Buaile nan Caorach

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Ross-shire

Scotland

Buaile nan Caorach

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse The Butt of Lewis is the northernmost point of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. There is a lighthouse designed and built by David &amp; Thomas Stevenson (sons of Robert and brother of Alan - all lighthouse engineers) and constructed in 1862. It is 37m (121ft) tall at an elevation of 52m (170ft) with a nominal range of 25 nautical miles. It flashes a white light every five seconds, and since 1998 is fully automated, being one of the last four Scottish lighthouses to dispense with the services of their keepers. It is looked after by the Northern Lighthouse Board (the Scottish equivalent to Trinity House) and is monitored remotely from Edinburgh.
The Butt of Lewis has appeared in the Guinness Book of Records as the windiest place in the United Kingdom, sticking out as it does into the North Atlantic. — Butt of Lewis Lighthouse Credit: Ralph Greig

Buaile nan Caorach, located in Ross-shire, Scotland, is a stunning coastal feature known for its picturesque headland and prominent point. The name Buaile nan Caorach translates to "sheepfold of the sheep" in Gaelic, reflecting the historical significance of the area as a grazing ground for local sheep farmers.

Situated on the rugged and dramatic coastline, Buaile nan Caorach offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The headland, with its steep cliffs and jagged rocks, provides a natural barrier against the powerful waves of the North Sea. This geographical feature not only adds to the beauty of the area but also serves as a protective shield for the nearby coastal communities.

The point of Buaile nan Caorach juts out into the sea, offering visitors a perfect vantage point to observe the crashing waves and the diverse marine life that inhabits the waters. Seabirds, such as gannets and puffins, can often be spotted nesting in the cliffs, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

The area is also rich in history, with traces of ancient settlements and archaeological sites scattered throughout the landscape. These remnants indicate that Buaile nan Caorach has been a significant location for human activity for centuries, possibly dating back to prehistoric times.

Access to Buaile nan Caorach is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading from the nearby village. Visitors can explore the headland and point, take in the breathtaking views, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty and historical significance of this enchanting coastal feature.

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Buaile nan Caorach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.514609/-6.268983 or Grid Reference NB5166. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse

The Butt of Lewis is the northernmost point of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. There is a lighthouse designed and built by David & Thomas Stevenson (sons of Robert and brother of Alan - all lighthouse engineers) and constructed in 1862. It is 37m (121ft) tall at an elevation of 52m (170ft) with a nominal range of 25 nautical miles. It flashes a white light every five seconds, and since 1998 is fully automated, being one of the last four Scottish lighthouses to dispense with the services of their keepers. It is looked after by the Northern Lighthouse Board (the Scottish equivalent to Trinity House) and is monitored remotely from Edinburgh. The Butt of Lewis has appeared in the Guinness Book of Records as the windiest place in the United Kingdom, sticking out as it does into the North Atlantic.

Ralph Greig

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse

Ralph Greig

Road to the lighthouse

Ralph Greig

Port Stoth

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Ralph Greig

St Molveg's Church, Eoropie

Colin Park

Trig point at Butt of Lewis

Colin Park

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse

Colin Park

Sea thrift on islet at Geodha nan Each, Butt of Lewis

Colin Park

Beach at Cunndal, Eoropie

Colin Park

Cunndal Drownings Memorial, Eoropie

This is a memorial to the men lost here on 5th March 1885, when the local fishing fleet was caught in a terrible gale. Two boats attempted to seek shelter at Cunndal, just north of this point. Both boats and twelve men – all from Eoropie - were lost.

Colin Park

Traigh Shanndaigh, Eoropie

Colin Park

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse

I did consider correcting the converging verticals in this shot but then I got an attack of acrophobia so could no longer look at it!

John Lucas

Cleite Gile

Rocks at the Butt of Lewis.

John Lucas

Butt of Lewis lighthouse

John Lucas

Port Stoth

Port Stoth is the most northerly beach on the Western Isles. All the materials for the construction of the Butt of Lewis lighthouse were landed here between 1851 and 1862. As it was a sheltered spot the beach continued to be used to bring supplies to the lighthouse until the 1960s. On 22nd January 1901 a wooden lugsail (Lugger) in ballast was stranded at Port Stoth. Surprisingly, no name is recorded of the unregistered vessel but its date of building was known to be 1893 and the master was a Captain Gunn.

Douglas Nelson

Cleite Gile, Rubha Robhanais

Cliffs at Butt of Lewis

Douglas Nelson

Butt of Lewis lighthouse with Transocean Winner offshore

The ineptly-named oilrig slowly rounds the Butt at a safe distance, having been refloated from Dalmore beach the previous evening. See NB5268 : Transocean Winner rounds the Butt.

Tiger