Eilean na h-Uamha

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Eilean na h-Uamha

South side of Ulva Looking along the coast from near Cille Mhic Eoghainn. I escaped the coastal plain by the skyline ridge which was &quot;interesting&quot;. Little Colonsay is the larger island in the background. — South side of Ulva Credit: Richard Webb

Eilean na h-Uamha, also known as the Cave Island, is a small uninhabited island located in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, specifically in Argyllshire. It lies approximately 1.5 miles off the western coast of Mull, the second-largest island in the Inner Hebrides.

The island is characterized by its distinctive feature - a natural sea cave that runs through the center of the island, giving it its name. The cave is accessible from both ends, allowing visitors to walk through and experience the unique geological formation. Inside, the cave is adorned with beautiful rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites, adding to the allure of this hidden gem.

Eilean na h-Uamha is relatively small, measuring around 200 meters in length and 100 meters in width. It is mostly rocky and covered in grass and heather, offering a picturesque landscape for nature enthusiasts and hikers. The surrounding waters are known for their clarity, attracting divers and snorkelers who are keen to explore the marine life thriving in the area.

Due to its proximity to Mull, Eilean na h-Uamha is often visited by boat trips and kayakers. The island is also a popular spot for birdwatching, as it serves as a nesting site for several species, including puffins and guillemots. Its secluded nature and stunning views make it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty in the Scottish Isles.

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Eilean na h-Uamha Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.461249/-6.2182066 or Grid Reference NM4037. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

South side of Ulva

Looking along the coast from near Cille Mhic Eoghainn. I escaped the coastal plain by the skyline ridge which was "interesting". Little Colonsay is the larger island in the background.

Richard Webb

South side path, Ulva

West of Cragaig, it is a matter of luck using the path in Summer. I was lucky, a quadbike had passed recently but the path was choked after the big nose above Cille Mhic Eoghainn. Bracken is quite an adversary on Ulva.

Richard Webb

Ruin, Ulva

One of many ruins along the south coast.

Richard Webb

South side path, Ulva

A break from the bracken at the foot of a steep nose descending from Beinn Eolasary. This is the opposite side to NM3939 : Fractured cliff

Richard Webb

South side of Ulva

A steep basalt escarpment rises above a narrow coastal plain which was once densely populated.

Richard Webb

Coastal plain, Ulva

View from the steep scarp running the length of Ulva's south coast towards Little Colonsay and Staffa. This was once a densely populated area and there are many ruins.

Richard Webb

TrÃ igh BhÃ n and Little Colonsay

White sand beaches on the south side of Ulva with Little Colonsay and Iona beyond.

Richard Webb

Cille Mhic Eoghainn

Burial ground on the south side of Ulva. View from the top of a steep rocky nose used by deer and myself to escape the coastal plain.

Richard Webb

Ruin, Ulva

Looking down a steep nose of basalt towards the ruins near Cille Mhic Eoghainn

Richard Webb

Rubh' a Charnain

South shore of Ulva. The prominent nose was used earlier in the day to get up Beinn Eolasary. It was steep, loose and exposed.

Richard Webb

South side of Beinn Eolasary

View from the popular anchorage near Cragaig. Escape from the coastal strip is not easy with steep ground, crags and bracken impeding progress. I went up the very distinct nose (right of centre).

Richard Webb

TrÃ igh BhÃ n

White beach with a popular anchorage on the south coast of Ulva. Was remarkably clean too. My footprints although there were a few folk off three yachts here the previous evening.

Richard Webb