Creag na h-Iolaire

Cliff, Slope in Ross-shire

Scotland

Creag na h-Iolaire

A slipway in Loch Miabhaig Credit: Alan Reid

Creag na h-Iolaire is a prominent cliff located in Ross-shire, Scotland. Translated as "Cliff of the Eagle" in English, it stands as a remarkable natural formation that holds historical significance. The cliff sits on the eastern shore of the Isle of Lewis, near the village of Uig.

Rising to an impressive height of approximately 245 meters (800 feet), Creag na h-Iolaire offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It overlooks the rugged coastline, providing visitors with a majestic sight of the Atlantic Ocean and the vast expanse of the Hebrides. The cliff's steep slope and rugged terrain make it an ideal spot for birdwatching, as it offers a sanctuary for various species, including eagles, falcons, and other seabirds.

Creag na h-Iolaire also holds historical significance due to its association with the tragic Iolaire disaster in 1919. On New Year's Day, the HMY Iolaire, a naval yacht, struck the rocks near the cliff while bringing home soldiers who had fought in World War I. The incident resulted in the loss of 201 lives, making it one of the worst maritime disasters in Scottish history. A memorial has been erected near the cliff to honor the victims of the Iolaire tragedy.

Accessible by foot or by taking a boat tour, Creag na h-Iolaire offers visitors a unique opportunity to admire Scotland's natural beauty, observe diverse bird species, and reflect on the area's historical significance. It serves as a reminder of the intertwined relationship between nature and human history.

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Creag na h-Iolaire Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.202886/-6.9695497 or Grid Reference NB0834. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A slipway in Loch Miabhaig

Alan Reid

A slipway in Loch Miabhaig

Alan Reid

Lochan at Cragavig

An old boundary wall snakes across the moorland

Alan Reid

Gleann Bhaltois (Glen Valtos) 2

Gleann Bhaltois is a spectacular example of a glacial meltwater channel. At the end of the last Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago, there is thought to have been a lake where Uig Bay now lies, dammed by ice to the west. The outlet from the lake was at the head of what is now Gleann Bhaltois, and carved a deep steep-sided glen, exploiting a fault line in the rocks. However the upper part of the glen follows a more sinuous course. The single-track B8011 road with passing places now winds through the glen.

Anne Burgess

Gleann Bhaltois (Glen Valtos) 3

Gleann Bhaltois is a spectacular example of a glacial meltwater channel. At the end of the last Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago, there is thought to have been a lake where Uig Bay now lies, dammed by ice to the west. The outlet from the lake was at the head of what is now Gleann Bhaltois, and carved a deep steep-sided glen, exploiting a fault line in the rocks. A classic and diagnostic feature of a meltwater channels is that it contains a stream much too small to have carved it in the first place.

Anne Burgess

Gleann Bhaltois (Glen Valtos) 4

Anne Burgess

Gleann Bhaltois (Glen Valtos) 5

Gleann Bhaltois is a spectacular example of a glacial meltwater channel. At the end of the last Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago, there is thought to have been a lake where Uig Bay now lies, dammed by ice to the west. The outlet from the lake was at the head of what is now Gleann Bhaltois, and carved a deep steep-sided glen, exploiting a fault line in the rocks. Following several wet days, a waterfall is draining the moor above.

Anne Burgess

Gleann Bhaltois (Glen Valtos) 6

Gleann Bhaltois is a spectacular example of a glacial meltwater channel. At the end of the last Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago, there is thought to have been a lake where Uig Bay now lies, dammed by ice to the west. The outlet from the lake was at the head of what is now Gleann Bhaltois, and carved a deep steep-sided glen, exploiting a fault line in the rocks. At this point, the glen steps down from its winding upper course through a rock fall to the much straighter lower course.

Anne Burgess

Gleann Bhaltois (Glen Valtos) 7

Gleann Bhaltois is a spectacular example of a glacial meltwater channel. At the end of the last Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago, there is thought to have been a lake where Uig Bay now lies, dammed by ice to the west. The outlet from the lake was at the head of what is now Gleann Bhaltois, and carved a deep steep-sided glen, exploiting a fault line in the rocks. From this point, the glen follows the straight line of the fault. The classic and diagnostic feature of a meltwater channel, well seen in this view, is that the stream it contains is too small to have carved it in the first place.

Anne Burgess

Gleann Bhaltois (Glen Valtos) 7

Anne Burgess

Name That Tune

This cheerful accordionist stands just inside a field by the cattle grid on the B8011 north of Cairisiadar. The label at his feet reads 'Name That Tune'.

Anne Burgess

Cairisiadar (Carishader)

Though the B8011 has been much improved, there are still some single-track stretches, notably where it crosses narrow bridges which have not been rebuilt, as here at Cairisiadar.

Anne Burgess

Miabhaig harbour pontoon

View from RIB afloat to pontoon at Miabhaig, Ceann A Tuath Na Hearadh (North Harris). Compare to NB0934 : Miabhaig Jetty taken by Dave Fergusson on 1 Oct 2007.

Hazel Hambidge

If you are ever up this way...

RIB moored alongside Miabhaig pontoon NB0934 : Miabhaig harbour pontoon on Ceann A Tuath Na Hearadah (North Harris) from which we enjoyed a great trip. (No financial benefit in anyway to me from posting this; simply a community service.)

Hazel Hambidge

TrÃ igh na Clibhe

On the skyline is the low headland which marks the left edge of Tràigh na Clibhe beach. This north-facing beach is also protected on both sides by 50 foot high cliffs (not in view here, but see Link ). In the hinterland is the village of Cliobh (Cliff) to the south and the town of Bhaltos (Valtos) to the east, providing several alternative names for this popular beach.

D Gore

Join the Band

Name That Tune and take a seat to have your photograph taken with the band at Carishader / Cairisiadar. Maybe it's Heather and Pete playing the field.

Colin Smith