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CG39

Skye, Coille Gaireallach, Invernessshire.

Shaft - Best found by walking east from the gulley below C.G. 16. (Uamh Slaodach) to another stony gulley and following this downhill to an obvious sinkhole. A few metres south-west, an open shaft 2.4 m deep drops into an inclined bedding. To the north is a too tight slot where daylight can be seen from the sinkhole. To the south, an easy crawl turns right, with daylight visible up a narrow joint. The crawl becomes tight & wet, apparently heading for a wet weather sink in another gulley, a few metres away.

Alternate Names: C.G. 39, Coille Gaireallach [39]

Notes: Coille Gaireallach is part of the Strath SSSI. Best example of an Oak and Birch/Hazel wood developed on Durness limestone. Situated on a gentle north-facing slope, a rich limestone ground flora alternates with acid heath and flushes, with open areas and sink holes.

Plotting the coordinates on an aerial photograph suggests this shaft is neat the southern boundary of the Oak and Birch/Hazel woodland near the top of the West Gulley.

Hydrographic Feeds: Granite hillside northeast of Beinn an Dubhaich

Hydrographic Resurgences: Minor feeder to Allt Strath Suardal