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Gob an Dùin

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Gob an Dùin

Dùn from Ruabhal A classic view of Dùn. I had a memorable day on Dùn not helped by falling into the sea when being landed. It is lucky my camera survived to take these images later.
Dùn from Ruabhal Credit: Julian Paren

Gob an Dùin is a prominent and picturesque headland located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated along the stunning coastline, this coastal feature is known for its rugged cliffs, stunning views, and rich natural beauty.

The headland is characterized by its rocky terrain, with steep cliffs that jut out into the North Sea. These cliffs provide a nesting ground for various seabirds, including fulmars, puffins, and guillemots, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers. The area is also home to a diverse range of marine life, and seals can often be spotted basking on the rocks or swimming in the surrounding waters.

Gob an Dùin offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the expansive sea, nearby islands, and the distant mountains. On a clear day, visitors can even catch a glimpse of the Outer Hebrides in the distance. The headland is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, who can explore the rugged coastal paths and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.

The name "Gob an Dùin" translates to "mouth of the fortress" in Gaelic, hinting at the area's historical significance. In the past, the headland served as a strategic vantage point, offering a natural defense against potential invaders. Ruins of ancient forts and settlements can still be found in the vicinity, adding to the area's historical charm.

Overall, Gob an Dùin is a captivating coastal feature that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and historical significance. Whether one is seeking a peaceful walk along the cliffs, a chance to observe seabirds in their natural habitat, or simply a scenic spot to enjoy the breathtaking views, Gob an Dùin is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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Gob an Dùin Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.794503/-8.5526186 or Grid Reference NF1097. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Dùn from Ruabhal A classic view of Dùn. I had a memorable day on Dùn not helped by falling into the sea when being landed. It is lucky my camera survived to take these images later.
Dùn from Ruabhal
A classic view of Dùn. I had a memorable day on Dùn not helped by falling into the sea when being landed. It is lucky my camera survived to take these images later.
Village Bay from the side of Ruabhal, Hirta The military encampment is noticeable and this image was taken when the North Uist Rocket Range was extensively used by NATO.
Village Bay from the side of Ruabhal, Hirta
The military encampment is noticeable and this image was taken when the North Uist Rocket Range was extensively used by NATO.
Below The Mistress Stone, St Kilda This stone shared with The Lovers Stone a role in proving fidelity in courtship. Village Bay, Hirta is in the background.
Below The Mistress Stone, St Kilda
This stone shared with The Lovers Stone a role in proving fidelity in courtship. Village Bay, Hirta is in the background.
Dùn and Hirta A view along the coast of Dùn towards Ruabhal, on the island of Hirta, and the narrow strait (Caolas an Dùin) which separates the two islands. View taken from Bhàga a’ Bhaile (Village Bay).
Dùn and Hirta
A view along the coast of Dùn towards Ruabhal, on the island of Hirta, and the narrow strait (Caolas an Dùin) which separates the two islands. View taken from Bhàga a’ Bhaile (Village Bay).
Dùn from Ruabhal
Dùn from Ruabhal
Ruabhal and Dun
Ruabhal and Dun
The island of Dun Seen from about the most southerly point of Hirta. In the distance the skerry called Leibhinis <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NF1396">NF1396</a> can be seen.
The island of Dun
Seen from about the most southerly point of Hirta. In the distance the skerry called Leibhinis NF1396 can be seen.
