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Beehive Sheilings

Amhuinnsuidh, Isle Of Harris, Outer Hebrides, HS3 3AR

Type:Monuments & Ruins

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About

Constructed very much like an igloo, but using rocks rather than ice, beehive dwellings are thought to have been constructed in the last few hundred years as summer sheilings. With no wood around for roof supports, what else do you build for shelter except a stone igloo? Some are directly connected to others, presumably to give separate sleeping quarters or as a quick route to the neighbours, and most have a curved wall leading to the door in the windward side to keep out the worst of the weather. The lower layers of stone were laid horizontally while the upper courses were overlapped in decreasing concentric circles and finally capped with a copestone to give the beehive shape. Once covered in turves, they made an excellent wind and waterproof shelter.

These beehives are the most accessible in Harris but still involve rough cross – country walking on boggy ground so good waterproof footwear is essential. Park at the now closed Cliasmol School and head north alongside Abhainn a Mhullin for 1.5km until you find the beehives at the foot of Sron Smearasmal.

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What's Nearby

  1. The observatory is a purpose built hide perched in the interior of the rugged North…

    0.7 miles away
  2. With some of the highest densities of breeding golden eagles in all of Europe, North…

    1 miles away
  3. Sundews are a group of low growing carnivorous plants that grow in nutrient poor soils.

    1.11 miles away
  1. Miabhag (Miavag) is a small setttlemen in North Harris of just a few houses situated on…

    1.13 miles away
  2. Large migratory fish species closely related to Trout

    2.38 miles away
  3. Amhuinnsuidhe Castle was built in 1865 in the Scottish Baronial style by the architect…

    2.39 miles away
  4. Situated at the foot of the southern slopes of the North Harris mountains, the remains of…

    3.66 miles away
  5. The mountain hare is about twice the size of a rabbit with much longer hind legs and a…

    4.14 miles away
  6. The red deer is Scotlands largest land mammal.

    4.96 miles away
  7. Small diving waterbird

    5.09 miles away
  8. The beach at Luskentyre is the largest and most spectacular of all the Harris beaches.

    5.18 miles away
  9. Loch Crabhadal (Cravadal) is a wild, remote and spectacular area of North Harris.

    5.57 miles away
  10. Large Diving water bird present on the Harris coastline throughout the winter

    5.79 miles away
  11. The breath-taking views over Loch Seaforth and the chance to see native trees in an…

    5.86 miles away
  12. Designed by John R. Coleman Architects, it occupies a strategic position in Tarbert,…

    6.29 miles away
  13. The first distillery in Harris has opened it's doors. The Harris Distillery is a working…

    6.31 miles away
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