135 



The only object of great geological interest near Loch Ranza is 

 the granite junction at the base of Tornidneon. This bold and 

 finely-shaped mountain, about 1,500 feet in height, rises on the 

 east side of the gorge above referred to, through which a torrent 

 descends into the head of the loch, having cut a deep channel in the 

 solid rock. The place is wild and picturesque ; at some points 

 great caution must be used in selecting our footsteps. We are upon 

 the junction in the river bed, at the upper end of the gorge, where 

 the open glen begins. Many fine branching veins of granite run 

 into the slate, narrowing to threads as the distance increases, the 

 granular structure becoming at the same time more minute; some are 

 interstratified with the slate. As already noticed at the Glen Rosa 

 junction, the slate is banded with quartzose layers ; and these, as 

 well as the slate layers, are much contorted. In some of the 

 larger veins the granite is coarse-grained, but usually a more 

 compact or confusedly crystalline strip separates these from the 

 slate. The front of Tornidneon shows several fine veins and alterna- 

 tions where the two rocks approach, as already noticed in Art. 52. 

 The whole appearances are strongly confirmatory of the intrusive 

 character of the granite ; and this junction early became celebrated 

 in the discussions between the abettors of the igneous and aqueous 

 theories. 



Some fine junctions may also be seen across the hill tops between 

 this point and Glen Catacol. We may ascend from here and return 

 from Catacol by the shore ; or first visit Catacol from Loch Ranza, 

 examine the terraced ridges at its mouth, and then ascend by the 

 granite junction at the N.E. angle of the glen. The descent upon 

 Loch Ranza from the high platform is not difficult. The walk 

 affords many grand views. 



EXCURSIONS VI., VII., VIII. 



93. THREE interesting excursions may be made from Loch Ranza, 

 from none of which, however, will it be easy to return to this 

 place on the same day. They may, therefore, be taken at different 

 times, after an interval. Most tourists will prefer the last a return 

 to Corrie by the inland route. 



A walk by the shore, from Loch Ranza to Dugarry, about 

 eleven miles, will more amply reward the lover of the lonely, the 



