Eilean Dubh

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Eilean Dubh

Heading for Traigh Gheal past Rubha Calachain Rounding the southern end of Erraid on an evening paddle, heading for Traigh Gheal - a fantastic beach with almost no plastic debris despite facing south into the weather. The jointed Ross of Mull granite, of Devonian age, intruded towards the end of the Caledonian orogeny, offers easy rock-hopping opportunities in the very minimal swell we experienced on this trip and weathers to a clean white sand in the shallower inlets like this one. Sea kayak is by far the best way to visit these isolated beaches, as crossing the island involves bog, midges and a certain amount of fighting with willow scrub, as we found when we tried to cross the area to the left of this photo to get to the top of an impressive geo we&#039;d found from below. — Heading for Traigh Gheal past Rubha Calachain Credit: Andy Waddington

Eilean Dubh is a small island located off the west coast of Scotland, specifically in Argyllshire. It is situated in the Firth of Lorn, near the picturesque village of Oban. The island is known for its rugged and untouched natural beauty, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

With an area of approximately 1.5 hectares, Eilean Dubh is a relatively small island characterized by rocky cliffs, heather-covered hills, and a diverse range of wildlife. The island is uninhabited and lacks any permanent structures, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts seeking solitude and tranquility.

The island's name, Eilean Dubh, translates to "black island" in English, which is derived from the dark-colored rocks that dominate its coastline. These rocks, along with the dense vegetation, provide a habitat for various seabirds, including gulls, fulmars, and cormorants. Additionally, seals can often be spotted lounging on the nearby rocks or swimming in the surrounding waters.

Access to Eilean Dubh is typically by boat, with several tour operators offering trips to the island. Visitors can explore the island's rugged terrain, hike along its trails, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and mountains.

Overall, Eilean Dubh is a hidden gem in Argyllshire, offering a unique opportunity to experience the raw beauty of Scotland's west coast. Its untouched landscape and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

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Eilean Dubh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.281658/-6.3550826 or Grid Reference NM3018. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Heading for Traigh Gheal past Rubha Calachain

Rounding the southern end of Erraid on an evening paddle, heading for Traigh Gheal - a fantastic beach with almost no plastic debris despite facing south into the weather. The jointed Ross of Mull granite, of Devonian age, intruded towards the end of the Caledonian orogeny, offers easy rock-hopping opportunities in the very minimal swell we experienced on this trip and weathers to a clean white sand in the shallower inlets like this one. Sea kayak is by far the best way to visit these isolated beaches, as crossing the island involves bog, midges and a certain amount of fighting with willow scrub, as we found when we tried to cross the area to the left of this photo to get to the top of an impressive geo we'd found from below.

Andy Waddington

TrÃ igh Gheal (Balfour's Bay)

Following in the footsteps of David Balfour, the hero of Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped, as he makes his way back to Edinburgh to confront his wicked uncle. Stage 1, June 2016 from Erraid to Fishnish on the Isle of Mull. See Link

Mick Garratt

Crossing Erraid

Mick Garratt

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

Wet Plain on Erraid

A boggy flat section between hills to the east of Balfour's Bay.

Andrew Wood

Traigh Gheal On Erraid

Possibly the finest beach on the planet; pink granite, white sand and turquoise water.

Tony Page

Traigh Gheal On Erraid

An "occasional" or "settled weather" anchorage, Traigh Gheal is a beautiful spot and an alternative to Tinker's (Fiddler's) Hole. Traigh Gheal is also known as David Balfour's Bay, from the shipwreck story in Robert Louis Stevenson's "Kidnapped". Stevenson's family, being designers and builders of lighthouses, had a strong association with Erraid. At the back of the bay there is a granite wall that gives reasonable bouldering and short climbs of around HS/VS standard.

Donald MacDonald

Traigh Gheall

Beautiful white beach on Erraid

colin hamilton

Knockvologan

Low winter sunshine on an outcrop of typical pink granite by the beach opposite the Isle of Erraid. NM3019 : Ross of Mull Granite is a more detailed view of part of the same outcrop.

Anne Burgess

View from hill at Knockvologan

The foreground is Mull, the sea inlet off to the right is the channel between Mull and Erraid.

Alan Stewart

Retired hay baling machine

In a typical farming way, the old baling machine/contraption at Knockvologan farm is left to age rather ungracefully. It is also used as a storage point for old and new fencing material.

Alan Stewart

Hunkered down on the Ross of Mull

Nick Ray

Channel between Eilean Dubh and Ross of Mull

Tony Page

Maritime woodland - sound of Erraid

A small but fine example of Maritime woodland on the island of Erraid. Mostly Oak, Birch, Rowan, Aspen and Willow but also contains Heather, Honeysuckle and Bog Myrtle.

Simon Leatherdale