Àird Phabach

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Àird Phabach

Cleite against the backdrop of Sanndraigh
Cleite against the backdrop of Sanndraigh Credit: Alan Reid

Àird Phabach is a captivating coastal feature located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated on the western coast, this headland stands proudly overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean. With its dramatic cliffs and stunning panoramic views, it serves as a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and tourists alike.

The headland of Àird Phabach juts out into the ocean, forming a distinctive point that offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape. Its elevated position provides unobstructed views of the sea, allowing visitors to witness the raw power of the crashing waves and the endless expanse of the horizon.

The cliffs of Àird Phabach are a prominent feature of the headland, characterized by their rugged and imposing nature. These cliffs are composed of sedimentary rocks, showcasing layers of different geological formations, which are of great interest to geologists and rock enthusiasts. The sheer height of the cliffs, combined with the constant erosion caused by the sea, creates a mesmerizing sight and emphasizes the raw beauty of this coastal landmark.

The area surrounding Àird Phabach is rich in flora and fauna. The headland is home to a variety of seabirds, including guillemots, puffins, and gannets, which nest and thrive on the cliffs. The coastal waters are also teeming with marine life, attracting seals, dolphins, and occasionally, even whales.

Accessible via a coastal path, Àird Phabach offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the Scottish coastline. Whether it is for birdwatching, photography, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk along the shoreline, this headland is a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable coastal experience.

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Àird Phabach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.881991/-7.5177804 or Grid Reference NL6490. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cleite against the backdrop of Sanndraigh
Cleite against the backdrop of Sanndraigh
Shags on Cleite Shags cover this small rocky island June 09
Shags on Cleite
Shags cover this small rocky island June 09
Shags on Cleite off Sandray south coast The shags seem always to be on their favourite perch
Shags on Cleite off Sandray south coast
The shags seem always to be on their favourite perch
Cleite A shag drying out rock off Sandray
Cleite
A shag drying out rock off Sandray
Buckshorn Plantain (Plantago coronopus) There were several plants of this, half-buried in sand that must have blown in quite recently.
Buckshorn Plantain (Plantago coronopus)
There were several plants of this, half-buried in sand that must have blown in quite recently.
Dun Sandray The ruin of Dùn Sandray stands atop a knoll, 400 feet above the sea, overlooking Loch na Cuilce (loch of reeds). It is now little more than a pile of stones, as rabbit catchers pushed down much of its outer defensive walls to build shelters.
Dun Sandray
The ruin of Dùn Sandray stands atop a knoll, 400 feet above the sea, overlooking Loch na Cuilce (loch of reeds). It is now little more than a pile of stones, as rabbit catchers pushed down much of its outer defensive walls to build shelters.
Sandray, Vatersay and Barra An aerial view from the south. The smaller island to the east is Maol Domhnaich.
Sandray, Vatersay and Barra
An aerial view from the south. The smaller island to the east is Maol Domhnaich.
Sandray (Sanndraigh) The island of Sandray (Sanndraigh) as seen from southern Vatersay (Bhatarsaigh).
The highest point on Sandray is Càrn Ghaltair, the almost-as-high eminence to its east being Carnach (189m, 620')
What may look like a low-lying island behind it, is in fact the Meanais peninsula of Sandray.
I have taken Càrn Ghaltair as the subject reference.
Statistics for Sandray (Sanndraigh)
Area: 385ha (c.1½ miles²)
Population: 0 (Uninhabited since 1934)
Highest Point: Càrn Ghaltair at 207m (679')
Sandray (Sanndraigh)
The island of Sandray (Sanndraigh) as seen from southern Vatersay (Bhatarsaigh). The highest point on Sandray is Càrn Ghaltair, the almost-as-high eminence to its east being Carnach (189m, 620') What may look like a low-lying island behind it, is in fact the Meanais peninsula of Sandray. I have taken Càrn Ghaltair as the subject reference. Statistics for Sandray (Sanndraigh) Area: 385ha (c.1½ miles²) Population: 0 (Uninhabited since 1934) Highest Point: Càrn Ghaltair at 207m (679')
Landing on the beach at Sandray
Landing on the beach at Sandray
Sea kayaks on Sandray beach Landing on the way down to Mingulay on a kayak camping trip May 2009
Sea kayaks on Sandray beach
Landing on the way down to Mingulay on a kayak camping trip May 2009
Sandray, Bagh Ban Sea kayaked down from Castlebay and camping on the headland before setting off to the north end of Barra. May 09
Sandray, Bagh Ban
Sea kayaked down from Castlebay and camping on the headland before setting off to the north end of Barra. May 09
Cave on the south side of Sandray Paddling out from a great open cave June 09
Cave on the south side of Sandray
Paddling out from a great open cave June 09
South coast of Sandray The fretted south coast of Sandray looking into an inlet with Gleann Mor beyond.
South coast of Sandray
The fretted south coast of Sandray looking into an inlet with Gleann Mor beyond.
Beach and dunes, Sandray The largest sand beaches on the island at the south eastern corner. Behind can be seen the huge dune system which blankets the eastern fringe of the island, rising to over 40m in places.
Beach and dunes, Sandray
The largest sand beaches on the island at the south eastern corner. Behind can be seen the huge dune system which blankets the eastern fringe of the island, rising to over 40m in places.
Squeezing past Eilean Mor The OS 1:50000 map hardly shows a gap here, but Donald MacLeod's boat sails safely through the narrow channel. To the right are the rocks of Eilean Mor [Big Island], hardly an appropriate name for a lump of rock barely more than 100m long.
Squeezing past Eilean Mor
The OS 1:50000 map hardly shows a gap here, but Donald MacLeod's boat sails safely through the narrow channel. To the right are the rocks of Eilean Mor [Big Island], hardly an appropriate name for a lump of rock barely more than 100m long.
Eilean Mòr, Sanndraigh A misnamed islet off Sandray.
Eilean Mòr, Sanndraigh
A misnamed islet off Sandray.
Barra seen from off Sandray A narrow passage between the Menais peninsula on Sanndraigh and Eilean Mòr with Heabhal in the background.
Barra seen from off Sandray
A narrow passage between the Menais peninsula on Sanndraigh and Eilean Mòr with Heabhal in the background.
Meall Dòmhnaich and Eilean Mòr View from off the south beach, Sanndraigh.
Meall Dòmhnaich and Eilean Mòr
View from off the south beach, Sanndraigh.
Show me another place!

Àird Phabach is located at Grid Ref: NL6490 (Lat: 56.881991, Lng: -7.5177804)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///presented.spun.continues. Near CastleBay, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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