Rubha na Faraid

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Sutherland

Scotland

Rubha na Faraid

Badcall Bay
Badcall Bay Credit: Peter Jeffery

Rubha na Faraid is a stunning coastal feature located in the county of Sutherland, Scotland. This prominent headland, also known as Faraid Point, juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views and a rich natural environment.

Situated on the northwestern coast of Scotland, Rubha na Faraid boasts dramatic cliffs that rise majestically from the sea. These cliffs are composed of rugged sandstone and shale, displaying layers of different colors and textures, adding to the area's visual appeal. At the top of the headland, there is a grassy plateau, providing a perfect vantage point for observing the surrounding landscape.

The point is an important site for birdwatchers, as it is a frequent nesting ground for various seabirds. Species such as puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes can often be spotted in the area, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts. Additionally, seals and occasionally dolphins can be seen swimming in the waters near Rubha na Faraid.

The headland is easily accessible via a walking trail that winds its way along the coast. This trail offers visitors the chance to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region, as well as experience the raw power of the ocean crashing against the cliffs. The path is well-maintained, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey for hikers of all skill levels.

Overall, Rubha na Faraid is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the beauty and natural diversity of the Scottish coastline. With its striking cliffs, abundant wildlife, and picturesque views, it is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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Rubha na Faraid Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.319409/-5.1597289 or Grid Reference NC1541. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Badcall Bay
Badcall Bay
South view above Upper Badcall over Badcall Bay in late mid-summer evening, 1994 On the horizon are Canisp (2779ft/846m) and Suilven (2399ft/731m). It was after 10 p.m.
South view above Upper Badcall over Badcall Bay in late mid-summer evening, 1994
On the horizon are Canisp (2779ft/846m) and Suilven (2399ft/731m). It was after 10 p.m.
Late evening view to Quinag and Assynt mountains from above Badcall Taken on same road and direction as <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4762350">NC1542 : South view above Upper Badcall over Badcall Bay in late mid-summer evening, 1994</a>, but about 1/2 mile ahead; possibly zoomed in this case, with Badcall Bay hidden by the hillock on the right. (Cf. also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2463952">NC1642 : A894 heads south, west of Loch a' Chreagain Theth</a>).
Late evening view to Quinag and Assynt mountains from above Badcall
Taken on same road and direction as NC1542 : South view above Upper Badcall over Badcall Bay in late mid-summer evening, 1994, but about 1/2 mile ahead; possibly zoomed in this case, with Badcall Bay hidden by the hillock on the right. (Cf. also NC1642 : A894 heads south, west of Loch a' Chreagain Theth).
Southward from Badcall in evening (21.30), 1994 Across Badcall Bay and its islets, over the Rubha Gisgil and then across Loch Cairnbawn (Loch a' Chàirn Bhàin) is the dramatic double peak of Quinag (2,550-2,653 ft.); beyond Quinag and south of Loch Assynt, can be seen Canisp (2779 ft.) and the double peak of Suilven (2399 ft.).
Southward from Badcall in evening (21.30), 1994
Across Badcall Bay and its islets, over the Rubha Gisgil and then across Loch Cairnbawn (Loch a' Chàirn Bhàin) is the dramatic double peak of Quinag (2,550-2,653 ft.); beyond Quinag and south of Loch Assynt, can be seen Canisp (2779 ft.) and the double peak of Suilven (2399 ft.).
Typical Highland minor road: northward towards Scourie from Upper Badcall NE view about a mile above Badcall. (There were/are millions of those 'Passing Place' signs in Scotland.)
Typical Highland minor road: northward towards Scourie from Upper Badcall
NE view about a mile above Badcall. (There were/are millions of those 'Passing Place' signs in Scotland.)
Islands in Badcall Bay Seen from the side of the A894.
Islands in Badcall Bay
Seen from the side of the A894.
Rocky shore at Liobhadh Looking out over the islands in Badcall Bay. The rocks here are Lewisian gneiss.
Rocky shore at Liobhadh
Looking out over the islands in Badcall Bay. The rocks here are Lewisian gneiss.
Badcall Bay
Badcall Bay
Loch an Obain and the Minch Autumn
Loch an Obain and the Minch Autumn
Towards Ceannamhor
Towards Ceannamhor
The A894 at Lower Badcall The islands and waters of Badcall Bay ahead.
The A894 at Lower Badcall
The islands and waters of Badcall Bay ahead.
Foreshore with folded layers in Lewisian Gneiss The peninsula of Rubha na Faraid is made of Lewisian Gneiss, cut by a Laxfordian age shear zone. The shoals have a curved shape, caused by the flat early layering being bent into the later shear zone.
Foreshore with folded layers in Lewisian Gneiss
The peninsula of Rubha na Faraid is made of Lewisian Gneiss, cut by a Laxfordian age shear zone. The shoals have a curved shape, caused by the flat early layering being bent into the later shear zone.
The road to Upper Badcall There's a fine view to the south as the road turns a corner on the way to Badcall. Prominent on the horizon is the distinctive profile of Suilven.
The road to Upper Badcall
There's a fine view to the south as the road turns a corner on the way to Badcall. Prominent on the horizon is the distinctive profile of Suilven.
View towards the bay Only the foreground is within this square, but the view extends well beyond over Badcall Bay towards distant Quinag.
View towards the bay
Only the foreground is within this square, but the view extends well beyond over Badcall Bay towards distant Quinag.
Lochan Saile An inlet off Badcall Bay. In the distance is the multi-peaked Quinag.
Lochan Saile
An inlet off Badcall Bay. In the distance is the multi-peaked Quinag.
Upper Badcall Small community that has a fine view out over Badcall Bay.
Upper Badcall
Small community that has a fine view out over Badcall Bay.
Looking across Upper Badcall to Eddrachillis Bay Eddrachillis Bay is liberally provided with islands. Identifying them is quite a challenge! However, I think that the right-hand one with the steep face is Glas Leac <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NC1340">NC1340</a>, the isolated island just left of centre is Eilean a' Bhreitheimh, and the relatively high one to its left is Ceannamhor <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NC1339">NC1339</a>.

In the distance on the right is Sidhean Mor (161m in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NC0134">NC0134</a>) and the Point of Stoer.
Looking across Upper Badcall to Eddrachillis Bay
Eddrachillis Bay is liberally provided with islands. Identifying them is quite a challenge! However, I think that the right-hand one with the steep face is Glas Leac NC1340, the isolated island just left of centre is Eilean a' Bhreitheimh, and the relatively high one to its left is Ceannamhor NC1339. In the distance on the right is Sidhean Mor (161m in NC0134) and the Point of Stoer.
Glas Leac, Eddrachillis Bay With Meall Earca partly hidden behind it. The small skerry to its left is Sgarbhag. In the distance beyond it is Stoer Point.
Glas Leac, Eddrachillis Bay
With Meall Earca partly hidden behind it. The small skerry to its left is Sgarbhag. In the distance beyond it is Stoer Point.
Show me another place!

Rubha na Faraid is located at Grid Ref: NC1541 (Lat: 58.319409, Lng: -5.1597289)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

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