Calbhaigh

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Calbhaigh

Above Gleann Dorch A view from above Gleann Dorch looking to the southeast. The pointy top of Maol na h-Ordaig can be seen three miles off in the distance.
Above Gleann Dorch Credit: Marc Calhoun

Calbhaigh is a small island located off the west coast of Scotland in the county of Inverness-shire. Situated in the Inner Hebrides, it is part of a group of islands known as the Small Isles, along with Eigg, Muck, and Rum. With a land area of approximately 5 square miles, Calbhaigh is the second-largest island in the Small Isles.

The island's rugged and unspoiled landscape is a major draw for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. It is characterized by rolling hills, moorland, and stunning coastal cliffs. Calbhaigh boasts diverse flora and fauna, including several rare and protected species of birds, plants, and marine life. The island's pristine beaches, such as Laig Bay, attract visitors looking for tranquility and natural beauty.

Calbhaigh is sparsely populated, with a small community of residents who primarily engage in fishing, farming, and tourism-related activities. The main settlement is the village of Cleadale, which offers basic amenities such as a post office, a few shops, and accommodation options for visitors.

Historically, Calbhaigh has been inhabited for centuries, and evidence of ancient settlements can still be found on the island. The ruins of a Viking burial ground and several standing stones are notable historical landmarks. Additionally, the island is known for its connection to the Scottish Gaelic language, with many residents still speaking it fluently.

Access to Calbhaigh is primarily by ferry, with regular services operating from the mainland town of Mallaig. The island's remote location and untouched landscapes make it a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Scotland's natural beauty.

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Calbhaigh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.142329/-7.2609383 or Grid Reference NF8118. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Above Gleann Dorch A view from above Gleann Dorch looking to the southeast. The pointy top of Maol na h-Ordaig can be seen three miles off in the distance.
Above Gleann Dorch
A view from above Gleann Dorch looking to the southeast. The pointy top of Maol na h-Ordaig can be seen three miles off in the distance.
Navigation light, Gasaigh
Navigation light, Gasaigh
North east corner of Calbhaigh
North east corner of Calbhaigh
Remains of Castle Calvay
Remains of Castle Calvay
Castle Calvay Seen from the ferry from Lochboisdale to Oban.
Castle Calvay
Seen from the ferry from Lochboisdale to Oban.
A' Mhaol Bhuidhe Spectacular rocky coastline, with fissures, on the northern shore of Loch Baghasdail / Loch Boisdale. This is a "drowned landscape" with sea lochs formed by risen sea level.
A' Mhaol Bhuidhe
Spectacular rocky coastline, with fissures, on the northern shore of Loch Baghasdail / Loch Boisdale. This is a "drowned landscape" with sea lochs formed by risen sea level.
Departing Loch Baghasdail Boat heading past Calbhaigh and heading out into "The Sea of the Hebrides".
Departing Loch Baghasdail
Boat heading past Calbhaigh and heading out into "The Sea of the Hebrides".
Steaming out of Loch Baghasdail Not sure if 'steaming' is quite the right expression to describe the movement of a diesel powered car ferry. Taken from the deck of MV 'Lord of the Isles' having just passed the small island of Gasaigh [centre left]. Lochboisdale port can be seen in the distance.
Steaming out of Loch Baghasdail
Not sure if 'steaming' is quite the right expression to describe the movement of a diesel powered car ferry. Taken from the deck of MV 'Lord of the Isles' having just passed the small island of Gasaigh [centre left]. Lochboisdale port can be seen in the distance.
Passing Gasaigh Out in Loch Baghasdail on the ferry to Oban, passing the small island of Gasaigh.
Passing Gasaigh
Out in Loch Baghasdail on the ferry to Oban, passing the small island of Gasaigh.
Gleann dail bho Tuath path The path in this section is like more like walking up twin streams.
Gleann dail bho Tuath path
The path in this section is like more like walking up twin streams.
View across Gleann Dail bho Tuath Looking towards Marabhal the grassy hill in the background.
View across Gleann Dail bho Tuath
Looking towards Marabhal the grassy hill in the background.
Ruined bridge across the Abhainn Marulaigh The river drains the lochs in Gleann Dail bho Tuath into Bagh Marulaigh.  Considering the general condition of the path/track the bridge remains were very surprising.
Ruined bridge across the Abhainn Marulaigh
The river drains the lochs in Gleann Dail bho Tuath into Bagh Marulaigh. Considering the general condition of the path/track the bridge remains were very surprising.
Unnamed Lochan The lochan lies just off the Gleann Dail bho Tuath path.
Unnamed Lochan
The lochan lies just off the Gleann Dail bho Tuath path.
Looking towards Bagh Marulaigh Picture taken from the small hillock shown on the map next to the path.  The Abhainn Marulaigh can just be glimpsed on its way down to the Bay.  The rocky outcrops are very much a feature of this lower section of the track.
Looking towards Bagh Marulaigh
Picture taken from the small hillock shown on the map next to the path. The Abhainn Marulaigh can just be glimpsed on its way down to the Bay. The rocky outcrops are very much a feature of this lower section of the track.
Calbhaigh castle
Calbhaigh castle
North East corner, Calbhaigh.
North East corner, Calbhaigh.
Light. Calbhaigh
Light. Calbhaigh
Loch Baghasdail The island to the upper left is Gasaigh.  To the lower right is a fish farm, off An Camas.
Loch Baghasdail
The island to the upper left is Gasaigh. To the lower right is a fish farm, off An Camas.
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Calbhaigh is located at Grid Ref: NF8118 (Lat: 57.142329, Lng: -7.2609383)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///bulky.repeating.bulk. Near Lochboisdale, Na h-Eileanan Siar

