Rubha Dubh

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Rubha Dubh

Footbridge on the Hebridean Way Sturdy footbridge on the Hebridean Way west of Langass Lodge
Footbridge on the Hebridean Way Credit: Alan Pickup

Rubha Dubh is a prominent headland located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands, this coastal feature juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and sea.

The name "Rubha Dubh" translates to "black point" in Gaelic, likely referencing the dark cliffs and rocky outcrops that characterize the headland. The rugged terrain and dramatic cliffs make Rubha Dubh a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of the Scottish coastline.

The headland is home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds such as puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. Visitors to Rubha Dubh may also catch a glimpse of seals and dolphins frolicking in the waters off the coast.

In addition to its natural beauty, Rubha Dubh also holds historical significance, with ancient ruins and archaeological sites scattered throughout the area. Whether you're interested in hiking, birdwatching, or simply taking in the breathtaking views, Rubha Dubh offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to Inverness-shire.

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Rubha Dubh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.559231/-7.2745856 or Grid Reference NF8464. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Footbridge on the Hebridean Way Sturdy footbridge on the Hebridean Way west of Langass Lodge
Footbridge on the Hebridean Way
Sturdy footbridge on the Hebridean Way west of Langass Lodge
Hebridean Way View SE from the Hebridean Way west of Langass Lodge. In the distance is the distinctive shape of Eabhal.
Hebridean Way
View SE from the Hebridean Way west of Langass Lodge. In the distance is the distinctive shape of Eabhal.
Pobull Fhinn Stone Circle by Loch Langais The dilapidated sign calls the area the Langass Stone Circle.  The hill Eaval is in the distance.
Pobull Fhinn Stone Circle by Loch Langais
The dilapidated sign calls the area the Langass Stone Circle. The hill Eaval is in the distance.
The start of the path to Barpa Langass chambered cairn This is  a Neolithic chambered cairn. It diameter is about 22 metres by 5.5 metres high, and is around 5,000 years old.  Unfortunately there has been a recent collapse and entry (although possible) is no longer approved.
The start of the path to Barpa Langass chambered cairn
This is a Neolithic chambered cairn. It diameter is about 22 metres by 5.5 metres high, and is around 5,000 years old. Unfortunately there has been a recent collapse and entry (although possible) is no longer approved.
Barpa Langass chambered cairn This is  a Neolithic chambered cairn. It diameter is about 22 metres by 5.5 metres high, and is around 5,000 years old.  Unfortunately there has been a recent collapse and entry (although possible) is no longer approved.
Barpa Langass chambered cairn
This is a Neolithic chambered cairn. It diameter is about 22 metres by 5.5 metres high, and is around 5,000 years old. Unfortunately there has been a recent collapse and entry (although possible) is no longer approved.
The A867 Notice the remains of the old single-track road on the right.
The A867
Notice the remains of the old single-track road on the right.
Entrance to Barpa Langass in 1986 No restrictions on access to the chambered cairn in 1986 - so a return trip recently greatly disappointed as access to the interior is barred.

In 1986 I remember no car park or "Interpretation Board" except the small board beside the entrance.

According to the Canmore website

Barpa Langass, 3rd millennium bc The tumulus of some eminent warrior, or perhaps of a Neolithic tribe, this is one of the best survivals of a barpa or massive chambered cairn of the passage-grave type. Prominent on the hillside, the circular mound of stones conceals the only known intact megalithic chamber in the Western Isles.
Entrance to Barpa Langass in 1986
No restrictions on access to the chambered cairn in 1986 - so a return trip recently greatly disappointed as access to the interior is barred. In 1986 I remember no car park or "Interpretation Board" except the small board beside the entrance. According to the Canmore website Barpa Langass, 3rd millennium bc The tumulus of some eminent warrior, or perhaps of a Neolithic tribe, this is one of the best survivals of a barpa or massive chambered cairn of the passage-grave type. Prominent on the hillside, the circular mound of stones conceals the only known intact megalithic chamber in the Western Isles.
Langass Stone Circle Some of the two dozen surviving stones of the circle known as the People of Fingal above Loch Langais.

