Achnasheen

Geological Conservation Review site | GCR #718 | 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.

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Summary

Achnasheen is one of the best examples of a suite of outwash terraces in Scotland associated with a stage in the deglaciation of the last ice-sheet. The fine detail of the terraces, their compact form and clear visibility and the striking examples of ice contact slopes at their western and south-western margins particularly distinguish this site.

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