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Bolabhal Sgarasta

Hill, Mountain in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Bolabhal Sgarasta

Tràigh Scarasta in 1981 The foreground is now a golf course.
Tràigh Scarasta in 1981 Credit: Sandy Gerrard

Bolabhal Sgarasta is a prominent hill located in Inverness-shire, in the Scottish Highlands. It is situated near the village of Arisaig and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. With an elevation of approximately 209 meters (686 feet), it is not considered a mountain but rather a hill.

The hill is known for its distinctive shape, resembling a whaleback, which is a result of glacial activity during the last ice age. Its rocky slopes are covered with heather, creating a beautiful purple hue during the summer months. Bolabhal Sgarasta is also home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer and a variety of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

The hill is easily accessible by foot and has a well-marked trail that leads to the summit. The ascent is moderate, making it suitable for hikers of all levels of experience. Upon reaching the top, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, including the nearby Loch nan Uamh and the Sound of Arisaig.

Bolabhal Sgarasta holds historical significance as well. During the 18th century, it was used as a lookout point to guard against potential invasions from the sea. Today, remnants of the old military lookout post can still be seen.

Overall, Bolabhal Sgarasta is a picturesque hill that offers a rewarding hiking experience with its stunning views, diverse wildlife, and historical significance. It is a must-visit destination for those exploring the natural beauty of Inverness-shire.

