Hills of Britain and Ireland
OS Map of Meall Mor
Autumn sunset at Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin, Glen Affric, Inverness-shire, North-West Highlands, Scotland.
Commentary. The endless swathes of imperial Scots Pine. Exquisite , calm waters of Loch Beinn á Mheadhoin and Affric, convoluted by dips, hollows, bays and enchanting fresh-water islands. Lofty, imposing peaks of Càrn Eighe, Màm Sodhail and Sgùrr na Lapaich, often snow-capped, well into April, and even May. A glen of pulsating life. From Wood-Ants and Dragon-Fly to Salmon and Trout. From Red Deer and Golden Eagle to Wood-Cock and Wildcat. Iconic, momentous, overwhelming, breath-taking in early morning mists, under winter snow or in colourful Autumn garb. In Spring when Broom and Gorse smother slopes in dazzling yellow flower to Summer when green dominates and life buzzes with a frenzy. As here, in Autumn, when the sun falls earlier behind the West Coast peaks, the tranquil, golden reflections of peaks, forest and island create a sumptuous vision of utter peace, serenity and prodigious beauty. Beyond doubt, this glen has a mystical magic beyond my powers of description. If you ever go there, and catch it in a more convivial mood, you will never forget it, never regret it and you will surely return. It really is a little bit of heaven……paradise. I know nowhere quite like it. Once smitten, the love affair is likely to be eternal!
03-Nov-15 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
52612658188
Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin reflects an autumnal sunset, Blueberry-blue mountains, forest and fresh-water islands in a scene of pure serenity, Glen Affric, Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Commentary. Affric has it all. Incredible trees like native Birch and Scots Pine. Dream-like islands and sheltered bays. Illustrious and majestic mountain peaks, and, as in this image, superb, sharp reflections and silhouettes against a breathless, glassy loch, as the sun sets north of west, on this winter evening. Its ethereal qualities make for an amazing reality, that never fails to lift the spirit.
03-Nov-15 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
53664656050
Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin, Glen Affric, in an Autumn sunset, Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Commentary. Like stand upon stand of battle-green warriors The noble, proud and dominant Scots Pine lines the slopes with imperial grandeur, remnants of a vaster and much more ancient Caledonian Forest. Here above Loch Benevian and its “Swallows and Amazons”- like, freshwater islands, this iconic tree stands in swathed regiments, north and south of this amazing valley. Lower slopes counter these formal stands with a myriad of flimsy, delicate, drooping silver birches. This joint native tree presents star-numbered specks of gold as their leaves submit to Autumn’s transformation. Caught by the setting sun, dying rays tinge every aspect of this astounding scene. Every twist and turn provides a memorable view of heather, fern, birch and pine, bound by the mountain backcloth and the winding blue strip of dammed loch. Surely, surely - undeniably - one of the most beautiful Glens.
05-Nov-11 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
52541332556
The sun sets in Autumn catching the Silver Birch and Scots Pines of Glen Affric with the waters of Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin an azure blue, below. Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Commentary. A telephoto shot from the south shore of Loch Ness across the one and half mile width of this iconic lake. Urquhart Castle on the left, goes back at least eight centuries to the times of clan feuding for domination. Partially destroyed in the early eighteenth century to preclude use by the loyalists to the Jacobite uprising, it is now one of the most visited and largest ruins in Scotland. Nothing much has changed…………. whilst the wealthy build their castles (mansions) to make the view permanent (above centre), the vast majority can take delight in this colourful bay on a May afternoon. The gorse and broom give a golden glow to the fault-line that faces south from the northern shore. And no, I’m afraid that’s not the monster (below and right of centre), alas, just a motorised inflatable!!!
