Eilean Ruag

Island in Cromartyshire

Scotland

Eilean Ruag

In Gleann Garbh On the path up the valley of the Inverianvie River.
In Gleann Garbh Credit: Julian Paren

Eilean Ruag, also known as Cromartyshire Island, is a small and picturesque island located off the coast of the Highlands in Scotland. Situated in the Cromarty Firth, it is part of the Highland Council area. The island covers an area of approximately 0.6 square kilometers and is primarily composed of rugged cliffs, heather-covered moorland, and a small sandy beach.

One of the notable features of Eilean Ruag is its wildlife. The island is home to various bird species, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. Additionally, seals can often be spotted basking on the rocks surrounding the island.

Although Eilean Ruag is uninhabited by permanent residents, it holds historical significance. The ruins of a medieval chapel, dedicated to Saint Moluag, can be found on the island. This ancient chapel provides insight into the religious history of the area.

Access to Eilean Ruag is by boat, with regular ferry services available from Cromarty. The island offers visitors a chance to experience the tranquility of a remote Scottish island, with beautiful coastal walks and stunning views across the firth.

Overall, Eilean Ruag is a hidden gem in the Scottish Highlands, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich natural and historical heritage. Whether it be birdwatching, exploring ruins, or simply enjoying the serenity of the island, Eilean Ruag provides a unique experience for those seeking a peaceful getaway.

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Eilean Ruag Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.858639/-5.4304558 or Grid Reference NG9690. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

In Gleann Garbh On the path up the valley of the Inverianvie River.
In Gleann Garbh
On the path up the valley of the Inverianvie River.
Eas Dubh a' Ghlinne Ghairbh The major waterfall on the Inverianvie River.  Beyond which the footpath becomes more demanding.
Eas Dubh a' Ghlinne Ghairbh
The major waterfall on the Inverianvie River. Beyond which the footpath becomes more demanding.
Land Rover track by the Gruinard River A good quality track to make speed across this empty sector of the Highlands.
Land Rover track by the Gruinard River
A good quality track to make speed across this empty sector of the Highlands.
The Gruinard River The river that drains Loch na Sealga and enters the sea by Gruinard House.  Heathers and bracken dominate the bank.
The Gruinard River
The river that drains Loch na Sealga and enters the sea by Gruinard House. Heathers and bracken dominate the bank.
River  Inverlanvie  entering  Gruinard  Bay Under the bridge carrying the A832
River Inverlanvie entering Gruinard Bay
Under the bridge carrying the A832
Looking  up  Gleann  Garbh  toward  Eas  Dubh  waterfall The River Inverlanvie runs through into Gruinard Bay
Looking up Gleann Garbh toward Eas Dubh waterfall
The River Inverlanvie runs through into Gruinard Bay
Inverianvie River
Inverianvie River
Waterfall, Inverianvie River
Waterfall, Inverianvie River
Grazing deer
Grazing deer
Eas Dubh a' Ghlinne Ghairbh
Eas Dubh a' Ghlinne Ghairbh
Inverianvie River Bridge Note the sand stack if there is such a thing in the foreground.
Inverianvie River Bridge
Note the sand stack if there is such a thing in the foreground.
The Gruinard River Beinn Dearg Bheag and Mor are ahead, summits in the cloud.
The Gruinard River
Beinn Dearg Bheag and Mor are ahead, summits in the cloud.
Track by the Gruinard River The track heads towards the bumpy gneiss landscape with hints of the larger mountains ahead - Beinn Dearg Mor and Bheag to the right and the slopes SW of An Teallach to the left.
Track by the Gruinard River
The track heads towards the bumpy gneiss landscape with hints of the larger mountains ahead - Beinn Dearg Mor and Bheag to the right and the slopes SW of An Teallach to the left.
Track by the Gruinard River Looking back past Torr an Daimh and Torr Mor towards the A832.
Track by the Gruinard River
Looking back past Torr an Daimh and Torr Mor towards the A832.
Gruinard Bay
Gruinard Bay
Inverianvie River
Inverianvie River
A832, Gruinard Bay The North Coast 500 is a 516 mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle. The route is also known as the NC500 and was launched in 2015, linking many features in the north Highlands of Scotland in one touring route.
The route has increased visitor numbers to parts of the north of Scotland, which has brought economic benefits to some areas. The increase in traffic has also led to more instances of bad and dangerous driving, as well as damage to the roads and concerns about the environmental impact. 
Apparently the route was amended in 2022 with detours etc being removed.
Wikipedia: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Coast_500" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Coast_500">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> 
Original route map: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Coast_500#/media/File:North_Coast_500,_Scotland.svg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Coast_500#/media/File:North_Coast_500,_Scotland.svg">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> 
Latest route map: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.northcoast500.com/explore-the-route/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.northcoast500.com/explore-the-route/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
A832, Gruinard Bay
The North Coast 500 is a 516 mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle. The route is also known as the NC500 and was launched in 2015, linking many features in the north Highlands of Scotland in one touring route. The route has increased visitor numbers to parts of the north of Scotland, which has brought economic benefits to some areas. The increase in traffic has also led to more instances of bad and dangerous driving, as well as damage to the roads and concerns about the environmental impact. Apparently the route was amended in 2022 with detours etc being removed. Wikipedia: LinkExternal link Original route map: LinkExternal link Latest route map: LinkExternal link
A832, Gruinard Bay The A832 runs 127 miles from the Black Isle to Braemore Junction <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7232275">NH2077 : Braemore Junction</a>.
<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A832" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A832">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
A832, Gruinard Bay
The A832 runs 127 miles from the Black Isle to Braemore Junction NH2077 : Braemore Junction. LinkExternal link
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Eilean Ruag is located at Grid Ref: NG9690 (Lat: 57.858639, Lng: -5.4304558)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///beeline.career.purchaser. Near Ullapool, Highland

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The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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