The Hole of Sneith is an astonishing
natural cavern on the Boquan Burn, situated to the south of Kippen
( NS6551793084 ).
The sides of
the cavern are around 20ft to 40ft high with a 20ft waterfall.
It’s
the same type of geology as Finnich Glen, near Killearn but much harder
to reach.
It’s
one of a series of astonishing natural forms in the area.
Others
include the rock pinnacle of Dugald’s Tower and the Whale’s Belly, a
deep
narrow gorge.
All caused by millennia of water erosion on soft rock.
From
Kippen, it’s a 20-30 minute walk in from the north.
These
hidden, almost inaccessible locations, were used during the late 17th
century for outdoor worship or Conventicles,
which
had been banned by
the state and were frequently broken up by soldiers.
Famously,
the minister at Kippen, James Ure preached and hid here when he was a
wanted man.
The
authorities described him as a terrorist - he had led 200
armed volunteers to the Battle of Bothwell Brig.
A
reward of £100 was offered for his capture but no one betrayed him.
Mount
Pleasant
Gully
of tributary of Boquhan Burn
Tributary
of Boquhan Burn
Road
bridge
over tributary of Boquhan Burn
Sheep
above tributary of Boquhan Burn
Ruins
of Cottage at Limpithill
Rock
face and head of waterfall
above the Hole of Neith
The
deep abyss of the Hole of Sneith
Entrance to the "Whale's Belly"
in the gorge of Boquhan Burn
Entrance to the "Whale's Belly"
in the gorge of Boquhan Burn
The "Whale's Belly"
a narrow and deep gorge of Boquhan Burn
enclosed on both sides by perpendicular rocks
about 30 feet high.
Waterfall
on tributary of Boquhan Burn
Rock
buttress
above tributary of Boquhan Burn
Rock
buttress
above tributary of Boquhan Burn
Dugald's
Tower
above tributary of Boquhan Burn
Dugald's 'Tower' is
a natural feature,
which, according to local legend,
was the site of a 17th century
Conventicle
and the hiding place of a Covenanter named Dugald.
:: Kippen
Gallery 
:: Gargunnock
Hills
Gallery 
