Àird na Cùile

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Argyllshire

Scotland

Àird na Cùile

Coast near Aird na Cuile From the MV Hebridean Isles on a journey from Oban to Colonsay.
Coast near Aird na Cuile Credit: Andrew Abbott

Àird na Cùile is a prominent coastal feature located in Argyllshire, Scotland. Situated in the western part of the country, it is known for its stunning natural beauty and rugged terrain. This headland, also known as a point, juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The geography of Àird na Cùile is characterized by steep cliffs that plunge into the sea, creating a dramatic and picturesque setting. These cliffs are formed by the erosion of the underlying rock formations over thousands of years, resulting in distinctive geological features.

The headland is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The coastal vegetation includes hardy plants such as heather and gorse, which thrive in the harsh coastal conditions. Bird species such as gulls, puffins, and cormorants can often be spotted nesting and hunting in the area.

Àird na Cùile is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The rugged coastline provides opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and birdwatching. The headland also boasts several well-marked trails that offer stunning panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding countryside.

In addition to its natural beauty, Àird na Cùile has historical significance. The area is dotted with ancient ruins and archaeological sites, providing a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region. Visitors can explore the remains of ancient settlements and burial sites, gaining insight into the lives of the people who once called this place home.

Overall, Àird na Cùile is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the beauty and diversity of the Argyllshire landscape. Its rugged cliffs, stunning views, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

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Àird na Cùile Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.372655/-5.5296475 or Grid Reference NM8225. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Coast near Aird na Cuile From the MV Hebridean Isles on a journey from Oban to Colonsay.
Coast near Aird na Cuile
From the MV Hebridean Isles on a journey from Oban to Colonsay.
Beacon at Sgeirean Dubha From the MV Hebridean Isles on a journey from Oban to Colonsay.
Beacon at Sgeirean Dubha
From the MV Hebridean Isles on a journey from Oban to Colonsay.
Rubh an Fheurain From MV Hebridean Isles on a journey from Oban to Colonsay.
Rubh an Fheurain
From MV Hebridean Isles on a journey from Oban to Colonsay.
Looking towards Rubha Seanach, Kerrera
Looking towards Rubha Seanach, Kerrera
Approaching Port a' Chaisteil
Approaching Port a' Chaisteil
Rock near Gylen Castle There is a famous unconformity nearby <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7339112">NM8026 : Angular unconformity, Kerrera</a> but this appears to be an intrusion below the conglomerate, as there are pebbles from the conglomerate entrained into the layer below. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7339122">NM8026 : Rock at  Port a' Chaisteil</a> for a wider view
Rock near Gylen Castle
There is a famous unconformity nearby NM8026 : Angular unconformity, Kerrera but this appears to be an intrusion below the conglomerate, as there are pebbles from the conglomerate entrained into the layer below. See NM8026 : Rock at Port a' Chaisteil for a wider view
Port a' Chaisteil, Kerrera
Port a' Chaisteil, Kerrera
Rock at  Port a' Chaisteil See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7339114">NM8026 : Rock near Gylen Castle</a> for a closer view.
Rock at Port a' Chaisteil
See NM8026 : Rock near Gylen Castle for a closer view.
Wet valley floor near Lower Gylen
Wet valley floor near Lower Gylen
Upper Gylen, Kerrera
Upper Gylen, Kerrera
Shipwreck "Foxglove", Little Horseshoe Bay, Kerrera
Shipwreck "Foxglove", Little Horseshoe Bay, Kerrera
View from Upper Gylen Fort remains The monument comprises a prehistoric fort likely to date to the Iron Age (between 500 BC and AD 500). It survives as a substantial turf-covered enclosure wall and associated buried remains, occupying the level summit of an isolated rocky hillock on the E shore of Kerrera, overlooking the Sound of Kerrera. The fort is roughly oval in shape and the interior measures approximately 36m NE-SW by 27m transversely. It sits in an area of improved grassland at around 15m above sea level.

