Sgeirean a' Phuill

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Sgeirean a' Phuill

Rankin's Rocks Most skerries in this part of the world seem to have gaelic names, so this pair are unusual (although there are also Livingston&#039;s Rocks a couple of kilometres further east). Perhaps the name commemorates an unfortunate incident involving a sassenach mariner ? At high tide they are the only land in this grid square, so rather than a hazard to be kept well away from, they were an obvious target for a visit. I&#039;d love to have paddled the gap between them, but there seemed to be a reef with big breaking waves on the far side, so perhaps discretion being the better part of valour was the right choice today. — Rankin's Rocks Credit: Andy Waddington

Sgeirean a' Phuill is a group of small rocky islands located off the west coast of Scotland in Argyllshire. These islands are known for their rugged and wild beauty, with steep cliffs, rocky shores, and abundant wildlife.

The islands are uninhabited and are only accessible by boat. They are a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, as the waters surrounding the islands are home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. Seals can also be spotted lounging on the rocks and swimming in the surrounding waters.

Sgeirean a' Phuill is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its importance as a breeding ground for seabirds. Visitors are encouraged to observe the wildlife from a distance and to take care not to disturb the fragile ecosystem.

The islands are also a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. The remote and peaceful setting of Sgeirean a' Phuill makes it a perfect escape for those looking to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the Scottish coastline.

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Sgeirean a' Phuill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.271432/-6.3601741 or Grid Reference NM3017. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rankin's Rocks

Most skerries in this part of the world seem to have gaelic names, so this pair are unusual (although there are also Livingston's Rocks a couple of kilometres further east). Perhaps the name commemorates an unfortunate incident involving a sassenach mariner ? At high tide they are the only land in this grid square, so rather than a hazard to be kept well away from, they were an obvious target for a visit. I'd love to have paddled the gap between them, but there seemed to be a reef with big breaking waves on the far side, so perhaps discretion being the better part of valour was the right choice today.

Andy Waddington

Unnamed skerry south of Erraid

With a metre or so of swell, the waves were breaking well over the south side of this skerry as we approached. So much so that on our side, water was pouring down through a gap like a waterfall. We reckoned a plastic river boat would be the only way to paddle that, and it would require a degree of foolhardiness well in excess of that available in our group. Even landing on such a rock in a fibreglass boat would be a bit more adventure than we'd care to undertake...

Andy Waddington

Hunkered down on the Ross of Mull

Nick Ray

Channel between Eilean Dubh and Ross of Mull

Tony Page

Ross of Mull - another perfect bay!

There are countless bays like this along the Ross of Mull - havens for sea kayakers wanting to get away from it all.

Nick Ray

Beach near Knockvologan

The beach and several small offshore islands near Knockvologan on the Ross of Mull.

William Starkey

Detail of granite at Knockvologan

Granite at Knockvologan beach - this alkali-granite, approximately 414 million years old, is composed of potassium-rich orthoclase feldspar, and smaller amounts of plagioclase feldspar, together with quartz and biotite mica. At Knockvologan, the granite contains a darker material called tonalite, an igneous rock which was formed at the same time as the granite.

William Starkey

Bogha Nan Ramfhear north cardinal buoy

Bogha Nan Ramfhear is awash to the right of the north cardinal buoy, 56° 15.700' North, 006° 20.370' West. Ruadh Sgeir, in the background, lies about 1km to the SSW.

Donald MacDonald

Beach at Knockvologan

Looking south from where the track from Knockvologan reaches the beach. The steep-sided hummock in the distance is Eilean Dubh, the 'dark island', and the twin knolls to its left, in the distance, are Eilean a' Chalmain.

Anne Burgess

BÃ gh a' Chnoic Mhaoileanaich

The views here are superlative. Crystal clear shallow water turning dark blue towards the horizon, white pristine sand. Fascinating rock with rich texture. And hardly any other people to be found.

Martin

Eilean a' Chalmain

Eilean a' Chalmain from the cockpit of my kayak. This rocky island is home to a few seals and plenty of birds.

Martin

Channel between some of the rocks that comprise Eilean a' Chalmain

Eilean a' Chalmain is made up of a number of rocks, this is a channel between two of them.

Martin

Eilean a' Chalmain

Taken as I worked my way around Eilean a' Chalmain by kayak.

Martin

Eilean a' Chalmain

Martin

Rocky outcrop on Eilean a' Chalmain

Martin

Sheltered creek Eilean a' Chalmain

A small sheltered creek which splits into two forks at the end. I was able to paddle a little distance into one of them and found a modest collection of floating plastic and other rubbish. There has been very little marine plastic on my exploration of Mull so far.

Martin