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Coile (Uamh)

Skye, Coille Gaireallach, Invernessshire.

Cave. Shakehole in woods, 15 m north-west of main open pot of Uamh an t-Sill. Open upstream and downstream passages from shake. Upstream passage heading for C.G. 7, hands & knees crawl, too low after 10 m. Downstream starts as steeply descending crawl with one or two constrictions developing into high, narrow rift. Sporting going, traversing at different levels to avoid narrow sections, eventually lowering to short crawl to head of 3 m waterfall into chamber 3 m wide, 6 m long and 4.5 m high. Abruptly lowers to flat out crawl pushed by GSG round two right angle bends becoming too low & showing signs of sumping in wet weather.

Alternative Names: Coile Uamh, Uamh Coile, Coille (Uamh), Woods (Cave of the), Chert Rift Cave, CG8, C.G. 8

Notes: Explored, surveyed & named by University College of London Speleological Society (UCLSS) in 1972. Separately re-discovered by GSG who pushed final crawl in 1973.

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.

Hydrographic Feeds: Granite hillside northeast of Beinn an Dubhaich

Hydrographic Resurgences: Minor feeder to Allt Strath Suardal