Eilean Fada

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Eilean Fada

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 Credit: Michael Earnshaw

Eilean Fada is a small island located in the Loch Eil in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Also known as the "Long Island," it is situated approximately 7 miles northeast of Fort William and covers an area of around 30 acres. The island is accessible by boat and is a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts.

Eilean Fada is characterized by its stunning natural beauty, with picturesque landscapes and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and water. The island is covered in lush greenery and has a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the island's rugged terrain, which offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting.

One of the main attractions on Eilean Fada is the ruin of a medieval castle, which was once an important defensive structure. The castle dates back to the 13th century and provides a glimpse into the island's rich history. Exploring the castle ruins allows visitors to imagine what life would have been like in ancient times.

The island is also home to a variety of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. The peaceful and tranquil environment of Eilean Fada provides an ideal habitat for these birds, and visitors can observe them in their natural habitat.

Overall, Eilean Fada offers a unique and idyllic escape from the bustling cities and a chance to immerse oneself in the natural beauty and history of the Scottish Highlands.

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Eilean Fada Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.539318/-7.1938251 or Grid Reference NF8961. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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!

Michael Earnshaw

Sculpture at the end of the road

One of the sculptures at the end of the road. Literally at the very end of the road along Loch Euphort.

Malcolm Neal

A high col through the Eabhal ridge

Alan Reid

View NW from the slopes of Burabhal

Loch Obasaraigh is to the left.

Nigel Homer

Anchorage in Loch Eyport

Fin'n'Liz

East end of Loch Obasaraigh, looking to Burabhal

The bay at the E end of Loch Obasaraigh with the top of Burabhal clearly visible. A quick an easy way into the hill of Eaval with the use of the canoe. The spit of land in the background is clearly visible on the map.

Calum McRoberts

South side of the island Eilean Leathann

Canoeing into Eaval we passed South of the island Eilean Leathann, which you see off the persons left shoulder. The ridge of Eaval in the distance

Calum McRoberts

View from Eaval

Towards the western end of Loch Obasaraigh, with Burrival on the left

Stuart Wilding

Eileann Leathan from Eabhal

Tim Harrison

East end of Loch Obasaraigh

From the path below Burabhal. The land to the right is one of the smaller of the islands in the loch. The lower slopes of Eabhal are in the distance.

John Allan

Eastern slope of Eabhal

Looking out from the exposed rocks of Eabhal across Loch Obasaraigh and its islands to Burribhal and Li a Deas.

John Allan

Loch Obasaraigh

A prolonged fresh southerly wind is creating spume from the loch and blowing it onto the northern shores.

John Allan

Beach at the south east of Loch Obasaraigh

Course sand generated by the large body of wind agitated fresh water.

John Allan

Camel Rock

Ani George

Loch Obasaraigh

Eaval, the highest point on North Uist, is the hill on the far side of the loch. Although the route to the hill is indirect (to the left [east] of the loch as seen here), this is the best approach if you wish to climb Eaval.

David Purchase

Stepping stones at the outlet from Loch Obasaraigh

In order to climb Eaval NF8960 by the simplest (though not easy!) route, it is necessary to cross the outflow from Loch Obasaraigh. The map labels this as 'stepping stones', but it is really a rough stone causeway. I think it would need a very high tide, or a lot of water in the loch (it is a big loch with a quite small catchment area) to make this crossing difficult. To be honest, it is difficult to tell whether this photo is in NF8962 or NF8963. My GPS recorded the northings as 62992 and so I have entered this as in NF8962.

David Purchase