Related Wikis

Calvay Castle

Calvay Castle (Scottish Gaelic: Caisteal Calbhaigh) is a ruined castle on an islet close to the island of Calbhaigh, at the eastern approaches to Loch...

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Beinn Ruigh Choinnich is a hill which overlooks the port of Lochboisdale on the east coast of the island of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides Scotland....

Eileanan Iasgaich

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Lochboisdale

Lochboisdale (Scottish Gaelic: Loch Baghasdail [ɫ̪ɔx ˈbɤːs̪t̪ɪl]) is the main village and port on the island of South Uist, Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Lochboisdale...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.142329,-7.2609383
Seamark Light 1 Character: Fl
Seamark Light 1 Colour: white
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Seamark Light 1 Height: 16
Seamark Light 1 Period: 10
Seamark Light 1 Range: 7
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Seamark Light 1 Sector Start: 111
Seamark Light 1 Sequence: 0.5+(1.5),0.5+(7.5)
Seamark Light 2 Character: Fl
Seamark Light 2 Colour: green
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Seamark Light 2 Range: 4
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Seamark Light 2 Sector Start: 190
Seamark Light 2 Sequence: 0.5+(1.5),0.5+(7.5)
Seamark Light 3 Character: Fl
Seamark Light 3 Colour: white
Seamark Light 3 Group: 2
Seamark Light 3 Height: 16
Seamark Light 3 Period: 10
Seamark Light 3 Range: 7
Seamark Light 3 Sector End: 286
Seamark Light 3 Sector Start: 202
Seamark Light 3 Sequence: 0.5+(1.5),0.5+(7.5)
Seamark Light 4 Character: Fl
Seamark Light 4 Colour: red
Seamark Light 4 Group: 2
Seamark Light 4 Height: 16
Seamark Light 4 Period: 10
Seamark Light 4 Range: 4
Seamark Light 4 Sector End: 111
Seamark Light 4 Sector Start: 286
Seamark Light 4 Sequence: 0.5+(1.5),0.5+(7.5)
Seamark Light Reference: A 4008
Seamark Name: Calvay E End
Seamark Radio Station Category: ais
Seamark Type: light_minor
Source: US NGA Pub. 114. 2011-05-26.
Lat/Long: 57.1421667/-7.25625
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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