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. 030 — Stronchrubie Cliff
Location, grid reference and photograph
The Stronchrubie Cliff rises above the A 837 along its eastern side, due south of Inchnadamph, Grid Ref.
GCR site reference, block, volume and notified feature of SSSI?
GCR Ref. 1133, Moine Block, Vol. 34. Notified feature of Ben More Assynt SSSI.
Description and geological significance
The site is representative of imbricate thrusts within the Sole Thrust Sheet associated with the Moine Thrust Zone in the Assynt Culmination. Exceptional examples of sections which can be used to study the three-dimensional geometry of an imbricate system. A very important site for Earth Science studies. Extremely important as an educational resource with considerable potential as an international geological teaching aid.
Accessibility
Easily accessed by car. The site can be viewed from the roadside and there is a convenient layby for parking on the west side of the road. The site is thus accessible to all abilities.
Conservation
Extensive massive cliff feature is generally robust. Low conservation requirement due to the scale and location of the site.
Visibility and “clarity”
Visibility is excellent from roadside except when cloud level or any mist is very low. Visual impact of the site is high and becomes inspiring once the imbricate structure is recognised and understood.
Interpretation and interpretation potential
The site is commonly used by geologists and university parties to illustrate imbricate thrusting and associated structures. These structures are not easily discerned and understood by the lay-public without specialist assistance and interpretation. There is currently no interpretation panel specifically for this feature and, given the proximity of an existing interpretation panel dealing with glaciation and related landscape features further over to the west, another interpretation panel might be inappropriate. Nonetheless, the site should be included in a future Geopark guide. It is already described in the Excursion Guide to the Northwest Highlands.
Key references
BUTLER, R.W.H. 2009. Stronchrubie cliff. In Mendum, J. R., Barber, A. J., Butler, R. W. H., Flinn, D., Goodenough, K. M., Krabbendam, M., Park, R. G. & Stewart, A. D. (eds) Lewisian, Torridonian and Moine rocks of Scotland. Geological Conservation Review Series, 34, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, 276–279.
An Excursion Guide to the Northwest Highlands (Goodenough et al. 2011).