<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://ancientmonuments.uk/127589-upper-gylen-fort-700m-ene-of-kerrera-oban-south-and-the-isles-ward" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://ancientmonuments.uk/127589-upper-gylen-fort-700m-ene-of-kerrera-oban-south-and-the-isles-ward">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>
View from Upper Gylen Fort remains
The monument comprises a prehistoric fort likely to date to the Iron Age (between 500 BC and AD 500). It survives as a substantial turf-covered enclosure wall and associated buried remains, occupying the level summit of an isolated rocky hillock on the E shore of Kerrera, overlooking the Sound of Kerrera. The fort is roughly oval in shape and the interior measures approximately 36m NE-SW by 27m transversely. It sits in an area of improved grassland at around 15m above sea level. LinkExternal link
Castle Goat, Kerrera Think it now lives in the castle..
Castle Goat, Kerrera
Think it now lives in the castle..
Gylen Castle, Kerrera The existing castle, built by Duncan MacDougall, was completed in 1582, but was captured and burnt by a Covenanter army, led by General David Leslie, in 1647.

Now roofless and ruinous, Gylen Castle occupies the full width of the SW extremity of a high, rocky peninsula at the southern tip of the island of Kerrera. Probably completed in 1582, it was a stronghold of the MacDougalls and was strategically situated to command the southern approaches to Oban by the narrow Sound of Kerrera. Built to the popular L-plan, it consists of a main block, four storeys high and measuring 6.4m square, with a stair tower 3.7m by 2.8m at the west angle. The main walls of the castle are provided with the usual defensive machicolations, small windows, shot holes and splayed gun-loops.
 

<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gylen_Castle" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gylen_Castle">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>

<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/22936/kerrera-gylen-castle" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/22936/kerrera-gylen-castle">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>
Gylen Castle, Kerrera
The existing castle, built by Duncan MacDougall, was completed in 1582, but was captured and burnt by a Covenanter army, led by General David Leslie, in 1647. Now roofless and ruinous, Gylen Castle occupies the full width of the SW extremity of a high, rocky peninsula at the southern tip of the island of Kerrera. Probably completed in 1582, it was a stronghold of the MacDougalls and was strategically situated to command the southern approaches to Oban by the narrow Sound of Kerrera. Built to the popular L-plan, it consists of a main block, four storeys high and measuring 6.4m square, with a stair tower 3.7m by 2.8m at the west angle. The main walls of the castle are provided with the usual defensive machicolations, small windows, shot holes and splayed gun-loops. LinkExternal link LinkExternal link
Sgeirean Dubha Lighthouse Navigation light in the Sound of Kerrera. . The ship Passing is Elizabeth G
Sgeirean Dubha Lighthouse
Navigation light in the Sound of Kerrera. . The ship Passing is Elizabeth G
Gylen Castle, Kerrera The ruined fortress under wraps in May 2003
Gylen Castle, Kerrera
The ruined fortress under wraps in May 2003
The Little Horse Shoe, Kerrera (and tractor) Bay on the east coast of Kerrera.
The Little Horse Shoe, Kerrera (and tractor)
Bay on the east coast of Kerrera.
Gallanach Campsite Looking south over the campsite with the Sound of Kerrera in the background.
Gallanach Campsite
Looking south over the campsite with the Sound of Kerrera in the background.
Show me another place!

Àird na Cùile is located at Grid Ref: NM8225 (Lat: 56.372655, Lng: -5.5296475)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///finest.vibrating.bats. Near Oban, Argyll & Bute

Related Wikis

Gylen Castle

Gylen Castle is a ruined castle, or tower house, at the south end of the island of Kerrera in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, on a promontory overlooking the...

Ardentallen

Ardentallen (Scottish Gaelic: Àird an t-Sàilein) is a village in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. == References ==

Kerrera

Kerrera (; Scottish Gaelic: Cearara or Cearrara) is an island in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, close to the town of Oban. In 2016 it had a population of...

Lorn and Islands Hospital

Lorn & Islands Hospital is a rural general hospital on the southern outskirts of Oban in Argyll, Scotland. It is managed by NHS Highland. == History... ==

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 56.372655,-5.5296475
Ard na Cuile
Ele: 68
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 56.3718827/-5.5320688
Port na t-Sean Chaisteil
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 56.375482/-5.5283116
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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