Rubh' an Dùnain

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Argyllshire

Scotland

Rubh' an Dùnain

The summit of Beinn Oronsay A substantial and well-built cairn for a hill only 93m high.  But Oronsay is a popular island to visit. It is tidal, and can be easily walked to from Colonsay except near low tide. There are the ruins of an Augustinian priory nearby. And the hill is low, and an easy walk!

Just left of the cairn is Beinn Eibhne on the mainland of Colonsay.
The summit of Beinn Oronsay Credit: Michael Earnshaw

Rubh' an Dùnain is a coastal feature located in Argyllshire, Scotland. It is a prominent headland jutting out into the sea, forming a distinctive point along the coastline. The name "Rubh' an Dùnain" translates to "the point of the fort" in Gaelic, referencing its historical significance.

This headland is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. It is situated within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, attracting visitors with its natural splendor and abundant wildlife. The headland is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various species of seabirds, seals, and even occasional sightings of dolphins and whales.

One of the notable features of Rubh' an Dùnain is the presence of an ancient fort, dating back to the Iron Age. The remains of this fort can still be seen, consisting of stone walls and defensive structures, providing insight into the area's rich history. Additionally, there are remnants of an early Christian chapel and burial ground, adding further historical significance to the site.

Access to Rubh' an Dùnain is possible via a scenic coastal path, allowing visitors to explore the headland's natural beauty and historical landmarks. The area is a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs alike, offering a unique blend of picturesque landscapes and cultural heritage.

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Rubh' an Dùnain Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.035635/-6.2498177 or Grid Reference NR3590. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The summit of Beinn Oronsay A substantial and well-built cairn for a hill only 93m high.  But Oronsay is a popular island to visit. It is tidal, and can be easily walked to from Colonsay except near low tide. There are the ruins of an Augustinian priory nearby. And the hill is low, and an easy walk!

Just left of the cairn is Beinn Eibhne on the mainland of Colonsay.
The summit of Beinn Oronsay
A substantial and well-built cairn for a hill only 93m high. But Oronsay is a popular island to visit. It is tidal, and can be easily walked to from Colonsay except near low tide. There are the ruins of an Augustinian priory nearby. And the hill is low, and an easy walk! Just left of the cairn is Beinn Eibhne on the mainland of Colonsay.
Oronsay scarecrow Oronsay is an RSPB reserve which is farmed to encourage an increase in the population of corncrakes
Oronsay scarecrow
Oronsay is an RSPB reserve which is farmed to encourage an increase in the population of corncrakes
Stabilised walls in Oronsay Priory
Stabilised walls in Oronsay Priory
Track to Oronsay Priory An excellent track connects the farmland of Oronsay with the tidal route across the Strand.
Track to Oronsay Priory
An excellent track connects the farmland of Oronsay with the tidal route across the Strand.
Descent to the Strand A straight evenly falling path back to sea level.
Descent to the Strand
A straight evenly falling path back to sea level.
Land Rover track by the Strand, Oronsay Having crossed the Strand, the track hugs the coast before heading inland.
Land Rover track by the Strand, Oronsay
Having crossed the Strand, the track hugs the coast before heading inland.
Landfall markers for the Strand crossing, Oronsay An older standing stone on a prominent hillock and a newer marker at sea level show where the best route for crossing the Strand makes landfall.
Landfall markers for the Strand crossing, Oronsay
An older standing stone on a prominent hillock and a newer marker at sea level show where the best route for crossing the Strand makes landfall.
Track to Oronsay Farm and House From this angle Oronsay Priory is hidden behind the buildings.  The field adjacent to the track is full of wildflowers for the corncrakes who were rather noisy!
Track to Oronsay Farm and House
From this angle Oronsay Priory is hidden behind the buildings. The field adjacent to the track is full of wildflowers for the corncrakes who were rather noisy!
Wildflower meadow, Oronsay Located in front of the rather fine Oronsay House. The meadows are designed to provide habitat for the corncrakes that are attracted to the area.
Wildflower meadow, Oronsay
Located in front of the rather fine Oronsay House. The meadows are designed to provide habitat for the corncrakes that are attracted to the area.
Tombstones at Oronsay Priory Eighteen years on since <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3096272">NR3488 : Tombstones at Oronsay Priory</a>.  Spot the difference!

One of the roofed buildings of Oronsay Priory contains an array of tombstones. Of the two raised off the floor one is reputed to be that of Sir Alexander Macdonald of Lochalsh, who died about 1498.
Tombstones at Oronsay Priory
Eighteen years on since NR3488 : Tombstones at Oronsay Priory. Spot the difference! One of the roofed buildings of Oronsay Priory contains an array of tombstones. Of the two raised off the floor one is reputed to be that of Sir Alexander Macdonald of Lochalsh, who died about 1498.
Oronsay Priory and Farm The priory is a Scheduled Monument (see <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM287" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM287">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> ).
Comparison with <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4403124">NR3488 : Oronsay Priory</a> shows that many of the farm buildings have been renovated since 1974.
Islay is on the horizon on the left.
Oronsay Priory and Farm
The priory is a Scheduled Monument (see LinkExternal link ). Comparison with NR3488 : Oronsay Priory shows that many of the farm buildings have been renovated since 1974. Islay is on the horizon on the left.
Cross at Oronsay Priory
Cross at Oronsay Priory
Entrance to Oronsay Priory and Farm
Entrance to Oronsay Priory and Farm
Road on Oronsay
Road on Oronsay
Road to Oronsay Priory
Road to Oronsay Priory
The Colonsay to Oronsay Road
The Colonsay to Oronsay Road
Tidal road, Oronsay The post on the right acts as a marker for those heading from Colonsay to Oronsay. The photographer couldn't wait for the tide, so paddled across.
Tidal road, Oronsay
The post on the right acts as a marker for those heading from Colonsay to Oronsay. The photographer couldn't wait for the tide, so paddled across.
The Oronsay road Clear track through the seaweed on the Oronsay side of the Strand. Most vehicles [of which there are very few] seem to take the alternative route to the right.
The Oronsay road
Clear track through the seaweed on the Oronsay side of the Strand. Most vehicles [of which there are very few] seem to take the alternative route to the right.
Show me another place!

Rubh' an Dùnain is located at Grid Ref: NR3590 (Lat: 56.035635, Lng: -6.2498177)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///crackling.snooping.recovery. Near Scalasaig, Argyll & Bute

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