebridean beaches for you.
Gentle breakers on Traigh Hornais And the whole beach to ourselves - that's Hebridean beaches for you.
Gentle breakers on Traigh Hornais
And the whole beach to ourselves - that's Hebridean beaches for you.
Traigh Hornais dunes approaching Corran Bhalaig It was refreshing to see absolutely no trace of plastic waste on this and other Hebridean beaches.
Traigh Hornais dunes approaching Corran Bhalaig
It was refreshing to see absolutely no trace of plastic waste on this and other Hebridean beaches.
Near miss by a rainstorm On Traigh Hornais we were lucky to avoid a soaking from this near miss;  someone 'over there' was getting wet!
Near miss by a rainstorm
On Traigh Hornais we were lucky to avoid a soaking from this near miss; someone 'over there' was getting wet!
Orchids in the machair at Hornais There was a profusion of these deep pink orchids growing in the machair.  My very limited flower book did not give me a clear definition but helpful Geograph contributors in the Discussion Forum are of the view that it is either Dactylorhiza ebudensis or Dactylorhiza incarnata ssp. coccinea.
Orchids in the machair at Hornais
There was a profusion of these deep pink orchids growing in the machair. My very limited flower book did not give me a clear definition but helpful Geograph contributors in the Discussion Forum are of the view that it is either Dactylorhiza ebudensis or Dactylorhiza incarnata ssp. coccinea.
Old Milestone by the B893, Clachan Farm, North Uist Granite slab by the B893, in parish of North Uist (North Uist District), Clachan Farm, on verge opposite lane to farm.

Inscription not recorded on O.S. maps.

Surveyed

Milestone Society National ID: WI_NULMBY07
Old Milestone by the B893, Clachan Farm, North Uist
Granite slab by the B893, in parish of North Uist (North Uist District), Clachan Farm, on verge opposite lane to farm. Inscription not recorded on O.S. maps. Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: WI_NULMBY07
Clach an t-Sagairt [with oystercatcher] The name translates as the 'Priest's Stone' and the incised cross [see detailed photo] may be early medieval.
Clach an t-Sagairt [with oystercatcher]
The name translates as the 'Priest's Stone' and the incised cross [see detailed photo] may be early medieval.
Cross on Clach an t-Sagairt A close up view of the incised cross on this large block of gneiss, the name of which translates as the 'Priest's Stone'.
Cross on Clach an t-Sagairt
A close up view of the incised cross on this large block of gneiss, the name of which translates as the 'Priest's Stone'.
Traigh Hornais Another beautiful but deserted beach on North Uist. Who needs Barbados?
Traigh Hornais
Another beautiful but deserted beach on North Uist. Who needs Barbados?
Traigh Lingeigh Taken on a relatively busy day. Look carefully and you might just spot the wind surfer left of centre. The green island to the left is Lingeigh.
Traigh Lingeigh
Taken on a relatively busy day. Look carefully and you might just spot the wind surfer left of centre. The green island to the left is Lingeigh.
Show me another place!

Tobar Chaluim Chille is located at Grid Ref: NF8775 (Lat: 57.662, Lng: -7.24)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///meaty.sadly.greet. Near Lochmaddy, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.662,-7.24
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 57.6580284/-7.2391021
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 57.6608463/-7.2347042
Post Box
Collection Times: Mo-Fr 11:00; Sa 08:00
Lat/Long: 57.6589831/-7.2375248
Clachan Shannda
Name En: Clachan Sands
Name Gd: Clachan Shannda
Place: hamlet
Source Name: OS OpenData StreetView
Lat/Long: 57.6635225/-7.2375441
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 57.6617578/-7.2336122
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Lat/Long: 57.6636829/-7.2351661
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Lat/Long: 57.6632496/-7.2327561
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Lat/Long: 57.6654683/-7.2419923
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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