Eilean na h-Iolaire

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Eilean na h-Iolaire

A burn drains the southeast side of Eabhal Islands litter the east coast waters off Uist
A burn drains the southeast side of Eabhal Credit: Alan Reid

Eilean na h-Iolaire is a small island located in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, specifically in the Inverness-shire region. The island is situated off the west coast of Scotland, approximately 4 miles north of the village of Arisaig.

Eilean na h-Iolaire, which translates to "Eagle Island" in English, is known for its picturesque landscapes and rich natural beauty. The island covers an area of around 1 square mile and is predominantly composed of rugged terrain, with rocky cliffs, heather-covered hills, and scattered patches of woodland. It is surrounded by the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, providing stunning views of the surrounding islands and the mainland.

The island is home to a small population, with only a handful of residents living here permanently. It is primarily used for agricultural purposes, mainly grazing sheep and cattle. The inhabitants of Eilean na h-Iolaire are known for their strong connection to the land and the traditional way of life.

Tourism on the island is relatively limited due to its remote location, but it does attract visitors who are seeking a peaceful and untouched environment. Visitors can enjoy walks along the rugged coastline, explore the island's wildlife, and soak in the tranquility of the surroundings. The island also offers opportunities for birdwatching, with various species of seabirds and eagles being spotted in the area.

In summary, Eilean na h-Iolaire is a small and beautiful island situated off the west coast of Scotland. Its rugged landscapes, agricultural practices, and peaceful atmosphere make it an attractive destination for those seeking a remote and untouched experience.

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Eilean na h-Iolaire Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.511151/-7.1908313 or Grid Reference NF8958. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A burn drains the southeast side of Eabhal Islands litter the east coast waters off Uist
A burn drains the southeast side of Eabhal
Islands litter the east coast waters off Uist
View from the slopes of Eaval Looking towards Loch a' Gheàdais, the small island on the right in the loch is a Dun
View from the slopes of Eaval
Looking towards Loch a' Gheàdais, the small island on the right in the loch is a Dun
Rocks south of Huanaraigh A shallow inlet of North Uist.
Rocks south of Huanaraigh
A shallow inlet of North Uist.
North Uist coastline facing Huanaraigh
North Uist coastline facing Huanaraigh
Eaval (Eabhal) from Burabhal, North Uist Eaval, 347m, is the highest point on North Uist. Loch Obasaraigh, seen here, is a major obstacle to the ascent of Eaval, and there are basically two routes: a very awkward one from the south-west*, and this one from the north. This starts at Saighdinis <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NF8863">NF8863</a> and involves a long sweep round the east side of the loch, passing Burabhal on the way. Climbing Burabhal, 141m, is an optional extra! Once the hill is reached, at the extreme left of this photo, things become easier and the ridge can be followed to the top.

* For an indication of the problems, see my <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2538382">NF8960 : Eaval summit, looking to the south-west cairn</a>. Imagine trying to thread your way through all those lochans, without even the benefit of a view from above!
Eaval (Eabhal) from Burabhal, North Uist
Eaval, 347m, is the highest point on North Uist. Loch Obasaraigh, seen here, is a major obstacle to the ascent of Eaval, and there are basically two routes: a very awkward one from the south-west*, and this one from the north. This starts at Saighdinis NF8863 and involves a long sweep round the east side of the loch, passing Burabhal on the way. Climbing Burabhal, 141m, is an optional extra! Once the hill is reached, at the extreme left of this photo, things become easier and the ridge can be followed to the top. * For an indication of the problems, see my NF8960 : Eaval summit, looking to the south-west cairn. Imagine trying to thread your way through all those lochans, without even the benefit of a view from above!
Rubh' an t-Sagairt
Rubh' an t-Sagairt
Eilean na Hoe
Eilean na Hoe
Eilean Buidhe
Eilean Buidhe
Eilean nan Gearr The background hill is Eabhal.
Eilean nan Gearr
The background hill is Eabhal.
Islet off Eilean Dubh an Uan
Islet off Eilean Dubh an Uan
A high col through the Eabhal ridge
A high col through the Eabhal ridge
South end of Loch Obasaraigh
South end of Loch Obasaraigh
Eaval summit, looking to the south-west cairn Taken from the trig point at the summit.
Eaval summit, looking to the south-west cairn
Taken from the trig point at the summit.
South from Eabhal summit The south ridge of Eabhal looking towards the hills of South Uist. In the middle distance the buildings at Kallin on Grimsay are visible.
South from Eabhal summit
The south ridge of Eabhal looking towards the hills of South Uist. In the middle distance the buildings at Kallin on Grimsay are visible.
North west from Eabhal Sunshine picks out the settlements along the south side of Loch Euphort, whilst below there appears to be as much water as land.
North west from Eabhal
Sunshine picks out the settlements along the south side of Loch Euphort, whilst below there appears to be as much water as land.
West from Eabhal Eabhal is a very fine hill, its sharp profile dominating the scene across much of North Uist, Benbecula and Grimsay, whilst it also stands out in silhouette from Skye. The bog and loch landscape below is like a jigsaw with pieces missing, and progress on foot across such terrain is very difficult. To the west the sandy shores of Kirkibost and Baleshare can just be seen.
West from Eabhal
Eabhal is a very fine hill, its sharp profile dominating the scene across much of North Uist, Benbecula and Grimsay, whilst it also stands out in silhouette from Skye. The bog and loch landscape below is like a jigsaw with pieces missing, and progress on foot across such terrain is very difficult. To the west the sandy shores of Kirkibost and Baleshare can just be seen.
Southwest flank of Eabhal Banded rock outcrop
Southwest flank of Eabhal
Banded rock outcrop
Summit , Eabhal The highest point of North Uist.
Summit , Eabhal
The highest point of North Uist.
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Eilean na h-Iolaire is located at Grid Ref: NF8958 (Lat: 57.511151, Lng: -7.1908313)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///cleans.perfume.frostbite. Near Lochmaddy, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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