Aoineadh Fada

Cliff, Slope in Argyllshire

Scotland

Aoineadh Fada

Rubha na Faoilinn Rubha na Faoilinn is the headland at the southeast side of the entrance to Loch Buie, and is exposed to swell even on a very calm day such as the one seen here. The ridge behind the wave-cut platform rises to 301m at Cnoc a&#039;Ghille, though the skyline seen in the picture is nearer and lower. — Rubha na Faoilinn Credit: Andy Waddington

Aoineadh Fada, also known as the Cliff Slope, is a prominent geographical feature located in Argyllshire, Scotland. This majestic cliff slope is situated on the western coast of the region, overlooking the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.

Rising to an impressive height of approximately 200 meters, Aoineadh Fada attracts visitors and nature enthusiasts from near and far. The cliff slope offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, with its rugged rock formations, lush greenery, and the endless expanse of the ocean stretching out into the horizon.

The area surrounding Aoineadh Fada is rich in biodiversity, providing a habitat for various species of birds, marine life, and plant species. The cliff slope is home to a variety of seabirds, including gannets, puffins, and guillemots, which nest in the crevices and ledges of the rocks. The pristine waters below the cliff slope are also teeming with marine life, making it a popular spot for fishing and diving enthusiasts.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, Aoineadh Fada offers opportunities for hiking and exploration. Several walking trails wind their way along the edge of the cliff, providing visitors with a chance to experience the stunning natural beauty up close. However, caution is advised as the cliff slope can be steep and treacherous in certain areas.

Aoineadh Fada, with its dramatic cliffs, breathtaking views, and abundant wildlife, is a true gem of Argyllshire. It serves as a testament to the raw and untamed beauty of the Scottish coast, captivating all who venture to its edge.

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Aoineadh Fada Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.327972/-5.8711519 or Grid Reference NM6021. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rubha na Faoilinn

Rubha na Faoilinn is the headland at the southeast side of the entrance to Loch Buie, and is exposed to swell even on a very calm day such as the one seen here. The ridge behind the wave-cut platform rises to 301m at Cnoc a'Ghille, though the skyline seen in the picture is nearer and lower.

Andy Waddington

Between Rubha na Faoilinn and Lord Lovat's Bay

The sea kayaker coming from Loch Buie passes Rubha na Faoilinn into the open Firth of Lorn and, heading east, starts a committing stretch of coast exposed to the swell and with few landing places for ten miles. This is the first bit of that coast, with the shore becoming increasingly rocky and running to cliffs which soon rise to 280m. This photo was taken on a trip in very fine stable weather under a high pressure area with very little swell and no wind, so conditions were very benign, but it is still a three hour paddle to reach the next beach with an escape route to the roads.

Andy Waddington

Uamh Ghauidhre

Part of the big raised beach on the south side of Loch Buie. The small islands are tidal, separated by sandy beaches. The former wave cut platform is now sheep grazing with boggy areas and the usual mess of plastic litter washed up by the sea.

Richard Webb

Raised beach, Loch Buie

Raised beach on the south shore of Loch Buie. Result of the land rebounding from depression under the weight of an ice sheet. The crags, now inland are former sea cliffs.

Richard Webb

Eilean Uamh Guaidhre

Tidal island in Loch Buidhe, joined to Mull at low tide by a sandy beach which is visible beneath the water. Once seabed, it has been lifted above sea level by the rebound of the land after the icecap melted.

Richard Webb

Breac Achadh

A grassy strip allowing easy access to the hills of the Laggan Forest. Once arable land, with a common name meaning spotty fields. Ben More and Ben Buie in the background.

Richard Webb

Breac Achadh

Grassland amongst the heather and rock of the Laggan Forest. View towards the cliff tops and Loch Buidhe.

Richard Webb

Maol Breac -achadh

Rough grassland on the west side of Beinn a' Bhainne.

Richard Webb

Allt Shios Breac-achadh

Burn about to plunge down a ravine towards Loch Buidhe.

