Àird an Rainich

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Àird an Rainich

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 Credit: Julian Paren

Àird an Rainich is a picturesque headland located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. This coastal feature juts out into the North Sea, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The headland is characterized by rugged cliffs, rocky shores, and lush greenery, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

At the tip of Àird an Rainich, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the sea and the nearby coastline. The headland is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds and marine mammals, adding to its natural beauty and appeal.

The area around Àird an Rainich is rich in history, with ancient ruins and archaeological sites scattered throughout the landscape. Visitors can explore these remnants of the past while taking in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds them.

Overall, Àird an Rainich is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the wild beauty of Scotland's coastline. Whether you're interested in hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, this headland offers something for everyone to enjoy.

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Àird an Rainich Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.566924/-7.2614836 or Grid Reference NF8565. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pobull Fhinn Stone Circle by Loch Langais

The dilapidated sign calls the area the Langass Stone Circle. The hill Eaval is in the distance.

Julian Paren

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.

Gordon Brown

The A867

Notice the remains of the old single-track road on the right.

Gordon Brown

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.

Julian Paren

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.

Julian Paren

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.

Gordon Hatton

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?

Gordon Hatton

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.

Gordon Hatton

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.

Gordon Hatton

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.

Alan Pickup

Barpa Langass chambered cairn

An impressive cairn with surviving chamber which is no longer safe to enter (Scale 1m). Link

Sandy Gerrard

Ruined Boat House on the North West Edge of Loch Langais

Sandy Gerrard

Pobull Fhinn stone circle

Stone circle unusually erected on an artificial terrace. Link

Sandy Gerrard

Barpa Langais - Chambered Tomb

Neolithic chambered cairn with a diameter about 22 metres and height 5.5 metres. The cairn is around 5,000 years old. Unfortunately there has been a recent collapse and entry is no longer approved. North Uist estate and Access Archaeology were when this image was taken exploring options for repairs. Link

Steve Houldsworth

Trig Point Beinn Langais

Lovely evening, not a midge in sight.

Steve Houldsworth

Hercules the Grizzly Bear Statue

While filming for a Kleenex television commercial on Benbecula on 20 August 1980, Hercules escaped and went missing for 24 days. Search parties looked for Hercules for three days before calling off the search. On 13 September, a crofter spotted Hercules swimming; he was shot with a tranquilliser dart, netted, and flown back to his handler The story quickly made Hercules a celebrity around the world.

Steve Houldsworth