North West Highlands Geopark (2016) North West Highlands Geopark Geodiversity Audit and Action Plan 2013–2016 Additional notes: These web pages are sourced from the PDF North West Highlands Geopark Geodiversity Audit and Action Plan 2013–2016
NWHG Ref. 037 — Glen Oykel North
Location, grid reference
This very small site is located in the floor of the Oykel valley, about 4.5 km north of Loch Ailsh and within the area of Benmore Forest, Grid Ref.
GCR site reference, block, volume and notified feature of SSSI?
GCR Ref. 1231, Caledonian Igneous Block, Vol. 17. Notified feature of Ben More Assynt SSSI.
Description and geological significance
The site occupies a very small area about 22 m x 15 m straddling the course of the River Oykel. It is an exceptional locality at which an enigmatic diatreme of brecciated dolomitic limestone in a fine carbonate matrix is associated with a vogesite sill. It may represent the only example of transport by gas in the Caledonian alkaline suite.
Accessibility
There is no vehicular access and a walk of about 5 km from Benmore Lodge further up the valley of the River Oykel is required, over remote and undulating terrain. There is therefore no all abilities access.
Conservation
Low conservation requirement due to the location of the site.
Visibility and “clarity”
The key features are only visible once the site has been accessed.
Interpretation and interpretation potential
The site is located in a very remote area and is unlikely to be visited by the general public other than geological specialists/ students. Interpretation potential is therefore limited. However, in view of the historical and current importance of the site from a geological perspective, it should be listed in a future Geopark guide.
Key references
Geological Conservation Review Series, Volume 17: Caledonian Igneous Rocks of Great Britain, site description page 389.