Àird nan Capall

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Àird nan Capall

Berneray and Mingulay from the air Looking north, with the western part of Pabbay/Pabaigh at top right.
Berneray and Mingulay from the air Credit: M J Richardson

Àird nan Capall is a prominent coastal headland located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated along the rugged coastline, it offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape and the vast North Atlantic Ocean. The name "Àird nan Capall" translates to "Horse Point" in English, reflecting its historical association with horses.

This headland is characterized by its steep cliffs, which rise dramatically from the sea, providing a striking visual spectacle. The cliffs are composed of layered rocks, displaying a range of sedimentary formations that have been shaped by centuries of natural erosion. The headland is also home to an array of marine and bird life, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Visitors to Àird nan Capall can explore the area via a network of walking trails that traverse the headland, allowing for panoramic views of the coastline and the adjacent countryside. On a clear day, it is possible to see across the water to the distant hills and mountains of the Scottish Highlands, creating a picturesque backdrop.

In addition to its natural beauty, Àird nan Capall holds historical significance. It is believed to have been a strategic location during ancient times, potentially used for defensive purposes. Ruins of ancient settlements and fortifications can still be found in the vicinity, providing a glimpse into the area's rich history.

Overall, Àird nan Capall is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the rugged beauty of Scotland's coastline. Its stunning cliffs, diverse wildlife, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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Àird nan Capall Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.828543/-7.6222521 or Grid Reference NL5784. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Berneray and Mingulay from the air Looking north, with the western part of Pabbay/Pabaigh at top right.
Berneray and Mingulay from the air
Looking north, with the western part of Pabbay/Pabaigh at top right.
Mingulay - Abandoned village - entrance to former dwelling Mingulay was abandoned in 1912, some 18 years before its more famous (and more distant) twin, St. Kilda.
Remnants of many of the houses still stand, but few exceed about 6' (2m) in height. Here we see the entrance to one of these former dwellings.
See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6888621">NL5683 : Mingulay - former entrance to dwelling</a> for close-up of the doorway.
Mingulay - Abandoned village - entrance to former dwelling
Mingulay was abandoned in 1912, some 18 years before its more famous (and more distant) twin, St. Kilda. Remnants of many of the houses still stand, but few exceed about 6' (2m) in height. Here we see the entrance to one of these former dwellings. See NL5683 : Mingulay - former entrance to dwelling for close-up of the doorway.
Mingulay - former entrance to dwelling The narrow (and low) entrance to a former dwelling on Mingulay. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6888618">NL5683 : Mingulay - Abandoned village - entrance to former dwelling</a> to see this in context.
Mingulay - former entrance to dwelling
The narrow (and low) entrance to a former dwelling on Mingulay. See NL5683 : Mingulay - Abandoned village - entrance to former dwelling to see this in context.
Mingulay - sand-filled ruined house Being next to the beach, the abandoned buildings of the former village on the island of Mingulay have had sand blown in to cover their floors.
Mingulay - sand-filled ruined house
Being next to the beach, the abandoned buildings of the former village on the island of Mingulay have had sand blown in to cover their floors.
Mingulay - former chapel The utterly ruinous remains of the former chapel on Mingulay. This was the only building in the former village with a "Dangerous Building - Keep Out" sign on it. It retains its concrete steps on its north-east side from which I took this photo looking down into the devastation.
Mingulay - former chapel
The utterly ruinous remains of the former chapel on Mingulay. This was the only building in the former village with a "Dangerous Building - Keep Out" sign on it. It retains its concrete steps on its north-east side from which I took this photo looking down into the devastation.
Mingulay - stream flowing to the bay This is one of several streams that flow down from the hills of Mingulay to meet the bay beyond the village.
Mingulay - stream flowing to the bay
This is one of several streams that flow down from the hills of Mingulay to meet the bay beyond the village.
Mingulay - beach and bay The magnificent sands of Bàgh Mhiùghlaigh (Mingulay Bay) as seen from the hills to the north.
Mingulay - beach and bay
The magnificent sands of Bàgh Mhiùghlaigh (Mingulay Bay) as seen from the hills to the north.
Mingulay - Seal on the beach This seal seemed as interested in me as I was in him/her. I think that this is a grey (rather than a common/harbour) seal, but would welcome confirmation.
Mingulay - Seal on the beach
This seal seemed as interested in me as I was in him/her. I think that this is a grey (rather than a common/harbour) seal, but would welcome confirmation.
Mingulay - Swimming seal This seal (Grey I think) was swimming around the coast of Mingulay at Rubha an Droma.
Mingulay - Swimming seal
This seal (Grey I think) was swimming around the coast of Mingulay at Rubha an Droma.
Mingulay - Abandoned village from the beach Looking back from the beach to the abandoned village of Mingulay.
See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6890287">NL5683 : Mingulay - The abandoned village</a>
 for a closer view.
Mingulay - Abandoned village from the beach
Looking back from the beach to the abandoned village of Mingulay. See NL5683 : Mingulay - The abandoned village for a closer view.
Mingulay - view SSW along the beach Looking along the beautiful beach which is in front of the abandoned village on the island of Mingulay.
Mingulay - view SSW along the beach
Looking along the beautiful beach which is in front of the abandoned village on the island of Mingulay.
Mingulay - The abandoned village Looking at the ruins of the abandoned village of Mingulay from the beach.
See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6890285">NL5683 : Mingulay - Abandoned village from the beach</a>
Mingulay - The abandoned village
Looking at the ruins of the abandoned village of Mingulay from the beach. See also NL5683 : Mingulay - Abandoned village from the beach
Mingulay - Ruined houses and chapel above the main village There were a few houses higher up the slope from the main area of the abandoned village on Mingulay, with the collapsed chapel yet further up the hill.
Mingulay - Ruined houses and chapel above the main village
There were a few houses higher up the slope from the main area of the abandoned village on Mingulay, with the collapsed chapel yet further up the hill.
The Village and Church, Mingulay
The Village and Church, Mingulay
High ground at the north end of Mingulay
High ground at the north end of Mingulay
Guarsay Beag on Mingulay Bonxie breeding ground. One of these great Skuas can be seen at bottom right
Guarsay Beag on Mingulay
Bonxie breeding ground. One of these great Skuas can be seen at bottom right
Great Skuas on Mingulay
Great Skuas on Mingulay
Theisgeir a-muigh Ordnance Survey sometimes has difficulty obtaining an agreed spelling in the Gaelic community because the spoken names have varied pronunciation
Theisgeir a-muigh
Ordnance Survey sometimes has difficulty obtaining an agreed spelling in the Gaelic community because the spoken names have varied pronunciation
Show me another place!

Àird nan Capall is located at Grid Ref: NL5784 (Lat: 56.828543, Lng: -7.6222521)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///factor.unusually.hubcaps. Near CastleBay, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 56.828543,-7.6222521
Tom a' Reithean
Corbett: no
Ele: 150
Graham: no
Marilyn: no
Munro: no
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 56.8269377/-7.6281992
Ard nan Capuill
Natural: cape
Lat/Long: 56.8290947/-7.6224439
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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