Meall Sanna, the peak at the left of this photograph, isn't an impressively high hill, nor is it a climb so much as a steep scramble, but it was a joy to be out this morning working our way across the heather-clad slopes towards its summit. It was the sort of morning that makes all the.... damper days we have here worthwhile.
From the shoulder of the hill we had a view across the bay to Portuairk, the shadows long and deep because we had set off in good time, so we were on the peak shortly after ten. The hill is part of the circle of gabbro hills left by the Ardnamurchan volcano. In the gigantic boulders scattered across the slopes we came across large crystals of a dark mineral, possibly an amphibole, which were weathering out into a rust which stained the rocks.
Near the summit is a pool of clear but peaty water. It's surprising how often pools like this are to be found near the tops of Ardnamurchan's hills. They remind us of the infinity pools of expensive hotels; every time we see one we imagine a very hot summer day and the refreshment of a plunge in their chilly waters.
Eastwards, towards the opposite wall of the gabbro intrusion, we looked down on the small township of Achnaha. Every time we see this view we're amazed at the extent of the field systems around it, and speculate as to how many people they must have supported when the village was at its peak. Its population today is only nine but they make up for their small numbers by being some of the busiest people on the peninsula, crofting and running thriving small businesses. If Portuairk is the centre of the known universe, then Achnaha is its business hub.
Meall Sanna, the peak at the left of this photograph, isn't an impressively high hill, nor is it a climb so much as a steep scramble, but it was a joy to be out this morning working our way across the heather-clad slopes towards its summit. It was the sort of morning that makes all the.... damper days we have here worthwhile.
From the shoulder of the hill we had a view across the bay to Portuairk, the shadows long and deep because we had set off in good time, so we were on the peak shortly after ten. The hill is part of the circle of gabbro hills left by the Ardnamurchan volcano. In the gigantic boulders scattered across the slopes we came across large crystals of a dark mineral, possibly an amphibole, which were weathering out into a rust which stained the rocks.
Near the summit is a pool of clear but peaty water. It's surprising how often pools like this are to be found near the tops of Ardnamurchan's hills. They remind us of the infinity pools of expensive hotels; every time we see one we imagine a very hot summer day and the refreshment of a plunge in their chilly waters.
Eastwards, towards the opposite wall of the gabbro intrusion, we looked down on the small township of Achnaha. Every time we see this view we're amazed at the extent of the field systems around it, and speculate as to how many people they must have supported when the village was at its peak. Its population today is only nine but they make up for their small numbers by being some of the busiest people on the peninsula, crofting and running thriving small businesses. If Portuairk is the centre of the known universe, then Achnaha is its business hub.
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