Carnan Dubh

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Carnan Dubh

Marestail (Hippuris vulgaris) A plant that always grows in water, for once conveniently close enough to the land to be photographed. — Marestail (Hippuris vulgaris) Credit: Anne Burgess

Carnan Dubh is a coastal feature located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. It is a prominent headland jutting out into the sea, forming a point that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The name "Carnan Dubh" translates to "black cairn" in Gaelic, which is derived from the dark, rocky appearance of the headland.

Situated on the western coast of Inverness-shire, Carnan Dubh is characterized by its rugged cliffs and dramatic coastline. The headland is composed of basalt rock formations, which have been shaped and eroded by the relentless force of the sea over thousands of years. This geological history is evident in the striking features of the area, including sea caves, arches, and stacks.

Visitors to Carnan Dubh can expect to be greeted by a wild and untamed landscape. The headland is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills, and puffins. The surrounding waters are also teeming with marine life, making it a popular spot for fishing and wildlife enthusiasts.

Carnan Dubh attracts not only nature enthusiasts but also history buffs, as it is believed to have been inhabited by ancient communities. Archaeological remains, including stone circles and burial sites, have been discovered in the vicinity, providing valuable insights into the area's past.

Overall, Carnan Dubh is a captivating coastal feature that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, geological wonders, and historical significance. Whether exploring the cliffs, observing wildlife, or simply enjoying the breathtaking views, visitors to this headland are in for a memorable experience.

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Carnan Dubh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.484054/-7.3307982 or Grid Reference NF8056. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Marestail (Hippuris vulgaris)

A plant that always grows in water, for once conveniently close enough to the land to be photographed.

Anne Burgess

Irish Lady's-tresses (Spiranthes romanzoffiana)

A member of the orchid family, with a very western distribution.

Anne Burgess

Gramisdale stone circle

Rather mutilated prehistoric stone circle. Link

Sandy Gerrard

Uachdar: postbox № HS6 29

This small postbox is comfortably within the HS7 postcode district (Benbecula), but has an HS6 (North Uist) number. It is emptied at 2pm on weekdays and at 9:45am on Saturdays.

Chris Downer

North Ford Causeway

On the north edge of Benbecula, the modern causeway leads across the Oitir Mhor to Grimsay and North Uist. Link

Colin Smith

A865 south of Loch na Smalaig, Benbecula

The A865 runs through the centre of the loch-laced flat isle of Benbecula. The large dark green shed or barn seen on the right is just beyond the track to Ardgarbh, and must be quite recent as it does not appear on Google's Streetview (see Link

) Note: The maps show "Shieling" just south of this point, but that simply means roughly constructed hut or pasture for cattle, and is not a placename.

Rob Farrow

Loch na Smalaig

Benbecula doesn't get rave reviews in most of the guidebooks, which generally urge the visitor on to the delights of the Uists to north and south. But on a beautiful sunny day like this, the inky blue lochs and lochans have a distinct charm. The house on the left is Ardgarbh with its track forming the southern border of the loch.

Rob Farrow

Loch Olabhat

A shallow loch, almost at sea level and with numerous small islands. Looking towards the distinctive profile of Eabhal on North Uist.

Gordon Hatton

Loch Olabhat

An unpleasantly wet track leads from the road down to this reedy loch.

Gordon Hatton

Gramsdale: postbox № HS6 40 and phone

One of several postboxes which seem to have a prefix misnomer - being on Benbecula, this box is actually in the HS7, not HS6, postcode district. It stands alongside a red telephone box and this may be evidence that the post office, which opened in the summer of 1935 and closed on 5 October 1974, was in the adjacent house.

Chris Downer

Gramsdale: Welcome to Benbecula

A bilingual welcome to motorists travelling southward on the A865 as they arrive on the isle of Benbecula on the causeway from Grimsay.

Chris Downer

Benbecula Golf club

These buildings form part of Benbecula golf club, beside the taxi-way at the airport.

Greg Morss

Benbecula Airport runway

looking south west from the point where most planes land.

Greg Morss

The short runway at Benbecula Airport

The shorter runway (to allow taking off/landing into the wind when it's markedly different to the prevailing trend) is a lot bumpier than the main one. Hecla and Beinn Mhor on South Uist in the background.

Greg Morss