Coille Dalavil
| Coille Dalavil | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)[a] | |
 Loch a' Ghlinne, Coille Dalavil | |
  Coille Dalavil Location within Highland | |
| Nearest town | Armadale, Skye |
| Coordinates | 57°04′44″N 5°58′05″W / 57.0789°N 5.968°W |
| Designation | SSSI |
Coille Dalavil is a glen located on the southern part of Sleat Peninsula, on the Isle of Skye that is characterized by the remote character of the terrain, which comprises woodland and bog areas. The area has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the unique habitat combination.[3][4]
Terrain and Setting
As to the ways of entering Coille Dalavil, the visitor passes the area of moor, and then climb to the top of the hill, where there is woodland, consisting of pine, beech, and a few oaks. In the glen itself, there is a small lake named Loch a' Ghlinne, surrounded by high hills. On the next stage of the journey, the terrain descends towards the sea, where the ruined settlement Dalavil is situated. With good weather conditions, the Cuillin mountains are visible.
Access and Walking
First of all, the route begins on the road connecting Kilbeg and Tarskavaig. Further on, one should pass through moorland to the woodland area, where the route turns into the rough and wet track, almost disappearing after the Loch a' Ghlinne. No public transport reaches Coille Dalavil; the nearest bus serves Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, which is located on the A851 road, 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) away.
Ecology
Coille Dalavil features a woodland populated by a variety of trees and shrubs, including Sorbus aucuparia, Betula,[5]: 253 and Pinus sylvestris varieties.[5]: 259–260 The valleys below transition between base-rich flood-plain fen and blanket bog that are covered in lichen and inhabited by damselflies and dragonflies.[3][6] The lichen is under pressure by overgrazing from deer and by encroachment of invasive beech species.[3]
History and Archaeology
Nowadays the territory is abandoned, but some ruins dating back to post-medieval period can still be seen; they can be linked to agriculture practices, such as crofting or shieling. In any case, the ruins are of little archaeological value in comparison with other similar sites; they give only one side of the historical perspective on inhabitation of this area.
Conservation
As the site is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.[3] The task of conservation here is in preservation of the invertebrate life of both woodland and bog habitats. Achieving this aim involves maintaining the undisturbed natural course of waters, preventing damage to the wetland transition area, and preserving the lichen-filled canopy of woodland.
Notes
References
- 1 2 IUCN NCUK (2012). "Putting nature on the map - identifying protected areas in the UK: A handbook to help identify protected areas in the UK and assign the IUCN management categories and governance types to them" (PDF). IUCN National Committee for the United Kingdom. p. 41.
- 1 2 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in England: their historical development and prospects in a changing environment. Research Report. Vol. NECR414. Natural England. June 2022.
- 1 2 3 4 "Coille Dalavil SSSI". NatureScot (NàdarAlba). Retrieved 2026-05-08.
- ↑ "Coille Dalavil". walkhighlands. Retrieved 2026-05-08.
- 1 2 "The Glasgow Naturalist". The Glasgow Naturalist. 21. Glasgow Natural History Society. 1985. Retrieved 16 May 2026 – via Biodiversity Library.
- ↑ Marsh, Terry (2024). The Isle of Skye: Walks and Scrambles Throughout Skye, Including the Cuillin. United Kingdom: Cicerone Press. p. 45. ISBN 9781783621354. Retrieved 16 May 2026.