Rubha Brataig

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Ross-shire

Scotland

Rubha Brataig

Mangurstadh Coastline Looking South The cliffs here are spectacular and the Lewisian Gneiss makes for some great climbing.
Mangurstadh Coastline Looking South Credit: RIJones

Rubha Brataig is a prominent headland located in Ross-shire, Scotland. Situated along the rugged coastline, it juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, offering captivating views of the surrounding landscape. The headland is characterized by its rocky cliffs, which rise steeply from the sea, creating an impressive natural barrier against the crashing waves.

The area surrounding Rubha Brataig is rich in biodiversity, with a diverse range of flora and fauna. The headland is home to various seabird species, including gulls and cormorants, which nest on the cliffs and can be observed swooping above the water. The coastal waters around Rubha Brataig are also frequented by seals and dolphins, providing an excellent opportunity for marine wildlife enthusiasts.

The headland itself is accessible by a narrow footpath that winds along the cliff edge, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and the nearby coastal scenery. The path is relatively challenging, making it suitable for experienced hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking a more adventurous experience.

Rubha Brataig is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Its rugged and wild beauty attracts visitors who are seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Additionally, the headland's proximity to other notable landmarks, such as the nearby village of Gairloch and the famous Inverewe Garden, makes it an ideal stop for tourists exploring the area.

Overall, Rubha Brataig is a remarkable coastal feature that showcases the raw and untamed beauty of Scotland's coastline. Its dramatic cliffs, diverse wildlife, and stunning views make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