05-Nov-11 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
54035897383
The sun sets in Autumn catching the Silver Birch and Scots Pines of Glen Affric with the waters of Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin an azure blue, below. Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Poem. Like stand upon stand of battle-green warriors The noble, proud and dominant Scots Pine lines the slopes with imperial grandeur, remnants of a vaster and much more ancient Caledonian Forest. Here above Loch Benevian and its “Swallows and Amazons”- like, freshwater islands, this iconic tree stands in swathed regiments, north and south of this amazing valley. Lower slopes counter these formal stands with a myriad of flimsy, delicate, drooping silver birches. This joint native tree presents star-numbered specks of gold as their leaves submit to Autumn’s transformation. Caught by the setting sun, dying rays tinge every aspect of this astounding scene. Every twist and turn provides a memorable view of heather, fern, birch and pine, bound by the mountain backcloth and the winding blue strip of dammed loch. Surely, surely - undeniably - one of the most beautiful Glens.
05-Nov-11 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
53698187466
The sun sets in Autumn catching the Silver Birch and Scots Pines of Glen Affric with the waters of Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin an azure blue, below. Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Poem. Like stand upon stand of battle-green warriors The noble, proud and dominant Scots Pine lines the slopes with imperial grandeur, remnants of a vaster and much more ancient Caledonian Forest. Here above Loch Benevian and its “Swallows and Amazons”- like, freshwater islands, this iconic tree stands in swathed regiments, north and south of this amazing valley. Lower slopes counter these formal stands with a myriad of flimsy, delicate, drooping silver birches. This joint native tree presents star-numbered specks of gold as their leaves submit to Autumn’s transformation. Caught by the setting sun, dying rays tinge every aspect of this astounding scene. Every twist and turn provides a memorable view of heather, fern, birch and pine, bound by the mountain backcloth and the winding blue strip of dammed loch. Surely, surely - undeniably - one of the most beautiful Glens.
05-Nov-11 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
53578765600
OS Map
This is OS mapping. In some areas, OpenStreetMap shows more footpaths
Spatial NI has online OSNI mapping. Click "Basemap Gallery" (4 squares icon at the top).
Now would be a good time for a cup of tea.
GPX Editor
Record map clicks
Reload map
Photos
Please tag your photos and upload them to the British and Irish Mountains group on Flickr
The other photos have been geo-tagged as on or around the summit. For less busy mountains, it can be a little hit and miss.
Autumn sunset at Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin, Glen Affric, Inverness-shire, North-West Highlands, Scotland.
Commentary. The endless swathes of imperial Scots Pine. Exquisite , calm waters of Loch Beinn á Mheadhoin and Affric, convoluted by dips, hollows, bays and enchanting fresh-water islands. Lofty, imposing peaks of Càrn Eighe, Màm Sodhail and Sgùrr na Lapaich, often snow-capped, well into April, and even May. A glen of pulsating life. From Wood-Ants and Dragon-Fly to Salmon and Trout. From Red Deer and Golden Eagle to Wood-Cock and Wildcat. Iconic, momentous, overwhelming, breath-taking in early morning mists, under winter snow or in colourful Autumn garb. In Spring when Broom and Gorse smother slopes in dazzling yellow flower to Summer when green dominates and life buzzes with a frenzy. As here, in Autumn, when the sun falls earlier behind the West Coast peaks, the tranquil, golden reflections of peaks, forest and island create a sumptuous vision of utter peace, serenity and prodigious beauty. Beyond doubt, this glen has a mystical magic beyond my powers of description. If you ever go there, and catch it in a more convivial mood, you will never forget it, never regret it and you will surely return. It really is a little bit of heaven……paradise. I know nowhere quite like it. Once smitten, the love affair is likely to be eternal!
03-Nov-15 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
52612658188
Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin reflects an autumnal sunset, Blueberry-blue mountains, forest and fresh-water islands in a scene of pure serenity, Glen Affric, Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Commentary. Affric has it all. Incredible trees like native Birch and Scots Pine. Dream-like islands and sheltered bays. Illustrious and majestic mountain peaks, and, as in this image, superb, sharp reflections and silhouettes against a breathless, glassy loch, as the sun sets north of west, on this winter evening. Its ethereal qualities make for an amazing reality, that never fails to lift the spirit.
