Cnoc na h-Airigh

Hill, Mountain in Ross-shire

Scotland

Cnoc na h-Airigh

A slipway in Loch Miabhaig Credit: Alan Reid

Cnoc na h-Airigh is a prominent hill located in the county of Ross-shire, in the Scottish Highlands. Situated near the village of Aultbea, it stands at an elevation of approximately 317 meters (1,040 feet). The hill is characterized by its rounded shape and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Covered in heather and grass, Cnoc na h-Airigh is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The ascent to the summit is relatively gentle, making it accessible to people of various fitness levels. The hill is often recommended as a great option for beginners or those seeking a less challenging hike.

At the top of Cnoc na h-Airigh, visitors are rewarded with stunning vistas of Loch Ewe and the surrounding mountains. On clear days, it is even possible to catch a glimpse of the Isle of Lewis, located further west in the Outer Hebrides.

Besides its natural beauty, Cnoc na h-Airigh also holds historical significance. The hill is said to have been a lookout point during World War II, as it provided a strategic vantage for monitoring the nearby sea loch. The remnants of wartime structures can still be found on the hill, adding an extra layer of interest for history enthusiasts.

Overall, Cnoc na h-Airigh offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Whether for a leisurely hike or a chance to soak in the breathtaking views, this hill is a must-visit destination in Ross-shire.

Show me another place!

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

Cnoc na h-Airigh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.202218/-6.9652297 or Grid Reference NB0834. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A slipway in Loch Miabhaig

Alan Reid

A slipway in Loch Miabhaig

Alan Reid

Lochan at Cragavig

An old boundary wall snakes across the moorland

Alan Reid

Gleann Bhaltois (Glen Valtos) 2

Gleann Bhaltois is a spectacular example of a glacial meltwater channel. At the end of the last Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago, there is thought to have been a lake where Uig Bay now lies, dammed by ice to the west. The outlet from the lake was at the head of what is now Gleann Bhaltois, and carved a deep steep-sided glen, exploiting a fault line in the rocks. However the upper part of the glen follows a more sinuous course. The single-track B8011 road with passing places now winds through the glen.

Anne Burgess

Gleann Bhaltois (Glen Valtos) 3

Gleann Bhaltois is a spectacular example of a glacial meltwater channel. At the end of the last Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago, there is thought to have been a lake where Uig Bay now lies, dammed by ice to the west. The outlet from the lake was at the head of what is now Gleann Bhaltois, and carved a deep steep-sided glen, exploiting a fault line in the rocks. A classic and diagnostic feature of a meltwater channels is that it contains a stream much too small to have carved it in the first place.

Anne Burgess

Gleann Bhaltois (Glen Valtos) 4

Anne Burgess

Gleann Bhaltois (Glen Valtos) 5

Gleann Bhaltois is a spectacular example of a glacial meltwater channel. At the end of the last Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago, there is thought to have been a lake where Uig Bay now lies, dammed by ice to the west. The outlet from the lake was at the head of what is now Gleann Bhaltois, and carved a deep steep-sided glen, exploiting a fault line in the rocks. Following several wet days, a waterfall is draining the moor above.

Anne Burgess

Gleann Bhaltois (Glen Valtos) 6

Gleann Bhaltois is a spectacular example of a glacial meltwater channel. At the end of the last Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago, there is thought to have been a lake where Uig Bay now lies, dammed by ice to the west. The outlet from the lake was at the head of what is now Gleann Bhaltois, and carved a deep steep-sided glen, exploiting a fault line in the rocks. At this point, the glen steps down from its winding upper course through a rock fall to the much straighter lower course.

Anne Burgess

Gleann Bhaltois (Glen Valtos) 7

Gleann Bhaltois is a spectacular example of a glacial meltwater channel. At the end of the last Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago, there is thought to have been a lake where Uig Bay now lies, dammed by ice to the west. The outlet from the lake was at the head of what is now Gleann Bhaltois, and carved a deep steep-sided glen, exploiting a fault line in the rocks. From this point, the glen follows the straight line of the fault. The classic and diagnostic feature of a meltwater channel, well seen in this view, is that the stream it contains is too small to have carved it in the first place.

Anne Burgess

Gleann Bhaltois (Glen Valtos) 7

Anne Burgess

Name That Tune

This cheerful accordionist stands just inside a field by the cattle grid on the B8011 north of Cairisiadar. The label at his feet reads 'Name That Tune'.

Anne Burgess

Cairisiadar (Carishader)

Though the B8011 has been much improved, there are still some single-track stretches, notably where it crosses narrow bridges which have not been rebuilt, as here at Cairisiadar.

Anne Burgess

Miabhaig harbour pontoon

View from RIB afloat to pontoon at Miabhaig, Ceann A Tuath Na Hearadh (North Harris). Compare to NB0934 : Miabhaig Jetty taken by Dave Fergusson on 1 Oct 2007.

Hazel Hambidge

If you are ever up this way...

RIB moored alongside Miabhaig pontoon NB0934 : Miabhaig harbour pontoon on Ceann A Tuath Na Hearadah (North Harris) from which we enjoyed a great trip. (No financial benefit in anyway to me from posting this; simply a community service.)

Hazel Hambidge

Join the Band

Name That Tune and take a seat to have your photograph taken with the band at Carishader / Cairisiadar. Maybe it's Heather and Pete playing the field.

Colin Smith