<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1341929">NF8465 : Pobull Fhinn</a> shows the identical view 23 years later.  Gone is the information board that sat so well on the horizontal slab. The board states the place as Langass Stone Circle after giving the name in Gaelic.  Pobull Fhinn is also mentioned.

Eaval is the hill in the far distance.
Langass Stone Circle
Some of the two dozen surviving stones of the circle known as the People of Fingal above Loch Langais. NF8465 : Pobull Fhinn shows the identical view 23 years later. Gone is the information board that sat so well on the horizontal slab. The board states the place as Langass Stone Circle after giving the name in Gaelic. Pobull Fhinn is also mentioned. Eaval is the hill in the far distance.
Peat stacks beside the A867 Looking towards Marrogh (168m) in the distance.
Peat stacks beside the A867
Looking towards Marrogh (168m) in the distance.
Cutting peats beside the A867 Traditional cutting of peats to dry for fuel in North Uist.
Cutting peats beside the A867
Traditional cutting of peats to dry for fuel in North Uist.
Cutting peats beside the A867 Traditional cutting of peats to dry for fuel in North Uist.
Cutting peats beside the A867
Traditional cutting of peats to dry for fuel in North Uist.
The North Uist dual carriageway? The view is from the old road across the island with the new road to the left. Single track has been abandoned in favour of a well engineered double width road which leads from Lochmaddy to Clachan before normal service is resumed.
The North Uist dual carriageway?
The view is from the old road across the island with the new road to the left. Single track has been abandoned in favour of a well engineered double width road which leads from Lochmaddy to Clachan before normal service is resumed.
The work of a craftsman A very neatly cut area of peat. Note the string for a straight line and the square cut peat 'bricks'. All the work of someone who likes a job well done - maybe a 'geograph' contributor?
The work of a craftsman
A very neatly cut area of peat. Note the string for a straight line and the square cut peat 'bricks'. All the work of someone who likes a job well done - maybe a 'geograph' contributor?
Loch na Moracha One of the many irregularly shaped lochs that cover much of the interior of North Uist, which seems to be more water than land.
Loch na Moracha
One of the many irregularly shaped lochs that cover much of the interior of North Uist, which seems to be more water than land.
Wheelbarrow parking area Wheelbarrows on the thin strip of ground between the old and new roads across North Uist. This is an area much used for peat cutting - thus the turf 'bricks' in the foreground.
Wheelbarrow parking area
Wheelbarrows on the thin strip of ground between the old and new roads across North Uist. This is an area much used for peat cutting - thus the turf 'bricks' in the foreground.
Statue of Hercules in Langass Wood Hercules, a grizzly bear, gained international stardom when going missing for 24 days after escaping while filming a television commercial on Benbecula in 1980. He was found on North Uist. He died in 2001 aged 25 and a statue was erected in his memory.
Statue of Hercules in Langass Wood
Hercules, a grizzly bear, gained international stardom when going missing for 24 days after escaping while filming a television commercial on Benbecula in 1980. He was found on North Uist. He died in 2001 aged 25 and a statue was erected in his memory.
Barpa Langass chambered cairn An impressive cairn with surviving chamber which is no longer safe to enter (Scale 1m). <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/10236/north-uist-barpa-langass" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/10236/north-uist-barpa-langass">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>
Barpa Langass chambered cairn
An impressive cairn with surviving chamber which is no longer safe to enter (Scale 1m). LinkExternal link
Loch Glen Na Feannag shieling and chambered cairn The shieling is built on the edge of a much earlier chambered cairn. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/10251/north-uist-loch-glen-na-feannag" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/10251/north-uist-loch-glen-na-feannag">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>
Loch Glen Na Feannag shieling and chambered cairn
The shieling is built on the edge of a much earlier chambered cairn. LinkExternal link
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Rubha Dubh is located at Grid Ref: NF8464 (Lat: 57.559231, Lng: -7.2745856)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///palms.sway.knees. Near Lochmaddy, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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