Àird na Craoibhe

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Àird na Craoibhe

Peaty pool by the roadside Cotton grass by the roadside, looking south east towards the hills beyond Lochmaddy.
Peaty pool by the roadside Credit: Gordon Hatton

Àird na Craoibhe is a stunning coastal feature located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. It is a headland that juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, forming a prominent point along the coastline. With its breathtaking natural beauty, it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The headland is characterized by its rugged cliffs that rise steeply from the sea, offering visitors spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The cliffs are composed of ancient rock formations, displaying layers of sedimentary rock that have been shaped by the forces of erosion over millions of years. This geological history makes Àird na Craoibhe an intriguing site for geologists and nature enthusiasts.

The headland is also known for its diverse wildlife. Seabirds such as gannets, puffins, and kittiwakes can often be spotted nesting on the cliffs, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. Marine mammals, including seals and dolphins, are frequently seen swimming in the waters surrounding the point.

Accessible by a well-maintained footpath, Àird na Craoibhe offers visitors the opportunity to explore its rugged terrain and immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the area. Hikers and nature lovers can enjoy peaceful walks along the coastline, taking in the fresh sea air and admiring the panoramic views of the ocean.

Overall, Àird na Craoibhe is a picturesque headland that showcases the beauty of Scotland's coastal landscapes. Its dramatic cliffs, diverse wildlife, and stunning vistas make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable outdoor experience.

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Àird na Craoibhe Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.632823/-7.1619089 or Grid Reference NF9272. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Peaty pool by the roadside Cotton grass by the roadside, looking south east towards the hills beyond Lochmaddy.
Peaty pool by the roadside
Cotton grass by the roadside, looking south east towards the hills beyond Lochmaddy.
Peat stacks at Stolie Moorland dropping gently to a tidal channel, with Beinn Mhor in the distance.
Peat stacks at Stolie
Moorland dropping gently to a tidal channel, with Beinn Mhor in the distance.
Tidal channel between Aird Innis and Aird nan Laogh Seen close to low tide. Aird Innis, almost a separate island is on the far side of the mud.
Tidal channel between Aird Innis and Aird nan Laogh
Seen close to low tide. Aird Innis, almost a separate island is on the far side of the mud.
Peat Bank By the Lochportain road.
Peat Bank
By the Lochportain road.
Loch Dheoir From the Lochportain road.
Loch Dheoir
From the Lochportain road.
Open Moorland Looking towards houses at Braigh Chalasaigh.
Open Moorland
Looking towards houses at Braigh Chalasaigh.
Croft at Greanacleit By the Lochportain road.
Croft at Greanacleit
By the Lochportain road.
Loch Portain Looking towards Rubha nan Gall.
Loch Portain
Looking towards Rubha nan Gall.
Loch Blathaisbhal In the distance on the left can be seen Crogearraidh na Thabha rising to 154m
Loch Blathaisbhal
In the distance on the left can be seen Crogearraidh na Thabha rising to 154m
Loch Blathaisbhal A ruined house stands on the shore and in the distance can be seen the hills of Skye
Loch Blathaisbhal
A ruined house stands on the shore and in the distance can be seen the hills of Skye
Loch Midhinis A sheep pondering life, the universe and whether the grass is greener over there?
Loch Midhinis
A sheep pondering life, the universe and whether the grass is greener over there?
Loch Dheoir In the distance can be seen Li a Tuath (250m), Li a Deas (281m) and Eabhal (347m)
Loch Dheoir
In the distance can be seen Li a Tuath (250m), Li a Deas (281m) and Eabhal (347m)
Loch Dheoir In the distance can be seen Li a Tuath (250m), Li a Deas (281m) and Eabhal (347m)
Loch Dheoir
In the distance can be seen Li a Tuath (250m), Li a Deas (281m) and Eabhal (347m)
Loch Siginis In the distance can be seen Li a Tuath (250m), Li a Deas (281m), Eabhal (347m) and, on South Uist, Thacla (606m)
Loch Siginis
In the distance can be seen Li a Tuath (250m), Li a Deas (281m), Eabhal (347m) and, on South Uist, Thacla (606m)
Electricity Pole Crossing the soggy peat, as seen at the forefront of the photograph
Electricity Pole
Crossing the soggy peat, as seen at the forefront of the photograph
Tidal rapid draining Loch Dheoir Behind Lochmaddy is an area of shallow lagoons filled and drained by the tides each day. Where the tide runs between the rocks, tidal rapids are formed like this one in a narrows which drains Loch Dheoir towards Loch Blathaisbhal during the ebb.
Tidal rapid draining Loch Dheoir
Behind Lochmaddy is an area of shallow lagoons filled and drained by the tides each day. Where the tide runs between the rocks, tidal rapids are formed like this one in a narrows which drains Loch Dheoir towards Loch Blathaisbhal during the ebb.
Paddling hard to ascend tidal rapid in Loch Blathaisbhal The Lochs behind Lochmaddy are tidal lagoons, connected by narrow channels. As the ebb tide drains the upper lochs, tidal rapids form, opposing progress by sea kayakers. There are three channels up from Loch Blathaisbhal towards the northwest, of which this was the narrowest, shallowest but least fast-flowing, so with a bit of a struggle we managed to paddle up this one. Had we managed to coincide our trip with the flood, we would have been helped on our way, and could have used to ebb to speed us on the way back.
Paddling hard to ascend tidal rapid in Loch Blathaisbhal
The Lochs behind Lochmaddy are tidal lagoons, connected by narrow channels. As the ebb tide drains the upper lochs, tidal rapids form, opposing progress by sea kayakers. There are three channels up from Loch Blathaisbhal towards the northwest, of which this was the narrowest, shallowest but least fast-flowing, so with a bit of a struggle we managed to paddle up this one. Had we managed to coincide our trip with the flood, we would have been helped on our way, and could have used to ebb to speed us on the way back.
Greanacleit Elder flowers are a fairly unusual sight here; these are on the shore of an unnamed lochan at Greanacleit. The distinctive shape of Crògearraidh Mòr is in the distance.
Greanacleit
Elder flowers are a fairly unusual sight here; these are on the shore of an unnamed lochan at Greanacleit. The distinctive shape of Crògearraidh Mòr is in the distance.
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Àird na Craoibhe is located at Grid Ref: NF9272 (Lat: 57.632823, Lng: -7.1619089)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///shadowing.prospered.amplifier. Near Lochmaddy, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.632823,-7.1619089
Turning Circle
Turning Circle: hammer
Lat/Long: 57.6362818/-7.1629948
Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 57.6362645/-7.1586496
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 57.634409/-7.1568587
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 57.6340061/-7.1548242
Loch Siginis
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 57.6294583/-7.1566586
Aird na Craoibhe
Natural: peninsula
Lat/Long: 57.6327531/-7.1616698
Braigh Chalasaigh
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 57.6352825/-7.1601248
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 57.6355942/-7.1590128
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 57.6363593/-7.1586308
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.633349/-7.1540686
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.633952/-7.1554768
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.63412/-7.1565255
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6343713/-7.1580544
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6345924/-7.1594143
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6362946/-7.1616754
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6359909/-7.1598796
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6357971/-7.1592399
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6356923/-7.1588644
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6354625/-7.1597147
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6364503/-7.1626101
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6368252/-7.1601375
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.6366262/-7.1636336
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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