Beinn Shiantaidh
Geological Conservation Review site | GCR #836 | Quaternary Geology | Quaternary of Scotland
Scotland's geosites are chosen because of their local, national or international importance. Take only photos, leave only footprints: avoid causing any damage to this site. You can walk almost anywhere in Scotland without the need to ask permission or keep to paths, but you have a responsibility to care for your own safety, to respect people's privacy and peace of mind and to cause no damage.
This site is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly damage the protected natural features of a SSSI, and this includes unauthorised sample collection.
The right of access does not extend to quarries, building sites or any land where public access is prohibited, or to the collection of geological samples.
Summary
Beinn Shiantaidh provides the best example of a fossil lobate rock glacier in Scotland. The feature is up to 180m long and 380m wide and comprises poorly sorted quartzite boulders aligned in a series of arcuate ridges and furrows. In its morphology and inferred flow rates the fossil rock glacier is comparable to presently active examples in the arctic and alpine areas of the world. It was formed during severe periglacial conditions in the Loch Lomond Stadial and, taken together with other evidence, it contributes towards an understanding of environmental conditions at that time.
Site information
Access
There is a parking area on the north side of the old bridge over the Corran river NR545721. Cross the bridge and then immediately turn right down a path and over a stile across a deer fence. The path soon leads to a larger one; turn left along this. There are many ATV tracks west across the moor, but the main path is usually clear to follow, though extremely boggy in places. It rises high above the river before contouring the slope to reach the stepping stones at the outflow of Loch an t-Siob. From here head north for about a mile to the east side of Beinn Shiantaidh.
Further information
https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1453350
Another view of the hill
https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4965005
Typical Jura quartzite scree
