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CG31

Skye, Coille Gaireallach, East Gulley?, Invernessshire.

A cave in the East Gulley (a non-continuous string of holes uphill of a rising near West Gulley Upper Through Cave - C.G. 17/18). C.G. 31 is well to the northwest of East Gulley but is probably a continuation of the same stream system. The stream rising below Uamh an t-Shelf (C.G. 22) flows downhill, sinking & rising through impenetrable holes until after longer section of surface course, it cascades down a large cave entrance. Hands & knees crawl, 7.6 m to sump. The stream resurges from impenetrable rising a few metres away and remains on surface to the foot of woods.

Alternative Names: C.G. 31, Coille Gaireallach [31]

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 near the southern edge of the Oak or Birch/Hazel woodland. Geological maps shows a band of granite which suggests water runs off the granite before disappearing into the limestone below.

Hydrographic Feeds: Granite hillside northeast of Beinn an Dubhaich

Hydrographic Resurgences: Minor feeder to Allt Strath Suardal