The Comann Eachdraidh’s third archaeological walkover was at Baleveolan on Wednesday 13 March 2013. The combination of wonderful sunshine, beautiful views all around the island, and lots of unanswered historical questions, made for a very enjoyable afternoon. Though this whole area with its common grazing was once home to as many as 200 people, only traces of three possible dwelling houses remain surrounded by large fields with stone dykes, presumably built from the remains of the housing.
Those remaining dwellings belonged to the Stewarts before they built Hawthorn House which lies in front of Bachuil.
We made our way across the common grazing with views to the north and Ben Nevis and the south.
A further significant and very picturesque spot, Sloc an Eithir (Boat Gulley) is thought to be one of only two of Lismore’s many illicit stills that is still recognisable. The steep path down to the secluded inlet has clearly been engineered and was quite navigable and could certainly have been an ideal spot from which to “export” whisky.
Guide: Douglas Thorburn