Àird na Faoghalach

Landscape Feature in Ross-shire

Scotland

Àird na Faoghalach

Loch Griomarstadh (Loch Grimersta) Loch Griomarstadh is a long narrow inlet of Loch Ceann Hulabhaig. It is tidal, and this view shows the sea a foot or so below high tide. In the distant, at left is Calanais (Callanish). — Loch Griomarstadh (Loch Grimersta) Credit: Anne Burgess

Àird na Faoghalach is a stunning landscape feature located in Ross-shire, Scotland. This geological formation is characterized by its dramatic cliffs, rugged terrain, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. It is situated on the northwest coast of Scotland, overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean.

The cliffs at Àird na Faoghalach are composed of ancient sandstone and shale, which have been shaped by the forces of erosion over millions of years. The result is a striking landscape of towering cliffs that drop dramatically into the sea below. The cliffs are often battered by strong winds and crashing waves, adding to the dramatic atmosphere of the area.

The rugged terrain surrounding Àird na Faoghalach is made up of heather-covered moorland and rocky outcrops. This provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including seabirds such as puffins, gannets, and guillemots. Eagles and falcons can also be spotted soaring above the cliffs.

Visitors to Àird na Faoghalach can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and the distant mountains of the Scottish Highlands. The area is a popular spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts, with several walking trails that allow visitors to explore the cliffs and surrounding countryside.

Overall, Àird na Faoghalach is a remarkable landscape feature that showcases the raw beauty of Scotland's coastline. Its rugged cliffs, stunning views, and diverse wildlife make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the natural wonders of Ross-shire.

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Àird na Faoghalach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.16272/-6.7551454 or Grid Reference NB2029. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Loch Griomarstadh (Loch Grimersta)

Loch Griomarstadh is a long narrow inlet of Loch Ceann Hulabhaig. It is tidal, and this view shows the sea a foot or so below high tide. In the distant, at left is Calanais (Callanish).

Anne Burgess

Griomarstadh

Abhainn Ghriomarstaidh (River Grimersta) enters the sea here from the left. The house at Griomarstadh is in the next square, and in the distance are the crofting communities of Calanais and Breascleit.

Anne Burgess

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

Loch Griomarstadh (Loch Grimersta)

Part of the intricate coastline of west Lewis.

Alan Reid

Allt na Muilne drains into Loch Griomarstadh

Underlit clouds illuminate the southern tip of Loch Griomarstadh during a summer sunset. The view is barely west of due north, but this far north, the sun stays above the horizon late - it is almost half past ten - and the earth has time to rotate much further before the light finally fades.

Andy Waddington