Garbh Phort

Bay in Argyllshire

Scotland

Garbh Phort

Rubh' Eilean an t-Santachaidh from the west, evening Taken during a paddle from Bunessan round to Fidden Farm on the Ross of Mull, the evening sun made for sore eyes paddling west, but provided great lighting looking back. The Ross of Mull Granite is here part of the RM1 zone of equigranular biotite monzogranite, well outside the zone with diorite xenoliths seen so well to the SW (eg. in Erraid). Reference: BGS Scotland Sheet 43S, &quot;Ross of Mull&quot;, provisional series 1:50000, 1999. The lovely pink feldspars catch the rays of the setting sun, but the quartz crystals provide a rough time for any rock-hopping sea kayaker who gets a bit too close. There was very little swell here this evening, but further west as we approached the Sound of Iona, conditions got more exciting. — Rubh' Eilean an t-Santachaidh from the west, evening Credit: Andy Waddington

Garbh Phort, also known as Garbh Eilean, is a small bay located in Argyllshire, Scotland. Situated on the west coast of the country, this coastal area is known for its stunning natural beauty and serene atmosphere.

Garbh Phort is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, with rolling hills and lush greenery that provide a breathtaking backdrop. The bay itself is characterized by its crystal-clear waters, which reflect the vibrant colors of the sky and surrounding landscape. The beach is composed of soft, golden sand, making it a popular spot for sunbathing and leisurely walks.

The bay is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including various bird species, seals, and occasionally, dolphins. Nature enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat.

In addition to its natural wonders, Garbh Phort offers a range of recreational activities for visitors. The bay is an ideal location for water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Fishing enthusiasts can also try their luck in the abundant waters.

For those seeking tranquility and relaxation, Garbh Phort provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The bay's secluded location and sparse population make it an ideal destination for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Overall, Garbh Phort in Argyllshire is a hidden gem on Scotland's west coast. Its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and range of recreational activities make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Garbh Phort Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.344415/-6.315698 or Grid Reference NM3325. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rubh' Eilean an t-Santachaidh from the west, evening

Taken during a paddle from Bunessan round to Fidden Farm on the Ross of Mull, the evening sun made for sore eyes paddling west, but provided great lighting looking back. The Ross of Mull Granite is here part of the RM1 zone of equigranular biotite monzogranite, well outside the zone with diorite xenoliths seen so well to the SW (eg. in Erraid). Reference: BGS Scotland Sheet 43S, "Ross of Mull", provisional series 1:50000, 1999. The lovely pink feldspars catch the rays of the setting sun, but the quartz crystals provide a rough time for any rock-hopping sea kayaker who gets a bit too close. There was very little swell here this evening, but further west as we approached the Sound of Iona, conditions got more exciting.

Andy Waddington

Passing Rubha na Reing, seen from the entrance of Garbh Phort

Taken during a paddle from Bunessan round to Fidden Farm on the Ross of Mull, the evening sun made for sore eyes paddling west, but provided great lighting looking back. The Ross of Mull Granite is here part of the RM1 zone of equigranular biotite monzogranite, well outside the zone with diorite xenoliths seen so well to the SW (eg. in Erraid). Reference: BGS Scotland Sheet 43S, "Ross of Mull", provisional series 1:50000, 1999. The lovely pink feldspars catch the rays of the setting sun, but the quartz crystals provide a rough time for any rock-hopping sea kayaker who gets a bit too close. There had been little swell to the east, protected by this small headland, but as we pass to its west, the conditions are getting a bit more interesting and we would meet some quite big waves as we headed for the Sound of Iona.

Andy Waddington

Rock-hopping towards Rubh na Cearc, Ross of Mull

Like most sea kayaking trips, we'd chosen our time of day to get the tides working for us - soon after this shot was taken, the ebb tide was whisking us south down the Sound of Iona with very little effort on our part. That meant that we were passing Rubha na Cearc close to the top of the tide (and getting towards evening). These skerries look a lot bigger on the map and on aerial photos which are mostly shot near low tide. Even with this much water covering them, the small swell was causing the occasional breaking wave, one of which had just knocked Pete somewhat off-course, needing a swift reactive steering stroke to avoid the biggest barnacle-encrusted bit of granite.

Andy Waddington

Traigh Eilean an t-Santachaidh

View along the beach called Traigh Eilean an t-Santachaidh

Alisdair MacDonald

Traigh Eilean an t-Santachaidh

View of Traigh Eilean an t-Santachaidh and the rocky promontory that separates it from Traigh na Margaidh

Alisdair MacDonald

Cnoc Rubha nan Cearc

Granite outcrops on the northern side of the Ross of Mull, interspersed with wet boggy land.

M J Richardson

Moorland and granite outcrops near Kintra

A large area of wet and rough going near the northern end of the Ross of Mull.

M J Richardson

Moorland and granite near Cnoc Gart an Fhithrich

With Bac Mor or the Dutchman's Cap 16km northwest.

M J Richardson

Port Gart an Fhithrich

Looking across to Ardmenach.

M J Richardson

Cnoc-na-Ciste

A striking granite outcrop at Kintra.

M J Richardson

Houses at Kintra

A small settlement of houses by the small harbour.

M J Richardson

House by the shore at Kintra

Overlooking Kintra Harbour and the northern end of the Sound of Iona.

M J Richardson

Houses at Kintra

With Dun I, the highest point of Iona, beyond on the left.

M J Richardson

Schizophyllum commune

A close up of an interesting fungus erupting from a plastic-wrapped hay bale at Kintra. The fungus grows mainly on dead wood, but is increasingly being found on bales like this; it has also been found causing mouth ulcers and toe nail infections in humans. For a general view see NM3125 : Fungus on plastic-wrapped bale.

M J Richardson

Fungus on plastic-wrapped bale

This is Schizophyllum commune (a split-gill), which usually grows on wood, but is also found on bales of hay or straw. It can be pathogenic to humans, having caused mouth ulcers and toe-nail infections. For detail see NM3125 : Schizophyllum commune.

M J Richardson