Richard Webb

Beinn a' Bhainne

The western slopes of Beinn a' Bhainne in the Laggan Forest.

Richard Webb

Allt Shios Breac-achadh

Burn draining the south and west of Beinn a' Bhainne.

Richard Webb

Allt Shios Breac-achadh

view of the burn from the slopes of Beinn a' Bhainne.

Richard Webb

Sunset boulder, Loch Buie

In the middle of setting up my tent under a thinly overcast sky, I looked up to notice the sun just dipping below the cloud line, casting a sunset light all along the SE shore of Loch Buie, including cliffs and waterfalls below Na h-Airichean. Lighting like this rarely lasts long, so abandoning the tent erect, but not pegged down at all (it was a windless evening!) I grabbed the camera and started running around like a headless chicken... Ben Buie, across the loch in NM6027, was still not getting the sun, and the blue skylight on its snowy remnants made a fine contrast with the warmth of the light on my side of the water.

Andy Waddington

Sea kayak camp, south shore of Loch Buie

Whilst there are better landings and easier escapes to civilisation further up Loch Buie, it's a long paddle from the mainland side of the Kerrera ferry, and in limited daylight, I chose the first place I could actually land and get the boat above the tide. It proved to be a good camping spot, with fresh water and sunlight for longer than the head of the loch in the evening - NM6122 : Sunset boulder, Loch Buie but perhaps a bit shaded in the morning. This view was at 07:15, looking over my boat high on the beach, towards Malcolm's Point and the Carsaig arches across Loch Buie.

Andy Waddington

Sunset waterfall, Loch Buie

In the middle of setting up my tent under a thinly overcast sky, I looked up to notice the sun just dipping below the cloud line, casting a sunset light all along the SE shore of Loch Buie, including cliffs and waterfalls below Na h-Airichean. Lighting like this rarely lasts long, so abandoning the tent erect, but not pegged down at all (it was a windless evening!) I grabbed both camera and GPS and started running around like a headless chicken... The GPS showed the waterfall where the Allt nan Airichean stream drops over the cliffs of Aoineadh Fada to be just inside this gridsquare, so it took some casting about to get a viewpoint on the scree slope in the same square. The view was almost due east at ten to six, so my shadow in the view was unavoidable !

Andy Waddington

Allt nan Airichean waterfall at sunset

A lot of running about was needed to get photos in the sunset, as the sun was only below the cloud and above the horizon for a short time and the GPS indicated that four gridsquares meet just to the right of the photographer. A shot was required of the waterfall from the same gridsquare NM6121 : Sunset waterfall, Loch Buie, but the aesthetically most pleasing view was this one. The lighting lasted all of five minutes, after which I was able to relax and return to my tent - erected but not pegged down in the rush to get the photographs whilst the sun was shining. Fortunately it was not a windy evening, or these could have been very expensive photos, followed by a very cold couple of nights !

Andy Waddington

Tidal islands, Loch Buie

A series of tidal skerries and reefs occupy the southeast shore of Loch Buie in its upper part. There is a fair shoreline path here, leading towards Rubha na Faoilinn where the Loch opens to the Firth of Lorn. Across the Loch, there is a good path on the far shore, leading to Carsaig beyond the first headland, Rubha Dubh, and eventually to Carsaig Arches and Malcolm's Point at the far left of the picture. The Carsaig Arches walk is very fine in good weather, but watch out for adders - we met three on the walk a few years ago in May.

Andy Waddington

Shore below Aoineadh Fada

There was a bit more swell at the open end of Loch Buie than in the shelter further up, and this was keeping the bottom couple of feet of the rocky platform wet. There are no good landings this side of NM6021 : Sea kayak camp, south shore of Loch Buie, although there is an extensive shingle storm beach above the rocks and access on foot from Lochbuie would be straightforward. The cliffs of Aoineadh Fada rise 30 to 50 metres along this section of coast, with various waterfalls and gullies.

Andy Waddington

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Aoineadh Fada is located at Grid Ref: NM6021 (Lat: 56.327972, Lng: -5.8711519)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire