Aird-fraoch

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Ross-shire

Scotland

Aird-fraoch

Remains of Jetty, Mellon Charles I first visited Loch Ewe in 2013 and was amazed on discovering its role in World War II. An unassuming role modestly portrayed in a few information boards scattered around its coast. WW2 remains abound, anti aircraft gun emplacements, military buildings and foundations. Loch Ewe is a deep sea loch and during the war it was used to muster merchant shipping in relative safety before heading off with vital supplies to Murmansk in war torn Russia, in what has become known as the Arctic Convoys. The convoys, of up to 40 ships with Navy escorts, sailed close to the Arctic pack ice in an attempt to avoid German U Boats. Many were unsuccessful.

To protect the ships while in Loch Ewe an anti submarine net or boom was laid across the loch at its narrowest point, about 3km. Barrage balloons and anti aircraft guns provided protection against airborne attack. During the war military personnel outnumbered the local population by 3:1.

Mellon Charles was the Boom Defence Depot. The most visible remains is this concrete jetty forming an island that has been adopted by a colony of terns which took to divebombing us as we paddled past.

The seas around Mellon Charles are particularly rich in marine life and have been designated by the Scottish Wildlife Trust as part of their Snorkel Trail. Yet in spite this accolade the beach was exceptionally quiet. Golden sands but marred only by a thick tide mark of drying kelp. Only one other car arrived, an ex-serviceman looking up old haunts. He was stationed here for two weeks in 1972 as part of the Royal Marines Arctic warfare section.
Remains of Jetty, Mellon Charles Credit: Mick Garratt

Aird-fraoch is a prominent headland located in Ross-shire, Scotland. Situated along the picturesque coastline, this coastal feature is known for its rugged beauty and breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Aird-fraoch is characterized by its distinctive shape, with a long and narrow projection stretching out into the sea.

The headland is formed by a combination of natural processes and geological formations. Over thousands of years, the relentless action of waves and erosion has sculpted the cliffs and created steep slopes that plunge into the water below. The rock formations found here are predominantly composed of sandstone and shale, adding to the unique character of the headland.

Aird-fraoch offers visitors a range of experiences and attractions. The headland is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, attracting hikers, birdwatchers, and photographers alike. The coastal path that winds its way around the headland provides stunning vistas and opportunities to spot a variety of seabirds, including puffins, gannets, and eagles.

The headland also boasts a rich history, with archaeological sites and ruins scattered across the area. These remnants of the past offer glimpses into the lives of early settlers and ancient civilizations that once inhabited the region.

Aird-fraoch is easily accessible by road, with ample parking available nearby. The headland provides a peaceful and tranquil setting, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Scottish coastline. Whether it's exploring the rugged cliffs, enjoying panoramic views, or discovering the area's historical significance, Aird-fraoch is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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Aird-fraoch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.839499/-5.6243479 or Grid Reference NG8489. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Remains of Jetty, Mellon Charles I first visited Loch Ewe in 2013 and was amazed on discovering its role in World War II. An unassuming role modestly portrayed in a few information boards scattered around its coast. WW2 remains abound, anti aircraft gun emplacements, military buildings and foundations. Loch Ewe is a deep sea loch and during the war it was used to muster merchant shipping in relative safety before heading off with vital supplies to Murmansk in war torn Russia, in what has become known as the Arctic Convoys. The convoys, of up to 40 ships with Navy escorts, sailed close to the Arctic pack ice in an attempt to avoid German U Boats. Many were unsuccessful.

To protect the ships while in Loch Ewe an anti submarine net or boom was laid across the loch at its narrowest point, about 3km. Barrage balloons and anti aircraft guns provided protection against airborne attack. During the war military personnel outnumbered the local population by 3:1.

Mellon Charles was the Boom Defence Depot. The most visible remains is this concrete jetty forming an island that has been adopted by a colony of terns which took to divebombing us as we paddled past.

The seas around Mellon Charles are particularly rich in marine life and have been designated by the Scottish Wildlife Trust as part of their Snorkel Trail. Yet in spite this accolade the beach was exceptionally quiet. Golden sands but marred only by a thick tide mark of drying kelp. Only one other car arrived, an ex-serviceman looking up old haunts. He was stationed here for two weeks in 1972 as part of the Royal Marines Arctic warfare section.
Remains of Jetty, Mellon Charles
I first visited Loch Ewe in 2013 and was amazed on discovering its role in World War II. An unassuming role modestly portrayed in a few information boards scattered around its coast. WW2 remains abound, anti aircraft gun emplacements, military buildings and foundations. Loch Ewe is a deep sea loch and during the war it was used to muster merchant shipping in relative safety before heading off with vital supplies to Murmansk in war torn Russia, in what has become known as the Arctic Convoys. The convoys, of up to 40 ships with Navy escorts, sailed close to the Arctic pack ice in an attempt to avoid German U Boats. Many were unsuccessful. To protect the ships while in Loch Ewe an anti submarine net or boom was laid across the loch at its narrowest point, about 3km. Barrage balloons and anti aircraft guns provided protection against airborne attack. During the war military personnel outnumbered the local population by 3:1. Mellon Charles was the Boom Defence Depot. The most visible remains is this concrete jetty forming an island that has been adopted by a colony of terns which took to divebombing us as we paddled past. The seas around Mellon Charles are particularly rich in marine life and have been designated by the Scottish Wildlife Trust as part of their Snorkel Trail. Yet in spite this accolade the beach was exceptionally quiet. Golden sands but marred only by a thick tide mark of drying kelp. Only one other car arrived, an ex-serviceman looking up old haunts. He was stationed here for two weeks in 1972 as part of the Royal Marines Arctic warfare section.
Ship mooring point An anchorage for ocean going ships.
Ship mooring point
An anchorage for ocean going ships.
Slipway at Ormiscaig Recycling the concrete anchor points used to hold the submarine netting across Loch Ewe.
Slipway at Ormiscaig
Recycling the concrete anchor points used to hold the submarine netting across Loch Ewe.
Shore road near Ormiscaig
Shore road near Ormiscaig
Leaving Ormiscaig heading to Aultbea
Leaving Ormiscaig heading to Aultbea
Road  following  loch  side  toward  Aultbea
Road following loch side toward Aultbea
Track  to  crofts  in  Ormiscaig The water beyond is Loch Ewe and the land beyond is the Isle of Ewe
Track to crofts in Ormiscaig
The water beyond is Loch Ewe and the land beyond is the Isle of Ewe
Minor  road  passing  through  Ormiscaig One of a number of crofting community's along this road
Minor road passing through Ormiscaig
One of a number of crofting community's along this road
Road beside Loch Ewe entering Ormiscaig Looking north-westward.
Road beside Loch Ewe entering Ormiscaig
Looking north-westward.
Road near Ormiscaig Looking south-eastward.
Road near Ormiscaig
Looking south-eastward.
Road between Mellon Charles and Ormiscaig Looking south-eastward.
Road between Mellon Charles and Ormiscaig
Looking south-eastward.
Loch Ewe In the foreground is the NATO refuelling base.  In the middle distance is the linear settlement of Aultbea with the pier at Aird Point.  In the background by the headland is the settlement of Mellon Charles.
Loch Ewe
In the foreground is the NATO refuelling base. In the middle distance is the linear settlement of Aultbea with the pier at Aird Point. In the background by the headland is the settlement of Mellon Charles.
Ormiscaig Crofting community.
Ormiscaig
Crofting community.
Coastline by Bualnaluib Small coastal crofting community.
Coastline by Bualnaluib
Small coastal crofting community.
Near Mellon Charles Modern bungalows are replacing the old croft houses.
Near Mellon Charles
Modern bungalows are replacing the old croft houses.
Remains of Pier, Mellon Charles Part of the main base for the WW2 defences of Loch Ewe. The far structure is concrete (in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NG8490">NG8490</a>) but only wooden stumps remain of the connecting pier.
Remains of Pier, Mellon Charles
Part of the main base for the WW2 defences of Loch Ewe. The far structure is concrete (in NG8490) but only wooden stumps remain of the connecting pier.
Crofting township of Ormiscaig
Crofting township of Ormiscaig
Remains of the pier at Mellon Charles
Remains of the pier at Mellon Charles
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Aird-fraoch is located at Grid Ref: NG8489 (Lat: 57.839499, Lng: -5.6243479)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///bolt.vipers.stability. Near Gairloch, Highland

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The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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