Rubha Roiseal

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Rubha Roiseal

Nicolson's Leap The name Nicolson&#039;s Leap is given to this small (&lt;100 metres long), steep rocky islet off the east coast of South Uist. If anybody did actually leap from the islet to the mainland it was a prodigious feat - frankly, I do not believe it. For a photo of the summit, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7171501">NF8633 : The summit of Nicolson's Leap</a>.

The distant summit at extreme right is Hecla (Thacla), 606m in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NF8234">NF8234</a>. On the left is Beinn Corradail, 527m in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NF8132">NF8132</a>.

Michael Earnshaw tells me that if you land at the right spot the climb is quite straightforward. Not that it is something that I (the contributor) could ever have done! — Nicolson's Leap Credit: Michael Earnshaw

Rubha Roiseal is a picturesque headland located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated along the rugged and dramatic coastline, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This coastal feature is known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination among nature enthusiasts and tourists alike.

The headland is characterized by its rocky cliffs that jut out into the sea, creating a striking and majestic sight. The cliffs are composed of sedimentary rocks, showcasing the geological history of the area. Visitors can also observe the presence of various geological formations, such as caves and arches, formed by the continuous erosion of the waves.

Flora and fauna thrive in Rubha Roiseal, making it an ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts. The headland is home to a diverse range of bird species, including puffins, gannets, and guillemots. Seals can often be spotted basking on the rocks, while dolphins and porpoises can occasionally be seen swimming in the nearby waters.

For those interested in history, Rubha Roiseal holds significance as it is believed to have been a defensive site in ancient times. Remnants of an Iron Age fort can still be seen, adding an intriguing historical dimension to the headland.

Visitors to Rubha Roiseal can enjoy leisurely walks along the coastal paths, taking in the stunning views of the sea and surrounding countryside. The headland provides ample opportunities for photography, with its dramatic cliffs and ever-changing light conditions.

Overall, Rubha Roiseal is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the beauty of Scotland's natural landscape, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in its rich history and breathtaking scenery.

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Rubha Roiseal Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.291142/-7.1983034 or Grid Reference NF8634. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Nicolson's Leap

The name Nicolson's Leap is given to this small (<100 metres long), steep rocky islet off the east coast of South Uist. If anybody did actually leap from the islet to the mainland it was a prodigious feat - frankly, I do not believe it. For a photo of the summit, see NF8633 : The summit of Nicolson's Leap. The distant summit at extreme right is Hecla (Thacla), 606m in NF8234. On the left is Beinn Corradail, 527m in NF8132. Michael Earnshaw tells me that if you land at the right spot the climb is quite straightforward. Not that it is something that I (the contributor) could ever have done!

Michael Earnshaw

The summit of Nicolson's Leap

You are advised not to get too close to the cliff-edge on your left! Nicolson's Leap is a small islet on the east coast of South Uist. For a photo from the sea, which gives a better impression of just what this islet is like, see NF8633 : Nicolson's Leap.

Michael Earnshaw

Uisinis Lighthouse track

When the Uisinis lighthouse was constructed for the Commissioners of Northern Lights in 1857, the designers, David and Thomas Stevenson, foolishly neglected to also invent helicopters. Thus, generations of lighthouse keepers, and their supplies, arrived by sea. The landing in the bay of Mol a Tuath is much more sheltered than the rocky coast at the lighthouse, and the gently-graded track provides an easier approach than steep steps to the shoreline as built at other locations. The track has seen much less use since the introduction of helicopters, and especially since full automation of the light in 1970.

Toby Speight

Below Beinn a' Tuath

Toby Speight

Gleann Mile-feala and the foot of Beinn GhÃ²t

A discarded antler lies in the foreground.

Toby Speight

Northern limit of Uisinis

Toby Speight

Rubha Bhilidh

Toby Speight

Tidal rocks in BÃ gh Uisinis

The peak of Hecla stands behind.

Toby Speight

Ruined building at Uisinis

There were once several farmsteads around the bay; now the only remaining roofed building is the bothy (maintained by MBA), visible in the background at extreme right of picture.

Toby Speight

Pass of Uisinis

This is the highest point on a route between Bàgh Uisinis and Mol a' Tuath.

Toby Speight

Northernmost point of Uisinis

The left side of the rocks shown is the only land in this square.

John Allan

Mouth of the Abhainn Mol a' Tuath

A rainbow curves over a ship at anchor in Mol a' Tuath bay.

John Allan

Track to the Uisinis Lighthouse

Apparently used only by pedestrian traffic now, the track connects the landing place at Mol a' Tuath Bay to the lighthouse, which is now unmanned and serviced by helicopter.

John Allan

Approach to Uisinis Lighthouse

Apparently used only by pedestrian traffic now, the track seen traversing the slope ahead connects the landing place at Mol a' Tuath Bay to the lighthouse, which is now unmanned and serviced by helicopter.

John Allan

Uisinis Lighthouse

The lighthouse was undergoing a major refurbishment, hence the bags of materials that had been delivered by helicopter. The light was built by Thomas and David Stevenson in 1857. The Northern Lighthouse Board use the anglicised spelling "Ushenish" to name it.

John Allan