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Applecross Sandstone Fissures

Applecross, W of Meall Gaineamhach, Wester Ross.

Deep fissures through sandstone cliff above quarry opposite access road to Underwater Test Centre.

Two major fissures, one running between N57° 28.583' W5° 51.683' / NG 68605 49476 and N57° 28.528' W5° 51.726' / NG 68556 49376 and the other between N57° 28.501' W5° 51.714' / NG 68564 49326 and N57° 28.560' W5° 51.676' / NG 68609 49433. Cross fissures on a east / west orientation. Care is required as some of the cross fissures are hidden by vegetation.

Alternate Names: None recorded.

Notes: Easiest access to the fissures is from the top of the cliff at the north end up a prominent grassy slope visible from the road.

The main fissures are 'probably' due to the cliff falling away being within a few tens of metres of the edge. Close inspection of the bedding suggests the 'slab' of cliff bounding one side of the fissure has slightly rotated making the bedding steeper. Descent into the fissures appeared possible to a limited extent at the northern end. The southern ends were too steep. The east and west sides of both fissures were near vertical. The cross fissures were covered and would require lights to explore. Rope, SRT kit and anchors are required for a proper exploration; the quandary being getting decent anchorage. Probably a drill and spits would be the most suitable option as the earth coverage seemed to thin for stakes. [Bpob Mehew]