Meanais

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Meanais

Cnocan above SgaraileÃ²d This little hill, only just above 20m in height, gives impressive views to the Black Cuillin on Skye. — Cnocan above SgaraileÃ²d Credit: AlastairG

Meanais is a prominent coastal feature located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated on the western coast of the Scottish Highlands, Meanais is a headland that juts out into the vast Atlantic Ocean. It is also commonly referred to as Meanais Point due to its distinctive shape and geographical significance.

The headland offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, characterized by rugged cliffs, dramatic sea stacks, and sparkling turquoise waters. The area is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to a diverse range of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. Visitors can often spot seals basking on the rocky shores, adding to the natural beauty of the place.

Meanais boasts a rich history, with evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years. The headland is dotted with ancient remains such as standing stones and burial cairns, providing insights into the lives of early inhabitants. These archaeological sites contribute to the area's cultural significance and make it an intriguing destination for history enthusiasts.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure at Meanais. The headland is a popular destination for hikers, who can traverse the coastal trails and experience the stunning coastal scenery up close. The area is also well-suited for birdwatching, fishing, and photography, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Meanais is a captivating coastal feature that combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor recreation. Whether visitors are interested in wildlife, history, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Meanais provides a truly memorable experience on the rugged western coast of Scotland.

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Meanais Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.446667/-7.2278339 or Grid Reference NF8651. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cnocan above SgaraileÃ²d

This little hill, only just above 20m in height, gives impressive views to the Black Cuillin on Skye.

AlastairG

Sheepfold and tidal inlet

Close by the bothy that I photographed in 2012, the sheepfold is marked on the OS map.The tidal inlet leads out to a channel between 'mainland' Benbecula and Orasaigh, one of many tidal islands of that name around the west coasts of Scotland.

Gordon Hatton

Crofts on the east side of Benbecula

This is almost at the end of the little road that winds its way across moors and by both sea and freshwater lochs to eventually reach Uisgeabhagh. A newer croft house to the left contrasts with an old single storey house to the right, no longer lived in and most likely doomed to slow decay.

Gordon Hatton

Disused bothy by the shore

A track leads from the road end past a house and down to the shore opposite the small island of Orasaigh Uisgeabheag. This tin roofed bothy is not yet falling into ruin.

Gordon Hatton

On the shores of Loch Uiseabhagh

Little visited [except by sheep] stretch of coastline in a remote corner of Benbecula.

Gordon Hatton

Offshore skerry near Uiseabhagh

The view offshore from a remote stretch of the Benbecula coastline. The skerry is unnamed on the map, whilst the coastline of Skye is visible in the distance [right].

Gordon Hatton

An unexciting patch of boggy moorland

There may be some interesting coastal scenery on the east side of this grid square, but the trek across a squelchy moor is just too much. The coast is visible here, as are one or two offshire islets. The moor appears to have been worked for peat in the past, and is full of wet patches.

Gordon Hatton

Roadend at Uisgeabhagh

A lonely crofting settlement on the east side of Benbecula.

Dave Fergusson

Loch Uisgeabhagh

Small muddy inlet off the sea loch, with inevitable debris along the high tide line.

Hugh Venables

Small inlet

The east coast of Benbecula and South Uist is rocky and convoluted, typical of the west coast of Scotland and in sharp contrast to the vast sandy beaches of their west coast.

Hugh Venables

Old pier at BÃ gh SgaraileÃ²d

There is also an old track to reach this pier but it is only used by walkers and to check on livestock now.

Hugh Venables

Old walls

Remains of a building presumably linked to the old pier here. The east coast of Benbecula is in strong contrast to the vast sandy beaches of the west coast.

Hugh Venables

SgaraileÃ²d

Evidence of peat cutting several years ago. Peat cutting is an ongoing process on the islands to obtain fuel for burning.

Hugh Venables

East coast of Benbecula

Convoluted sea lochs and small islands.

Hugh Venables

SgaraileÃ²d

Heather and bracken along the edge of the sea loch.

Hugh Venables

BÃ gh SgaraileÃ²d

One of many small inlets along the convoluted coastline.

Hugh Venables

SgaraileÃ²d

Patterns in the heather are from a history of peat digging in the area for fuel. In the background are smooth rolling hillocks with plenty of exposed rock. These, together with the peat bogs, are typical of the 'cnoc and lochan' landscape that is prevalent on the Outer Hebrides. It has been created by the erosion and scouring of surface deposits by successive icesheets during the series of glacial periods over the last two million years that have made up the current ice age.

Hugh Venables