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Rana/Claonaite System

Allt nan Uamh, Sutherland.

A generic reference to the combined system incorporating Rana Hole and Uamh an Claonaite. Separate entries exist for each cave but for the purposes of statistical analysis the combined system is recorded as the longest cave system in Scotland. Rana Hole is currently recorded at 470 m long and Uamh an Claonaite is 3426 m long, giving the combined length of 4196 m.

Uamh an Claonaite was first noted by prospecting cavers in the 1960s and the GSG investigated in summer 1966 but failed to make headway, The entrance [NC 2708 1653] was opened by the Kendal Caving Club in September of that year and over several years the accessible cave was extended by the GSG and others arriving at sump 6 in 1990. In 1995, sump 6b was successfully dived by Simon Brooks and Mike O Driscoll. Beyond the sump lay the greater extent of the cave (see Uamh an Claonaite for details).

While the downstream section of Uamh an Claonaite continued to be explored by cave divers (only diver could get beyond the sumps), a major excavation project was started on the moor above Creag nan Uamh in order to locate a non-diving route to Claonaite Seven (between sumps 6 and 7). Digging (by GSG members and any other 'volunteers') began at Rana Hole [NC 26895 16768] in 1995. This switched to Mole Hole in 1996 after radio-location placed it directly above Belh Aven (a large chamber downstream of sump 6) but when Mole Hole quickly closed down in an impenetrable crack digging resumed at Rana Hole. 12 years later (on 30 December 2007), with many diversions (see Rana Hole) and over 300 tons of water soaked glacial till having been removed to the surface, open passage was reached. Rana Hole had several exciting side passages and some spectacular chambers and eventually a connection was made to the previously explored section of Claonaite Seven at the foot of Belh Aven.

Alternate Names: None recorded.

Notes: Note: The location indicated (roughly central to the system) is close to but not identical to the Rana Hole Entrance. There is no cave at this location.

The Creag nan Uamh Scheduled Ancient Monument consists of an approximately 800 m by 1000 m area from the centre line of the Allt nan Uamh incorporating the Bone Caves at Creag nan Uamh and an area of the moorland to the south. This area includes part of the Rana/Claonaite System which passes below the Bone Caves but both entrances to the system are outside the scheduled area.

Hydrographic Feeds: An Claonaite

Hydrographic Resurgences: Allt nan Uamh