Alanais

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Alanais

Lingeigh An islet off Pabaigh. A cave on the eastern edge might reward a closer look?
Lingeigh Credit: Alan Reid

Alanais is a stunning coastal feature located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated on the northwestern coast of the country, it is specifically categorized as a headland or point due to its prominent and protruding nature.

This breathtaking headland offers unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape and the vastness of the North Atlantic Ocean. Alanais is characterized by its rugged cliffs, which rise dramatically from the sea, creating a natural barrier against the crashing waves. These cliffs are composed of ancient rock formations, showcasing the geological history of the area.

The headland's position on the coastline makes it an ideal spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. The area is home to a diverse range of bird species, including gulls, puffins, and cormorants. Visitors can witness these magnificent creatures soaring above the waves or nesting on the cliffs.

Alanais is also known for its picturesque coastal walks, allowing visitors to explore the headland and its surroundings on foot. The trails meander through a combination of grassy fields and rocky terrain, providing a unique opportunity to observe the local flora and fauna up close.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Alanais offers opportunities for sea kayaking and fishing. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, making it an ideal destination for fishing enthusiasts.

Overall, Alanais is a captivating coastal feature that offers a diverse range of activities and natural beauty. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking tranquility by the sea, this headland is sure to leave you in awe.

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Alanais Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.857353/-7.5917217 or Grid Reference NL5987. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Lingeigh An islet off Pabaigh. A cave on the eastern edge might reward a closer look?
Lingeigh
An islet off Pabaigh. A cave on the eastern edge might reward a closer look?
Our Rocky Landing Point For Pabbay/Pabaigh Our rocky landing point for Pabbay/Pabaigh was in a sheltered spot to the north of Ruadh-phort to the right of a long narrow inlet.
Our Rocky Landing Point For Pabbay/Pabaigh
Our rocky landing point for Pabbay/Pabaigh was in a sheltered spot to the north of Ruadh-phort to the right of a long narrow inlet.
A View Down Narrow Inlet A view down the narrow rocky inlet near to where we landed on Pabbay/Pabaigh. There were want primroses to be seen between the rocks.
A View Down Narrow Inlet
A view down the narrow rocky inlet near to where we landed on Pabbay/Pabaigh. There were want primroses to be seen between the rocks.
Ruined Building on Pabbay, Outer Hebrides This photo shows a ruined building on Pabbay, an island near Mingulay in the Outer Hebrides.  Pabbay was last inhabited in 1911.  The building was evidently constructed using the local stone, as it is quite well camouflaged against the bare rocks behind.  In the lower left, close to the photographer, is a standing stone, probably the remains of an ancient Celtic cross.
Ruined Building on Pabbay, Outer Hebrides
This photo shows a ruined building on Pabbay, an island near Mingulay in the Outer Hebrides. Pabbay was last inhabited in 1911. The building was evidently constructed using the local stone, as it is quite well camouflaged against the bare rocks behind. In the lower left, close to the photographer, is a standing stone, probably the remains of an ancient Celtic cross.
The Fort of Dunan Ruadh A galleried broch ruin on the Isle of Pabbay.
The Fort of Dunan Ruadh
A galleried broch ruin on the Isle of Pabbay.
Seals off Pabbay Paddling around Pabbay we came across this group of seals sleeping in the sun
Seals off Pabbay
Paddling around Pabbay we came across this group of seals sleeping in the sun
Early morning To be ahead of the forecasted winds we set off early 7.00am to paddle back to Castlebay
Early morning
To be ahead of the forecasted winds we set off early 7.00am to paddle back to Castlebay
Geo on the coast of Lingay Erosion here appears to be along a line of weakness where a vertical volcanic dyke splits the gneiss.
Geo on the coast of Lingay
Erosion here appears to be along a line of weakness where a vertical volcanic dyke splits the gneiss.
Pabbay from Sandray
Pabbay from Sandray
Geos shape the northern rocks of Pabaigh
Geos shape the northern rocks of Pabaigh
Heisgeir A-Staigh A trio of rock islets off the southwest tip of Pabaigh
Heisgeir A-Staigh
A trio of rock islets off the southwest tip of Pabaigh
An Tobha East Top Name: An Tobha East Top
Hill number: 12426
Height: 134m / 440ft
Parent (Ma/M): 1634  An Tobha [The Hoe]
Area: 24D: Barra to Barra Head
Class: 1
Grid ref: NL598874 (est)
Drop: 30m
Col: 104m  NL596873
An Tobha East Top
Name: An Tobha East Top Hill number: 12426 Height: 134m / 440ft Parent (Ma/M): 1634 An Tobha [The Hoe] Area: 24D: Barra to Barra Head Class: 1 Grid ref: NL598874 (est) Drop: 30m Col: 104m NL596873
The Hoe, Pabbay, Outer Hebrides At 171 m The Hoe is the highest point on this rocky, uninhabited Hebridean island. The neighbouring island of Mingulay lies across the Sound of Mingulay to the South West.
The Hoe, Pabbay, Outer Hebrides
At 171 m The Hoe is the highest point on this rocky, uninhabited Hebridean island. The neighbouring island of Mingulay lies across the Sound of Mingulay to the South West.
Looking south to Mingulay Looking south from the western end of Pabbay - where we were stormbound for 6 days in 2006!
Looking south to Mingulay
Looking south from the western end of Pabbay - where we were stormbound for 6 days in 2006!
Crossing to Pabbay After paddling around Mingulay we paddled back to our campsite on Pabbay. A long but great day on the water
Crossing to Pabbay
After paddling around Mingulay we paddled back to our campsite on Pabbay. A long but great day on the water
North coast of Pabbay A view from a boat passing close by the island. The inlet of Sloc Granda is right of centre. This looks to be a difficult coast to access from the landward side.
North coast of Pabbay
A view from a boat passing close by the island. The inlet of Sloc Granda is right of centre. This looks to be a difficult coast to access from the landward side.
Cliffs at Alanais The north west point of Pabbay with cliffs dropping into the Atlantic.
Cliffs at Alanais
The north west point of Pabbay with cliffs dropping into the Atlantic.
Hesgeir a Staigh Shown as Inner Heisker on some 1:50000 maps, and confusingly also shown as 3 islets, where in fact there are four [the larger scale map is more accurate]. These are in the sound between Pabbay and Mingulay.
Hesgeir a Staigh
Shown as Inner Heisker on some 1:50000 maps, and confusingly also shown as 3 islets, where in fact there are four [the larger scale map is more accurate]. These are in the sound between Pabbay and Mingulay.
Show me another place!

Alanais is located at Grid Ref: NL5987 (Lat: 56.857353, Lng: -7.5917217)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///foiled.postage.muted. Near CastleBay, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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