03-Nov-15 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
53664656050
Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin, Glen Affric, in an Autumn sunset, Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Commentary. Like stand upon stand of battle-green warriors The noble, proud and dominant Scots Pine lines the slopes with imperial grandeur, remnants of a vaster and much more ancient Caledonian Forest. Here above Loch Benevian and its “Swallows and Amazons”- like, freshwater islands, this iconic tree stands in swathed regiments, north and south of this amazing valley. Lower slopes counter these formal stands with a myriad of flimsy, delicate, drooping silver birches. This joint native tree presents star-numbered specks of gold as their leaves submit to Autumn’s transformation. Caught by the setting sun, dying rays tinge every aspect of this astounding scene. Every twist and turn provides a memorable view of heather, fern, birch and pine, bound by the mountain backcloth and the winding blue strip of dammed loch. Surely, surely - undeniably - one of the most beautiful Glens.
05-Nov-11 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
52541332556
The sun sets in Autumn catching the Silver Birch and Scots Pines of Glen Affric with the waters of Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin an azure blue, below. Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Commentary. A telephoto shot from the south shore of Loch Ness across the one and half mile width of this iconic lake. Urquhart Castle on the left, goes back at least eight centuries to the times of clan feuding for domination. Partially destroyed in the early eighteenth century to preclude use by the loyalists to the Jacobite uprising, it is now one of the most visited and largest ruins in Scotland. Nothing much has changed…………. whilst the wealthy build their castles (mansions) to make the view permanent (above centre), the vast majority can take delight in this colourful bay on a May afternoon. The gorse and broom give a golden glow to the fault-line that faces south from the northern shore. And no, I’m afraid that’s not the monster (below and right of centre), alas, just a motorised inflatable!!!
05-Nov-11 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
54035897383
The sun sets in Autumn catching the Silver Birch and Scots Pines of Glen Affric with the waters of Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin an azure blue, below. Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Poem. Like stand upon stand of battle-green warriors The noble, proud and dominant Scots Pine lines the slopes with imperial grandeur, remnants of a vaster and much more ancient Caledonian Forest. Here above Loch Benevian and its “Swallows and Amazons”- like, freshwater islands, this iconic tree stands in swathed regiments, north and south of this amazing valley. Lower slopes counter these formal stands with a myriad of flimsy, delicate, drooping silver birches. This joint native tree presents star-numbered specks of gold as their leaves submit to Autumn’s transformation. Caught by the setting sun, dying rays tinge every aspect of this astounding scene. Every twist and turn provides a memorable view of heather, fern, birch and pine, bound by the mountain backcloth and the winding blue strip of dammed loch. Surely, surely - undeniably - one of the most beautiful Glens.
05-Nov-11 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
53698187466
The sun sets in Autumn catching the Silver Birch and Scots Pines of Glen Affric with the waters of Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin an azure blue, below. Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Poem. Like stand upon stand of battle-green warriors The noble, proud and dominant Scots Pine lines the slopes with imperial grandeur, remnants of a vaster and much more ancient Caledonian Forest. Here above Loch Benevian and its “Swallows and Amazons”- like, freshwater islands, this iconic tree stands in swathed regiments, north and south of this amazing valley. Lower slopes counter these formal stands with a myriad of flimsy, delicate, drooping silver birches. This joint native tree presents star-numbered specks of gold as their leaves submit to Autumn’s transformation. Caught by the setting sun, dying rays tinge every aspect of this astounding scene. Every twist and turn provides a memorable view of heather, fern, birch and pine, bound by the mountain backcloth and the winding blue strip of dammed loch. Surely, surely - undeniably - one of the most beautiful Glens.
