An Cui'-leim

Cliff, Slope in Argyllshire

Scotland

An Cui'-leim

Glenbyre Burn meets the beach The Allt nan Fiadh falls steeply in a rocky gorge to pick up numerous equally steep tributaries to form the Glebyre Burn. The gradient eases for the last couple of kilometres to the sea where it spreads onto the beach just west of the old farm of Glebyre and is an easy crossing in dry weather such as this. Although the map shows Stepping Stones, it looks as though it could be a bit challenging in spate. — Glenbyre Burn meets the beach Credit: Andy Waddington

An Cui'-leim, also known as the Cliff Slope, is a prominent geographical feature located in the region of Argyllshire, Scotland. This natural formation is situated on the western coast of the country, near the village of An Cui'-leim. The name An Cui'-leim translates to "the narrow strait" in Gaelic, reflecting the distinctive characteristics of the area.

The Cliff Slope is a steep, rocky terrain that stretches along the shoreline, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, reaching impressive heights that attract both locals and tourists alike. These precipitous slopes are composed of various types of rock formations, such as sandstone and limestone, which have been shaped over millions of years by erosion and geological processes.

The site is renowned for its striking beauty and offers an array of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Adventurous individuals can explore the area by embarking on challenging hikes along the cliff edge, providing an exhilarating experience and a chance to appreciate the rugged, untamed beauty of the Scottish coast. Additionally, the Cliff Slope is a popular spot for birdwatching, with numerous species of seabirds, including puffins and gannets, nesting along the cliffs.

An Cui'-leim is also of historical significance, as it has been an important landmark for seafarers and fishermen for centuries. The perilous nature of the cliffs has given rise to numerous maritime legends and tales of shipwrecks, further adding to the allure of the area.

In conclusion, An Cui'-leim, Argyllshire, is a breathtaking cliff slope that offers stunning coastal views, outdoor activities, and a rich historical heritage.

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An Cui'-leim Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.332568/-5.9219434 or Grid Reference NM5722. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Glenbyre Burn meets the beach

The Allt nan Fiadh falls steeply in a rocky gorge to pick up numerous equally steep tributaries to form the Glebyre Burn. The gradient eases for the last couple of kilometres to the sea where it spreads onto the beach just west of the old farm of Glebyre and is an easy crossing in dry weather such as this. Although the map shows Stepping Stones, it looks as though it could be a bit challenging in spate.

Andy Waddington

Rowan at Glenbyre

The coast is the haunt not only of sheep, but also feral goats, so a tree is lucky to become tall enough to grow tasty leaves beyond their reach. This Rowan is thus particularly spindly but with a good crop of both flowers and foliage at height. It's curve neatly frames the view to Beinn nan Gobhar.

Andy Waddington

Glenbyre

Looking across the beach at the outflow of Glenbyre Burn, the old farmhouse of Glenbyre marks the end of the track accessible to vehicles from Loch Buie. Signage indicates environmental work supported financially by the European Union, so that will be a bit out of date now that the perfidious English have voted to drag Scotland out of the EU against the expressed will of its population...

Andy Waddington

Path SW from Glenbyre

Beyond the end of the driveable track at Glenbyre, the route from Loch Buie to Carsaig takes a turn to the rough side with both spiny vegetation and scrambly rocks offering some alternative to the boggier stretches underfoot. This is not a bit of path where one can cheerfully apply Naismith's Rule, and we've met various people who have turned back deterred. Being "that sort of parents" I have fond memories of dragging our kids along this stretch a couple of decades ago, amid a certain amount of whinge. At least that time we were only doing it one way...

Andy Waddington

Waterfall below Cadha na Muic

Don't look too closely at this one, as the bottom of the waterfall includes the now hairless bloated body of a goat which lost its footing above (one reason for the view being a bit distant). The basalt lava flows form a line of cliffs along this coast with the path following the raised beach after isostatic rebound following the removal of ice after the last glaciation. Sheep graze below the cliffs, but the feral goats tend to prefer to remain aloof from the human visitors along the path and stay above (or on) the rocks, except when accidents happen.

Andy Waddington

Basalt shore at the entrance of Loch Buie

The rough basalt outcrops this side of Loch Buie, like the ones opposite on Rubha na Faoilinn, are part of the plateau group lavas on the southern flanks of the Mull Tertiary Volcanic Centre. On both sides, the lava flows overlie Lower Jurassic rocks which outcrop a little further east beyond the headland, and west of the photographer at Carsaig Bay (a happy hunting ground for bits of ammonite).

Andy Waddington

Slickrock path west of Rubha Dubh

Parts of the path between Carsaig Bay to the west and Loch Buie behind the photographer are very rough, or boggy, or vegetated. This stretch, however, is a delight to walk over grippy basalt rock outcrops with not much in the way of scrambly ascents or drops. One can even outpace Naismith's rule along this, which is very much not the case for the trip as a whole (even doing it both ways as we were, so we knew how to get round obtacles on the way back).

Andy Waddington

Ash tree at Glenbyre

A solitary Ash tree sits above the reach of the tide (mostly) at the old farm of Glenbyre. Whilst apparently not occupied, the farm is definitely still in use and it looks as though someone has been taking time out to use an old mooring buoy as a swing from one of the lower branches.

Andy Waddington

Port na h-Iteig

Following in the footsteps of David Balfour, the hero of Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped, as he makes his way back to Edinburgh to confront his wicked uncle. Stage 1, June 2016 from Erraid to Fishnish on the Isle of Mull. See Link