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Bolabhal Sgarasta Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.808825/-7.042732 or Grid Reference NG0091. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Tràigh Scarasta in 1981 The foreground is now a golf course.
Tràigh Scarasta in 1981
The foreground is now a golf course.
Coastal view of Harris
Coastal view of Harris
Lagoon near Northton A tidal lagoon with fine white sand. Ceapabhal is hiding its head in the low cloud.
Lagoon near Northton
A tidal lagoon with fine white sand. Ceapabhal is hiding its head in the low cloud.
Tràigh an Taoibh Thuath The name just means 'north side beach'. It is a tidal lagoon with fine white sand and fringed by saltmarsh.
Tràigh an Taoibh Thuath
The name just means 'north side beach'. It is a tidal lagoon with fine white sand and fringed by saltmarsh.
Saltmarsh at Northton The saltmarsh at the head of the lagoon is gradually increasings its extent.
Saltmarsh at Northton
The saltmarsh at the head of the lagoon is gradually increasings its extent.
Saltmarsh at Northton The saltmarsh is forming where the burn reaches the tidal lagoon.
Saltmarsh at Northton
The saltmarsh is forming where the burn reaches the tidal lagoon.
The A859 in Harris, Outer Hebrides The main road up the island.
The A859 in Harris, Outer Hebrides
The main road up the island.
Spaniels on the ascent of Maodal Although it's only 823 feet high the approach to the summit is fairly steep. It was on this cloud enshrouded hill at around 1037hrs on the 30th of April 1990 that an AEW* Shackleton from 8 Sqn based at RAF Lossiemouth commenced a right hand turn and initiated a climb with disastrous consequences, striking the hill some 30 feet below the summit. All ten men on board were killed instantly on impact. I had personal friends on board that aircraft and the poignancy of the visit to the hill this day is almost palpable. *(Airborne Early Warning)
Spaniels on the ascent of Maodal
Although it's only 823 feet high the approach to the summit is fairly steep. It was on this cloud enshrouded hill at around 1037hrs on the 30th of April 1990 that an AEW* Shackleton from 8 Sqn based at RAF Lossiemouth commenced a right hand turn and initiated a climb with disastrous consequences, striking the hill some 30 feet below the summit. All ten men on board were killed instantly on impact. I had personal friends on board that aircraft and the poignancy of the visit to the hill this day is almost palpable. *(Airborne Early Warning)
The hamlet of Northton to the south of Maodal Pictured at nightfall this image shows the proximity of the hamlet and the final resting place atop Maodal of WR965, the ill fated 8 Squadron AEW Shackleton which perished here in the mid morning of 30th April 1990. All 10 on board perished.The hill stands at 823 feet and at the time of the accident it was shrouded in cloud with a base at 200 feet and tops at 3000 feet. The aircraft struck the hill 30 feet below the summit.
The hamlet of Northton to the south of Maodal
Pictured at nightfall this image shows the proximity of the hamlet and the final resting place atop Maodal of WR965, the ill fated 8 Squadron AEW Shackleton which perished here in the mid morning of 30th April 1990. All 10 on board perished.The hill stands at 823 feet and at the time of the accident it was shrouded in cloud with a base at 200 feet and tops at 3000 feet. The aircraft struck the hill 30 feet below the summit.
In cloud again - Whisky Romeo 965 A former 8 Squadron aircrew member visits the crash site of AEW Shackleton WR965 which crashed here on 30th April 1990 claiming the lives of all 10 souls aboard. Atop the cairn you can see part of WR965's aerial system, a distinctive Shackleton feature. Situated on top of the fuselage amidst the four Rolls Royce Mk 58 Griffon engines, crews would tell an unsuspecting public that this was a giant spark plug which fed the engines! In reality it is a defunct ECM* aerial. *(Electronic counter measures)
In cloud again - Whisky Romeo 965
A former 8 Squadron aircrew member visits the crash site of AEW Shackleton WR965 which crashed here on 30th April 1990 claiming the lives of all 10 souls aboard. Atop the cairn you can see part of WR965's aerial system, a distinctive Shackleton feature. Situated on top of the fuselage amidst the four Rolls Royce Mk 58 Griffon engines, crews would tell an unsuspecting public that this was a giant spark plug which fed the engines! In reality it is a defunct ECM* aerial. *(Electronic counter measures)
A memento of Whisky Romeo 965 on Maodal An ECM aerial (Electronic Counter Measures) stands on top of the cairn which is found at the site of the tragedy of 30th April 1990 when an AEW Shackleton of 8 Squadron impacted 30 feet below the surface of Maodal. Situated on top of the fuselage amidst the four Rolls Royce Mk 58 Griffon engines, crews would tell an unsuspecting public that this was a giant spark plug which fed the engines!
A memento of Whisky Romeo 965 on Maodal
An ECM aerial (Electronic Counter Measures) stands on top of the cairn which is found at the site of the tragedy of 30th April 1990 when an AEW Shackleton of 8 Squadron impacted 30 feet below the surface of Maodal. Situated on top of the fuselage amidst the four Rolls Royce Mk 58 Griffon engines, crews would tell an unsuspecting public that this was a giant spark plug which fed the engines!
The saltings to the west of Maodal The haunt of the Oyster Catcher, the Snipe, the Curlew and the sheep, the saltings give support to both bird and beast.
The saltings to the west of Maodal
The haunt of the Oyster Catcher, the Snipe, the Curlew and the sheep, the saltings give support to both bird and beast.
Sheep and pasture at Northton/Taobh Tuath Flat land bordering Tràigh an Taoibh Thuath.
Sheep and pasture at Northton/Taobh Tuath
Flat land bordering Tràigh an Taoibh Thuath.
Northton/Taobh Tuath Looking towards the main road to Leverburgh and the houses of this small community.
Northton/Taobh Tuath
Looking towards the main road to Leverburgh and the houses of this small community.
Tràigh an Taoibh Thuath Looking northwest to the lower slopes of Ceapabhal across the sand from the A859, which is also NCN780. The clear vein across the lower part of the hill is Chaipaval [Ceapabhal] pegmatite, a Precambrian intrusion into these archaic rocks, that has been worked for feldspar.
Tràigh an Taoibh Thuath
Looking northwest to the lower slopes of Ceapabhal across the sand from the A859, which is also NCN780. The clear vein across the lower part of the hill is Chaipaval [Ceapabhal] pegmatite, a Precambrian intrusion into these archaic rocks, that has been worked for feldspar.
Hillside at Northton/Taobh Tuath Looking to Maodal, with the A859 running beneath.
Hillside at Northton/Taobh Tuath
Looking to Maodal, with the A859 running beneath.
Croft 36 Farm Shop A handy facility on the road to the beach.
Croft 36 Farm Shop
A handy facility on the road to the beach.
Tràigh an Taoibh Thuath Looking across the bay to Ceaoabhal, with its vein of pegmatite.
Tràigh an Taoibh Thuath
Looking across the bay to Ceaoabhal, with its vein of pegmatite.
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Bolabhal Sgarasta is located at Grid Ref: NG0091 (Lat: 57.808825, Lng: -7.042732)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///tadpoles.dust.cobbled. Near Leverburgh, Na h-Eileanan Siar

Nearby Locations

Cleit a' Ghobha Bolabhal Sgarasta

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.808825,-7.042732
Bolabhal Sgarasta
Ele: 265
Name En: Bolaval Scarista
Name Gd: Bolabhal Sgarasta
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 57.8093213/-7.0423425
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Àird an t-Sruith Inverness-shire
Cnoc Leathann Ross-shire

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