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East Gulley Stream Sink

Skye, Coille Gaireallach, East Gulley, Invernessshire.

Sink in the East Gulley (a non-continuous string of holes, uphill of the rising near the West Gulley Upper Through Cave - C.G. 17/18). A stream sink at the head of the East Gulley. The entrance was dug out by Moldywarps Speleological Group, Oct. 1978. A grovel in the stream under a low arch into a chamber 4 m long, 1 m high. At end on the right, a stream drops into a narrow rift passage then turns right along a large slab. Step through 'window' to inclined rift becomes too tight. Good draught but little prospect of progress.

Alternative Names: CG24, C.G. 24, Cross Rift Cave

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.

From coordinates plotted on aerial photograph this would appear to be well up the the granite slope, uphill to the south of the Oak and Birch/Hazel woodland beyond a drystone dyke. Geological map shows a band of granite which suggests surface run off through a hole in the the granite into limestone below.

Hydrographic Feeds: Granite hillside northeast of Beinn an Dubhaich

Hydrographic Resurgences: Minor feeder to Allt Strath Suardal