Coltraiseal Beag/Mor and the Callenish stones

[Gordon Ballantyne]

Weather still holding, so this looked a goer. Parked up on an old bit of road beside the B8011. Found a rocky rib up to the top of Coltisreal Beag to keep out of the dubs. The views from Beag were really great.

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Wasn't looking forward to the walk across to Mor, as it looked like marshy ground. However, splashed across it without too much trouble and up the NE ridge to the top of Mor. ( Dave used his vibram wellies for these hills after I warned him about it - must get a pair )

Looking across to Coltraiseal Mor from Beag

Top of Coltraiseal Mor looking back to Beag

Splashed down to a wee green oasis by the Abhain a' Chuic Duibh and crossed a set of stepping stones - albeit a trifle submerged after all the recent heavy showers. A short section over the hump to get to the bridge over the exit river from Loch Morsgail, passing a fishing bothy ( cave) by the river.
Morsgail Lodge was tucked in by the corner of the loch.

The fishing cave

Bridge to the Morsgail road and the Lodge by the loch

The outlet weir from Loch Morsgail

I sidled down the Lodge road, noting the excellent-looking salmon pools.
I always marvel how these singleton conifers survive to grow into fine specimens in such a hostile climate.

Lone pine by the Morsgail Lodge road

Taking a shortcut to the main road via a section of old road, I passed an abandoned van.with a Scottish Tourist Board sign on the back which looked a bit misplaced.

Abandoned van on the old road

Anti-marketing on the back o the van

The Callanish Standing Stones.
Nipped round to have a quick look to see what all the fuss was about......
Hadn't realised that the straight "wings" emanated from a circular central core. allegedly giving birth to the celtic cross - perhaps. Fairly hefty stanes for someone to manually lift into the erect position. With the succession of farmers suggested to have been on the site - maybe they were just getting rid of the stones ploughed up over the years and someone came along later and arranged them into a bonny pattern ! Just another guess......
Quite impressive anyway.

History of the Stones

History of the Stones II

Callenish stanes