05-Nov-11 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
53578765600
The sun sets in Autumn catching the Silver Birch and Scots Pines of Glen Affric with the waters of Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin an azure blue, below. Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Poem. Like stand upon stand of battle-green warriors The noble, proud and dominant Scots Pine lines the slopes with imperial grandeur, remnants of a vaster and much more ancient Caledonian Forest. Here above Loch Benevian and its “Swallows and Amazons”- like, freshwater islands, this iconic tree stands in swathed regiments, north and south of this amazing valley. Lower slopes counter these formal stands with a myriad of flimsy, delicate, drooping silver birches. This joint native tree presents star-numbered specks of gold as their leaves submit to Autumn’s transformation. Caught by the setting sun, dying rays tinge every aspect of this astounding scene. Every twist and turn provides a memorable view of heather, fern, birch and pine, bound by the mountain backcloth and the winding blue strip of dammed loch. Surely, surely - undeniably - one of the most beautiful Glens.
05-Nov-11 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
53503945151
The sun sets in Autumn, catching the Silver Birch and Scots Pines of Glen Affric, with the waters of Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin an azure blue, below. Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Poem. Like stand upon stand of battle-green warriors The noble, proud and dominant Scots Pine lines the slopes with imperial grandeur, remnants of a vaster and much more ancient Caledonian Forest. Here above Loch Benevian and its “Swallows and Amazons”- like, freshwater islands, this iconic tree stands in swathed regiments, north and south of this amazing valley. Lower slopes counter these formal stands with a myriad of flimsy, delicate, drooping silver birches. This joint native tree presents star-numbered specks of gold as their leaves submit to Autumn’s transformation. Caught by the setting sun, dying rays tinge every aspect of this astounding scene. Every twist and turn provides a memorable view of heather, fern, birch and pine, bound by the mountain backcloth and the winding blue strip of dammed loch. Surely, surely - undeniably - one of the most beautiful Glens.
05-Nov-11 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
53111228939
The sun sets in Autumn, catching the Silver Birch and Scots Pines of Glen Affric, with the waters of Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin an azure blue, below. Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Poem. Like stand upon stand of battle-green warriors The noble, proud and dominant Scots Pine lines the slopes with imperial grandeur, remnants of a vaster and much more ancient Caledonian Forest. Here above Loch Benevian and its “Swallows and Amazons”- like, freshwater islands, this iconic tree stands in swathed regiments, north and south of this amazing valley. Lower slopes counter these formal stands with a myriad of flimsy, delicate, drooping silver birches. This joint native tree presents star-numbered specks of gold as their leaves submit to Autumn’s transformation. Caught by the setting sun, dying rays tinge every aspect of this astounding scene. Every twist and turn provides a memorable view of heather, fern, birch and pine, bound by the mountain backcloth and the winding blue strip of dammed loch. Surely, surely - undeniably - one of the most beautiful Glens.
05-Nov-11 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
52852941821
Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin in an Autumn sunset, Glen Affric, Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Poem. Like stand upon stand of battle-green warriors The noble, proud and dominant Scots Pine lines the slopes with imperial grandeur, remnants of a vaster and much more ancient Caledonian Forest. Here above Loch Benevian and its “Swallows and Amazons”- like, freshwater islands, this iconic tree stands in swathed regiments, north and south of this amazing valley. Lower slopes counter these formal stands with a myriad of flimsy, delicate, drooping silver birches. This joint native tree presents star-numbered specks of gold as their leaves submit to Autumn’s transformation. Caught by the setting sun, dying rays tinge every aspect of this astounding scene. Every twist and turn provides a memorable view of heather, fern, birch and pine, bound by the mountain backcloth and the winding blue strip of dammed loch. Surely, surely - undeniably - one of the most beautiful Glens.
05-Nov-11 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
52636500299
Videos
None found
Notes
- Data: Database of British and Irish Hills v18.2
- Maps: We use OS mapping for England, Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Man. Sadly, Channel Islands, Northern (OSNI) and Southern Ireland (OSI) mapping isn't available online, so we use Openstreetmap.