Camas a' Chàise

Bay in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Camas a' Chàise

Bernisdale junction Looking north - a minor road junction off the A850. — Bernisdale junction Credit: Richard Dorrell

Camas a' Chàise is a picturesque bay located in the county of Inverness-shire, Scotland. Nestled on the western coast of the Highlands, this bay offers breathtaking views of the surrounding rugged landscapes and the tranquil waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.

The bay is characterized by its pristine sandy beach, which stretches for several hundred meters along the coastline. It is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for beachcombing, sunbathing, and picnicking against the backdrop of stunning natural beauty.

Surrounded by rolling hills and verdant cliffs, Camas a' Chàise is a haven for wildlife. The area is home to a variety of bird species, including gulls, oystercatchers, and sandpipers. Seals and dolphins are often spotted in the bay, adding to the allure of this coastal gem.

For those seeking adventure, the bay provides excellent conditions for water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing. The clear waters and gentle waves make it an ideal spot for beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike.

Camas a' Chàise is also a gateway to further exploration of the Highlands. Nearby, visitors can find the picturesque village of Gairloch, known for its charming harbor and stunning mountain views. The bay is also a starting point for scenic hikes along the coast or into the surrounding hills, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Inverness-shire.

Overall, Camas a' Chàise is a hidden gem on the Scottish coast, offering visitors a peaceful retreat amidst breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife.

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Camas a' Chàise Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.45821/-6.3248871 or Grid Reference NG4049. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bernisdale junction

Looking north - a minor road junction off the A850.

Richard Dorrell

Country south of Eyre

David Purchase

Old Milestone in Bernisdale, Portree parish

Highland granite by the UC road (old A850), in parish of Portree (District), Bernisdale, just North of short connecting road to the A850, by low wall just North of large outbuilding at Veterinary Practice, East side of road. Inscription once read:- : (Portree / 7¼) : : (Tayinlone / 3) : Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: HI_SKPODV07

Milestone Society

Bernisdale

Bernisdale is a crofting township of many scattered dwellings, with its single-track access road now by-passed by the modern two-way A850.

Richard Dorrell

Skerinish House

The east elevation of the 19th century reworking of a Skye tacksman's house.

John Allan

Treaslane River

The Allt Dearg and the Maraig Burn join close to here to become the Treaslane River, which flows north to meet the sea in Loch Snizort Beag.

Richard Dorrell

Allt Dearg

Looking upstream, the river is here flowing out from a deep narrow gorge. A little downstream it is joined by the Maraig Burn and becomes the Treaslane River.

Richard Dorrell

Gorge of the Allt Dearg

Completely unseen from above, the river flows through a straight and deep narrow gorge for almost a kilometre just here. (See NG3849 : Allt Dearg gorge ). In stark contrast the heather moorland above, the shelter of the gorge allows the growth of a small woodland of trees, mostly Rowan and Birch. The gorge will also be a haven for a plethora of lichens and bryophytes.

Richard Dorrell

Gorge of the Allt Dearg

The river drops over a small waterfall within the sheer sided gorge just here - unfortunately hidden from view by the bracken.

Richard Dorrell

Fence above the gorge

The dense foliage is the tops of trees growing in the almost sheer sided gorge of Allt Dearg. (See also NG3849 : Allt Dearg gorge and NG3850 : Gorge of the Allt Dearg ).It is not unusual for such gorges to be fenced to prevent wandering sheep and cattle from tumbling to their deaths. Just here however, a small section of older fence is in poor condition and would not be stock-proof.

Richard Dorrell

Bernisdale towards Tote

Douglas Nelson

Defibrillator box, Bernisdale

The former telephone box NG3950 : Phone Box at Bernisdale has been repurposed to house one of the many defibrillators being placed around the island.

John Allan

Power station and Coire nan Ceann (The Cauldron of the Heads)

Site of the Battle of Skeabost, just one of the recurring fixtures in the constant struggle between the two main Skye clans. To quote the plaque on the small cairn: "In the battle of 1528 defeated MacLeods made their last stand against the MacDonalds. The battle took place opposite Columba's Isle. Where the golf course now stands the bodies were thrown into the River Snizort and collected in this pool. The river ran red with the blood of the slain." All is not what it seems. What appear to be open arches are in fact filled in with mirrors to reflect the surrounding greenery. The castellated structure, despite its appearance, was built only in the 1920s to house water turbines which generated electricity for Skeabost for thirty years, until the area was connected to the national grid in 1954. More recently the turbines have been updated and again harness the waters of the Snizort as a microgeneration scheme.

Tiger

Lightning tree?

I assume this pine, taller than the surrounding trees, has been the victim of a lightning strike. Ironically, even in its demise it seems to be serving as an electricity pole, supporting a cable supplying a house screened behind the trees to the right.

Tiger

St Columba's Isle

St. Columba is much better known for his association with the island of Iona, but this site on an island in the River Snizort is where he founded the cathedral of the bishops of the Isles. This was the centre of Christianity in the Hebrides from 1079 to 1498. There are obvious ruins of two small buildings, and the outlines of others can be traced. The island is peppered with graves, ranging in age from the 11th century to the 1960s. Many of them have legible inscriptions, and a few others have plaques showing transcriptions. A footbridge - constructed in 1990 by the Officers Training Corps of Edinburgh and Herriot-Watt Universities - crosses the narrower branch of the river and gives access to the island. It can be seen cutting through the trees at the right side of the picture.

John Allan

Mouth of the River Snizort

Looking along the River Snizort to where it reaches the sea at the head of Loch Snizort Beag. To the left can be seen the A850 heading towards Dunvegan. Between the road and the river is the nine-hole golf course of the Skeabost House Hotel, which is itself the white building just visible at the far end of the golf course. The houses on the far shore of the sea loch are in Bernisdale.

John Allan