St Kilda - Caolas an Dùin (the straits of Dùn) The island of Dùn is almost joined to Hirta at Ruiaval, however the two islands are separated by Caolas an Dùin (the straits of Dùn) which can be seen here with Dùn on the left. This small separation meant (and means) that the Soay sheep that roam freely on Hirta do not live on Dùn. A short but useful Wikipedia entry on Dùn here <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%B9n" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%B9n">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
St Kilda - Caolas an Dùin (the straits of Dùn)
The island of Dùn is almost joined to Hirta at Ruiaval, however the two islands are separated by Caolas an Dùin (the straits of Dùn) which can be seen here with Dùn on the left. This small separation meant (and means) that the Soay sheep that roam freely on Hirta do not live on Dùn. A short but useful Wikipedia entry on Dùn here LinkExternal link
Yachts in Village Bay, St Kilda With Ruabhal as the backdrop.
Yachts in Village Bay, St Kilda
With Ruabhal as the backdrop.
Clash na Bearnaich, St Kilda Steep scree slopes, as seen from a boat in Village Bay.
Clash na Bearnaich, St Kilda
Steep scree slopes, as seen from a boat in Village Bay.
Rubhal from the pier at Village Bay, St Kilda In the foreground is the boat that brought us across, Orca II operated by kildacruises.co.uk.
Rubhal from the pier at Village Bay, St Kilda
In the foreground is the boat that brought us across, Orca II operated by kildacruises.co.uk.
Giasgeir and Caolas an Duin, St Kilda There are the remains of cultivation on Dun from when it was still connected to Hirta, and early visitors to St Kilda describe how it was possible to skip across the rocks at low tide, but this not advisable these days.
Giasgeir and Caolas an Duin, St Kilda
There are the remains of cultivation on Dun from when it was still connected to Hirta, and early visitors to St Kilda describe how it was possible to skip across the rocks at low tide, but this not advisable these days.
Ruabhal, St Kilda Bagged on a circuit of six Hirta TUMPs on a sunny afternoon. Name: Ruabhal Hill number: 12797 Height: 130m / 427ft Parent (Ma/M): 1636 Conachair Section: 25: St Kilda County/UA: Na h-Eileanan Siar [Western Isles] (UA) Island: Hirta Class: Tump (100-199m) Grid ref: NF 09577 97873 Summit feature: rocky tor Drop: 32m Col: 98m NF095980
Ruabhal, St Kilda
Bagged on a circuit of six Hirta TUMPs on a sunny afternoon. Name: Ruabhal Hill number: 12797 Height: 130m / 427ft Parent (Ma/M): 1636 Conachair Section: 25: St Kilda County/UA: Na h-Eileanan Siar [Western Isles] (UA) Island: Hirta Class: Tump (100-199m) Grid ref: NF 09577 97873 Summit feature: rocky tor Drop: 32m Col: 98m NF095980
Southernmost point of Hirta island Forbidding coastline seen from a cruise liner.
Southernmost point of Hirta island
Forbidding coastline seen from a cruise liner.
The gap between Hirta and Dun Dun on the left, Hirta on the right separated by Caolas an Duin.
The gap between Hirta and Dun
Dun on the left, Hirta on the right separated by Caolas an Duin.
Ruabhal Looking down the ridge of Ruabhal towards the island of Dun.
Ruabhal
Looking down the ridge of Ruabhal towards the island of Dun.
The Mistress Stone A balanced stone arch above a drop. It has a similar story to the Lover's Stone. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4574320">NF0899 : Lover's Stone</a>
The Mistress Stone
A balanced stone arch above a drop. It has a similar story to the Lover's Stone. NF0899 : Lover's Stone
The gap between Hirta and Dun The two islands in the St Kilda archipelago are separated by just this small channel. Tricky to cross though!
The gap between Hirta and Dun
The two islands in the St Kilda archipelago are separated by just this small channel. Tricky to cross though!
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Gob an Dùin is located at Grid Ref: NF1097 (Lat: 57.794503, Lng: -8.5526186)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///thrashing.since.tinsel. Near Balivanich, Na h-Eileanan Siar

Nearby Locations

Geo na Ruideig Na Sgarain Geodha Seilg Bioda Mòr Hamalan Giumachsgor

Related Wikis

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.794503,-8.5526186
Bioda Mòr
Corbett: no
Ele: 178
Graham: no
Marilyn: yes
Munro: no
Natural: peak
Prominence: 178
Lat/Long: 57.7952342/-8.5604821
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Giumachsgor Inverness-shire
Rubha an Uisge Inverness-shire

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