Àird Cham

Landscape Feature in Ross-shire

Scotland

Àird Cham

Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh (Grimersta River) Dramatic lighting as storm clouds gather to the south-west. This river is possibly the best salmon fishing river in the Western Isles, and drains a large tract of southern Lewis. There was a lot of water today following a week of unsettled weather with frequent rain showers. — Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh (Grimersta River) Credit: Anne Burgess

Àird Cham is a prominent landscape feature located in Ross-shire, Scotland. Situated on the northwest coast of the Highlands, it is characterized by its rugged and dramatic coastal cliffs, which provide breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

The cliffs of Àird Cham are made of layered sandstone and slate, creating a distinctive geological formation that has been shaped by the relentless forces of wind and waves over millions of years. The layers of rock reveal the area's rich geological history and provide a fascinating insight into the Earth's past.

The cliffs rise steeply from the sea, reaching heights of up to 200 feet in some places. They are home to a wide variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, which nest in the crevices and ledges of the cliffs. The area is a designated nature reserve, reflecting its importance as a breeding ground for these seabird colonies.

In addition to its natural beauty, Àird Cham also holds historical significance. The ruins of an ancient castle, thought to have been built in the 13th century, can be found perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea. The castle provides a glimpse into the region's turbulent past and offers visitors a chance to step back in time.

Àird Cham is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, who come to explore the rugged coastline, admire the stunning vistas, and observe the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. It is a landscape feature that showcases the beauty and diversity of the Scottish Highlands, making it a must-visit location for anyone seeking a true Scottish experience.

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Àird Cham Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.157361/-6.7642143 or Grid Reference NB1928. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh (Grimersta River)

Dramatic lighting as storm clouds gather to the south-west. This river is possibly the best salmon fishing river in the Western Isles, and drains a large tract of southern Lewis. There was a lot of water today following a week of unsettled weather with frequent rain showers.

Anne Burgess

Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh (Grimersta River)

Looking downstream from the new bridge which carries the B8011 over the river. The next bridge is the private access to Griomarstadh House and jetty.

Anne Burgess

Grimersta River

Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh tumbling down to the sea at Loch Ceann Hulabhig. The old road and bridge are visible in mid distance.

Colin Smith

Grimersta River from the Bridge

View upstream of a tumbling, Highland river (Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh) from the new B8011 road bridge.

Colin Smith

Lewis style bus shelter (i)

Peter Moore

Old road bridge over the Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh/Grimersta River

When this photo was taken in 1975, the bridge seen carried the B road to west Lewis over the river. Since then, a replacement has been constructed a short distance downstream. Fairly recent imagery seen online suggests that the bridge is still standing, although it no longer lies on a public road.

eswales

Loch Faoghail am Tuim

Looking south towards the hills of West Lewis. The little house highlighted by a ray of sunshine is a boathouse, in the next square. The nearest hill on the left is Ciorabhal, and on the right is Geure Dubh Mhòr. On the distant skyline is Roineabhal.

Anne Burgess

Up above the old road

This is not country in which to venture without navigations skills. It's boggy, and many of the ups and downs are not pronounced enough to generate contours. We were able to park on the old road - visible on the 1:25000 OS map - and it was a slightly boggy walk up onto rock. One of little lochans in the square can be seen, as can a typical "knock" of Lewisian gneiss. The (somewhat dilapidated) fence to my west could not be seen from where I took the photo.

Neville Goodman

Cycling the B8059

The hills of Harris on the skyline

Alan Reid

B8059 and the lochs leading in to the Lewis-Harris borderlands

This string of linked lochs have 'Faoghail' in their names; this is the Gaelic word for ford.

Alan Reid

Looking south east from the old Ardroil road

A short spur which has been bypassed by new road construction forms a convenient parking place to admire the view.

John Lucas

Stone setting, Druim Cam, Isle of Lewis

Looking towards Loch Faoghail Charrasan, most of which lies within the grid square. From Discovery and Excavation in Scotland, 1991: "Possible kerb cairn or hut circle. There is a sub-circular setting of 7 stones on edge set firmly into the ground, now under 20cm to 40cm of peat. The largest stone is 0.5m high. The internal dimensions are approximately 5.5m by 4.0m. It is located on near-level ground on a gently sloping rock and heather ridge overlooking land on the shore of the loch."

Claire Pegrum