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Rubha Brataig Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.187258/-7.0826413 or Grid Reference NB0133. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mangurstadh Coastline Looking South The cliffs here are spectacular and the Lewisian Gneiss makes for some great climbing.
Mangurstadh Coastline Looking South
The cliffs here are spectacular and the Lewisian Gneiss makes for some great climbing.
Radio masts at Mangastra/Mhangarstaidh, Lewis, 1989 Compared to more recent images, it would appear a number of these buildings and one mast have been demolished in the intervening years.
Radio masts at Mangastra/Mhangarstaidh, Lewis, 1989
Compared to more recent images, it would appear a number of these buildings and one mast have been demolished in the intervening years.
Beach and headland at Carnais
Beach and headland at Carnais
Beach at Carnais
Beach at Carnais
Tom A small tidal island near Carnais.
Tom
A small tidal island near Carnais.
Càrnais (Carinish) Two cottages overlooking Tràigh Lèire at the head of Cappadale Sands in Uig Bay.
Càrnais (Carinish)
Two cottages overlooking Tràigh Lèire at the head of Cappadale Sands in Uig Bay.
Spring Squill (Scilla verna) Surprisingly, given how exposed the headland at Mangarstadh is, and how scarce the soil, there was a carpet of stunted wildflowers including this Spring Squill.
Spring Squill (Scilla verna)
Surprisingly, given how exposed the headland at Mangarstadh is, and how scarce the soil, there was a carpet of stunted wildflowers including this Spring Squill.
Thrift (Armeria maritima) A cushion of thrift provides a splash of colour on the bleak and windswept clifftop. The flower stalks are taller in more benign conditions, but here they are stunted by the wind and weather. I wonder whether any insects brave the wind to pollinate the flowers>
Thrift (Armeria maritima)
A cushion of thrift provides a splash of colour on the bleak and windswept clifftop. The flower stalks are taller in more benign conditions, but here they are stunted by the wind and weather. I wonder whether any insects brave the wind to pollinate the flowers>
Gneiss Rocks This headland is mostly composed of striped grey Lewisian gneiss. The sloping rock face behind the foreground rock is a thrust plane which dips towards the east.
Gneiss Rocks
This headland is mostly composed of striped grey Lewisian gneiss. The sloping rock face behind the foreground rock is a thrust plane which dips towards the east.
Thrift in a Cleft This Thrift plant has found a less exposed spot than <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2432622">NB0033 : Thrift (Armeria maritima)</a>, so has been able to grow into a more 'normal' shape. It is exploiting a crack in the inhospitable Lewisian gneiss, probably created by movement on the adjacent thrust.
Thrift in a Cleft
This Thrift plant has found a less exposed spot than NB0033 : Thrift (Armeria maritima), so has been able to grow into a more 'normal' shape. It is exploiting a crack in the inhospitable Lewisian gneiss, probably created by movement on the adjacent thrust.
Mangarstadh Head Contrast the glassy surface of the rock pool, sheltered from the wind, with the surf crashing on the cliffs beyond. The rock surfaces sloping from lower left to upper right are the faces of thrust planes generated by tectonic movements some 430 million years ago.
Mangarstadh Head
Contrast the glassy surface of the rock pool, sheltered from the wind, with the surf crashing on the cliffs beyond. The rock surfaces sloping from lower left to upper right are the faces of thrust planes generated by tectonic movements some 430 million years ago.
Mangarstadh Head Looking out from the cliffs at Mangarsatdh Head, the offshore rocks are whipping up surf in a strong westerly wind.
Mangarstadh Head
Looking out from the cliffs at Mangarsatdh Head, the offshore rocks are whipping up surf in a strong westerly wind.
Sgeir an Tamna This is the name given to the long offshore rock south-west of Mangurstadh Head. The pronounced slopes to landward are thrust planes created as rocks were pushed from left to right by tectonic movements.
Sgeir an Tamna
This is the name given to the long offshore rock south-west of Mangurstadh Head. The pronounced slopes to landward are thrust planes created as rocks were pushed from left to right by tectonic movements.
Aird Mhangarstadh Aird Mhangarstadh means 'the high point of Mangarstadh' and this view shows the disused telecommunications mast on the top of the Aird. If only the military were required to remove all traces of their ugly structures once they are no longer required!
Aird Mhangarstadh
Aird Mhangarstadh means 'the high point of Mangarstadh' and this view shows the disused telecommunications mast on the top of the Aird. If only the military were required to remove all traces of their ugly structures once they are no longer required!
Geo at Mangarstadh Head The geo is formed along the line of one of the thrust planes in evidence here. The thrusts were the result of tectonic movements some 400 million years ago. Somewhere deep in the crust of the Earth, the sloping surface in the foreground was planed by other layers of rock which were pushed inexorably from left to right, grinding up the rocks in the thrust place to form a characteristic rock named mylonite.
Geo at Mangarstadh Head
The geo is formed along the line of one of the thrust planes in evidence here. The thrusts were the result of tectonic movements some 400 million years ago. Somewhere deep in the crust of the Earth, the sloping surface in the foreground was planed by other layers of rock which were pushed inexorably from left to right, grinding up the rocks in the thrust place to form a characteristic rock named mylonite.
Geo at Mangarstadh Head The long inlet has been carved by the sea along the thrust plane, where the rocks have been weakened by the thrusting.
Geo at Mangarstadh Head
The long inlet has been carved by the sea along the thrust plane, where the rocks have been weakened by the thrusting.
Clifftop at Aird Mòr Mangarstadh Even though high above sea level, the force of storms is enough to prevent the cliff top here becoming vegetated. The slope in the foreground is the surface of a 400-million-year-old thrust, where rocks were pushed westwards during tectonic movements.
Clifftop at Aird Mòr Mangarstadh
Even though high above sea level, the force of storms is enough to prevent the cliff top here becoming vegetated. The slope in the foreground is the surface of a 400-million-year-old thrust, where rocks were pushed westwards during tectonic movements.
Aird Mòr Mangarstadh This almost lunar landscape is the result of ancient earth movements. Rocks were thrust from left to right, and the rocks close to the thrust plane were ground fine and recrystallised into weaker material, which has then been eroded by the sea to form the dip to the left of the sloping layers on the right.
Aird Mòr Mangarstadh
This almost lunar landscape is the result of ancient earth movements. Rocks were thrust from left to right, and the rocks close to the thrust plane were ground fine and recrystallised into weaker material, which has then been eroded by the sea to form the dip to the left of the sloping layers on the right.
Show me another place!

Rubha Brataig is located at Grid Ref: NB0133 (Lat: 58.187258, Lng: -7.0826413)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///fled.email.shun. Near Carloway, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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