Gearraidh Mhic Lobhair

Downs, Moorland in Ross-shire

Scotland

Gearraidh Mhic Lobhair

View towards Eilean Arnol Looking across the fields from the Arnol Blackhouse car park. — View towards Eilean Arnol Credit: David Dixon

Gearraidh Mhic Lobhair is a small village located in the county of Ross-shire, in the Highlands of Scotland. Situated in a picturesque setting, the village is nestled amidst stunning downs and moorland landscapes. Its idyllic location offers residents and visitors a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The downs surrounding Gearraidh Mhic Lobhair are characterized by their rolling hills and lush greenery. The area is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Walking trails crisscross the downs, providing opportunities for leisurely strolls and invigorating hikes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural beauty of the region.

Moorland, with its vast open spaces and heather-covered hills, is another defining feature of Gearraidh Mhic Lobhair. The rugged terrain offers a distinct charm to the village and its surroundings. The moorland is known for its unique flora and fauna, including rare bird species such as the red grouse and golden eagle, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.

Despite its remote location, Gearraidh Mhic Lobhair is well-connected to nearby towns and cities, ensuring residents have access to essential amenities. The village itself boasts a close-knit community, with a handful of charming cottages and a local pub serving as the social hub.

In conclusion, Gearraidh Mhic Lobhair in Ross-shire is a captivating village nestled amidst downs and moorland landscapes. Its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and tranquil atmosphere make it a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful escape in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

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Gearraidh Mhic Lobhair Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.336671/-6.6322715 or Grid Reference NB2848. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View towards Eilean Arnol

Looking across the fields from the Arnol Blackhouse car park.

David Dixon

House at Arnol

David Dixon

Farming near Arnol

David Dixon

Moorland west of Arnol

David Dixon

Coastline of Lewis

Ralph Greig

The Whalebone Arch at Bragar

The arch dates from 1920. It was made from the jawbone of a dead blue whale which was washed ashore in a nearby inlet Geodha nam Muc and has since become a tourist attraction. It is Category B-listed by Historic Environment Scotland (LB5767 Link

). More information Link

(Britain Express).

David Dixon

Bragar

Bragar (Bràgar) is a village situated on the A858 between Carloway and Barvas on the west side of the Isle of Lewis, 14 miles from the island's only town, Stornoway

David Dixon

South Bragar

David Dixon

Loch na Muilne

David Dixon

Arnol Motors

This small garage and hire centre is the only one for miles around!

Donald Lawson

Ruined Blackhouse

A ruined blackhouse in Arnol. A restored blackhouse can be found further North in this village.

Donald Lawson

Bad stile near Labost

This type of stile is used throughout the coastal walk from Bragar to Siabost. It's an object lesson in how not to make a stile. Firstly the single step is much too high, as demonstrated by my able assistant. It risks pulled muscles, climbing up or jumping down. Secondly, as everyone has to pull on the top bar to climb up, the bar soon breaks off. Half the stiles on this part of the walk had lost the bar. Once the bar comes off, the rest of the stile becomes unstable because the legs are long and there is no cross bracing. Next, the mortice joint attaching the step to the back legs is too shallow. After we climbed over one stile, we found that the joint had come unscrewed and only a 1cm edge of wood on the wonky stile stopped it from collapsing. Finally, to add damage to injury, the barbed wire of the fence is uncovered, so it catches rucsacks as you jump off.

Rob Burke

Footbridge over Loch Ordais outflow

This footbridge gives access to the coastal walk west from the car park at Bragar.

Rob Burke

War graves at Bragar cemetery

There are several war graves in the cemetery. Sadly, half of them bear the date 1st January 1919. 205 men returning to Lewis were drowned in the Iolaire disaster close to Stornoway. The grave in the foreground has an even later date, 26 October 1919. Donald Morrison served on HMS Pontefract, a minesweeper, and died in an accident.

Rob Burke

Causeway to Broch in Loch an Duna

Sometimes it is possible to cross the short causeway to the Broch. On this occasion the loch was high with recent rain, and waves were breaking over the stepping stones.

Rob Burke

Whalebone arch at Bragar (1986)

Mr Ignavy

Whalebone arch Lakefield House by A858 Bragar

The village Postmaster and general merchant, Murdo Morrison decided the lower mandible of the 82 foot long blue whale that drifted into Geodha nam Muc in 1920 would make an ideal arch over his gateway. The death dealing harpoon was also brought out to serve as a centrepiece. The jaws measure 25 feet each and weight about 4 tons. The height at the apex of the Arch is approximately 20 feet. The arch was Category B listed by Historic Scotland in 1978. Refurbishment was carried out in 2000 by Long Island Thermal Insulation Co in Newmarket near Stornoway where they were encased in 12mm of fibreglass protective coating and the damaged areas build up to the original shape using isopon filler. The harpoon was also shot blasted, repaired and coated but the steelwork holding the sections together at the apex was too badly corroded and had to be replaced.

Jo and Steve Turner

Blue whale's jawbone

This archway looks artificial but is a genuine whale jawbone which became weathered after standing here in Bragar for 80 years and was in 2000 given a protective coating of glass-fibre reinforced resin. The object dangling from the apex is a typical example of the harpoons used by whalers.

James Allan

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Gearraidh Mhic Lobhair is located at Grid Ref: NB2848 (Lat: 58.336671, Lng: -6.6322715)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands