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Cadha Riach

Chambered Cairn

<b>Cadha Riach</b>Posted by theloniousImage © thelonious
Also known as:
  • Garafad

Nearest Town:Uig (11km WSW)
OS Ref (GB):   NG495675 / Sheet: 23
Latitude:57° 37' 39.92" N
Longitude:   6° 11' 47.38" W

Added by GLADMAN


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<b>Cadha Riach</b>Posted by drewbhoy <b>Cadha Riach</b>Posted by drewbhoy <b>Cadha Riach</b>Posted by drewbhoy <b>Cadha Riach</b>Posted by thelonious <b>Cadha Riach</b>Posted by thelonious <b>Cadha Riach</b>Posted by GLADMAN <b>Cadha Riach</b>Posted by GLADMAN <b>Cadha Riach</b>Posted by GLADMAN <b>Cadha Riach</b>Posted by GLADMAN <b>Cadha Riach</b>Posted by GLADMAN

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We found this site to be almost 'cute' amongst beautiful scenery. The Quiraing, which I've climbed a few times before will not attempted today as there is a ferry to catch, dominates with the island of Staffin and the Old Man of Storr holding their own.

The what is it Carn Ban can be seen to north and still looks like a cairn after all of these years.

From the village follow Gladman's directions, we parked near the tiny astro turf football pitch. Once on the flat look for a green mound, this contains the chamber which still has five stones in place. Some kerbs remain on the edge of the site.

Not much left, but worth it for the views, we loved it.

Visited 20/7/2019.
drewbhoy Posted by drewbhoy
7th August 2019ce
Edited 7th August 2019ce

Guess this is best described as the 'fragmentary' remains of a chambered cairn? It's certainly not going to overawe a visitor in the manner of the overwhelming monuments to be found at Kensaleyre or Liveras. Oh no. Why, its Neolithic constructors even saw fit - as I should have expected, in retrospect - to deny the visitor the benefit of the fine coastal views anticipated from such a cliff-top site upon the eastern flank of Trotternish. Not that the family of cows which call Cadha Riach 'home' seem to mind? Big bovine momma eyes me suspiciously for a microsecond before clearly deciding I'm no threat to her offspring. Yeah, I can live with that. Although it might have been a different story if it had have been big daddy bull.

Having said the above, the landward vista, looking toward the Trotternish Ridge and... in particular... the wondrous rock formations (and hillforts!) of The Quiraing, is pretty special. Once the morning cloud cover magically begins to peel away, that is. In fact the vibe 'speaks' so loudly I realise I now have no choice but to abandon my afternoon 'schedule' and climb the latter natural wonder next. Jeez. Surely there are less tiring hobbies?

Cadha Riach is perhaps best reached by parking near 'The Community & International Leadership Centre' (ahem) in Staffin. A path leads to the latter's right, uphill toward the coast, crossing a drystone wall by way of a very impressive 'stile'. The denuded chambered cairn, albeit still possessing chamber orthostats, sits a little way back from the cliff edge. As usual I found it a little difficult to spot at first, but eventually did so by orientating myself upon the line of the slipway below and following that back. Ta dah! Note also the large round cairn of Carn Ban overlooking the southern flank of Staffin Bay to the approx north-west [Update... apparently Carn Ban represents the remains of a broch. Sorry about that]. However I've made my choice. Quiraing, my lord?
GLADMAN Posted by GLADMAN
3rd July 2012ce
Edited 2nd September 2012ce