DANIELL, William (1769-1837)
Cruachan-ben, Isle of Mull

© National Library of Scotland.
William Daniell image supplied by the National Library of Scotland for use in the LEMA Project.

[Plate 43]

Having again traversed the isthmus eastward from Knock, a very extensive prospect presented itself, which is represented in the annexed view of CRUACHAN BEN, in Argyleshire, looking over the sound of Mull, near the shore of which, on a low projecting point of land, are seen the ruins of the castle of Artornish. The bridge in the middle-ground is over a rivulet, which runs into Aros bay. An excellent road extends through this district, commencing at Auchnacraig, (from whence there is a ferry to Oban), and leading through Aros to the improving harbour of Tobermory...

The distant mountain of Cruachan Ben is one of the highest in Argyleshire. Its perpendicular height, from the level of the sea, is estimated at 8300 feet, and the circumference of its base exceeds twenty miles. It is very steep towards the north-east, and has a gentle inclination on the south, but rises with an abrupt ascent near the summit, which is divided into two peaks. The woods with which its sides are covered abound with roes and red deer. On the top of this mountain was the fatal spring, from which, according to a tradition of the country, ascribed to Ossian, issued Loch Awe. To all the inhabitants of the district within view, Cruachan Ben serves as a weather-gage. On the approach of a storm" the spirit of the mountain shrieks," and its head and sides are enveloped with clouds. The story of its fatal spring, which, bursting forth suddenly, overwhelmed the valley, and formed Loch Awe, is the,originaI of one of the ancient Celtic poems preserved by tradition.

Source: Extract from DANIELL, William. A Voyage Round Great Britain [1813-1823].

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