Creag Ruadh

Cliff, Slope in Sutherland

Scotland

Creag Ruadh

Tin hut above Loch Glendhu A view towards the loch from the opposite side of the wall from the track. — Tin hut above Loch Glendhu Credit: Gordon Hatton

Creag Ruadh is a prominent cliff located in Sutherland, Scotland. It is situated on the east coast of the county, overlooking the North Sea. With its breathtaking views and rugged landscape, the cliff attracts numerous visitors and hikers every year.

Rising to a height of approximately 100 meters, Creag Ruadh stands tall and imposing, offering a panoramic vista of the surrounding landscape. The cliff is composed of layers of sedimentary rock, showcasing a variety of colors ranging from deep red to brown, giving it its name, which means "red rock" in Gaelic.

The steep slope of Creag Ruadh presents a challenging terrain for adventure seekers and rock climbers. Its vertical face provides an exhilarating opportunity for climbers to test their skills and conquer the cliff. Safety precautions and proper climbing gear are essential due to the rugged nature of the terrain.

The area surrounding Creag Ruadh is rich in biodiversity, with a diverse range of flora and fauna. Various species of birds, including seabirds like fulmars and kittiwakes, can be spotted nesting on the cliff face. The cliff also provides a habitat for unique plant species adapted to the harsh conditions of the coastal environment.

For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, there are several walking trails that lead to the top of Creag Ruadh, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning views without the need for climbing equipment. The cliff also offers a peaceful setting for picnics and relaxation, with the sound of crashing waves providing a soothing ambiance.

Overall, Creag Ruadh is a captivating natural landmark, attracting nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Its towering presence and scenic beauty make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the stunning landscapes of Sutherland.

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Creag Ruadh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.242302/-4.9696963 or Grid Reference NC2532. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Tin hut above Loch Glendhu

A view towards the loch from the opposite side of the wall from the track.

Gordon Hatton

Across the mouth of Loch Glendhu

A small promontory on the north side of the loch gives an opportunity to step into this grid square and photograph the loch and shoreline opposite where there is a shallow, bowl-shaped valley.

Gordon Hatton

The entrance to Loch Glencoul

Seen from the slipway for the former Kylesku ferry on the A894. In the distance, just right of centre, can be seen the faint outline of the Stack of Glencoul.

David Purchase

Rocky shoreline, Loch Glendhu

A view past the promontory of Aird da Loch to Quinag.

Jim Barton

The track to Kylestrome, Loch Glendhu

The houses of Unapool are in view across the low-lying end of Aird da Loch.

Jim Barton

The Glencoul Thrust from Loch Glendhu

The slanting line is a boundary between old Lewisian gneiss above and younger Cambrian quartzite, over which the gneiss has been pushed bodily about 30km by mountain-building movements as the Iapetus Ocean finally closed over 400 million years ago. For more on the spectacular geology of this and other parts of the Highlands, see 'Land of Mountain and Flood' by A McKirdy, J Gordon and R Crofts (Birlinn, 2009).

Jim Barton

Loch Glencoul

Virtually the same viewpoint as NC2332 : Shore of Loch Glencoul, Assynt but through the car window - I'm maybe daft but I'm not stupid! The waterspout was forming where the easterly gales from Loch Glencoul and Loch Glendhu met. An estimated height of 150+feet wouldn't be far out.

AlastairG

Lochside track, Loch Glendhu

The track to Glendhu House and bothy, just visible (centre).

Jim Barton

Loch Glendhu from the south side

Looking west over the heather moorland of the peninsula separating Lochs Glendhu and Glencoul. This is the surface of the sloping fault between Cambrian rock and older Lewisian gneiss above. The path over the peninsula to Glencoul follows this sloping shelf and descends to sea level round the south side.

Jim Barton

Gneiss rocks at the Glencoul Thrust

The craggy upper slopes of Beinn Aird da Loch rise above the flat moorland, the boundary between Cambrian quartzite and older Lewisian gneiss which was pushed over the younger rocks as crustal plates moved together.

Jim Barton

Shower over Quinag

A shower clearing southwards seen from the lochside path from Glendhu to Kylestrome.

Jim Barton

Loch Glencoul

Just south of Unapool by the Maryck cafe and Museum.

jeff collins

Where the wall enters the loch

Peter Moore

By Loch Glendhu

David Brown

Path from Gleann Dubh

The path between Gleann Dubh and Glen Coul is an interesting route, following the upper edge of the band of quartzite of the Glencoul Thrust around the headland between the two sea lochs. Looking back to Loch Glendhu, the green area is the improved land around Glendhu House.

Jim Barton

Unnamed lochan, Aird da Loch

A small lochan on the flat top of the quartzite escarpment that is part of the Glencoul Thrust. Quinag makes a striking background and part of Suilven is peeping over the shoulder at the far left.

Jim Barton

Edge of the escarpment, Aird da Loch

The edge of the quartzite that lies on top of the Lewisian gneiss. Looking out past Unapool to Loch a' Chairn Bhain to the west of the Kylesku Bridge, with Quinag to the left.

Jim Barton