Spàinebhig

Bay in Ross-shire

Scotland

Spàinebhig

Dun Eistean cairn with distant view of Butt of Lewis lighthouse Credit: Catherine Morgan

Spàinebhig, located in Ross-shire, Scotland, is a picturesque bay surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Nestled along the northwest coast of Scotland, it is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The bay, with its pristine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding rugged cliffs and rolling hills. The bay is known for its tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and peaceful walks along the shore. The calm waters also provide an excellent opportunity for swimming, kayaking, and other water-based activities.

The area surrounding Spàinebhig is rich in wildlife, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature photographers. Visitors can spot a variety of seabirds, including guillemots, puffins, and gannets, nesting along the cliffs. Grey seals can also be spotted basking on the rocks or swimming in the bay.

For those interested in history, Spàinebhig is home to several ancient archaeological sites. The remains of Iron Age settlements and burial sites can be explored, offering a glimpse into the region's past.

The bay is easily accessible, with nearby parking facilities and a small cafe offering refreshments and snacks. Visitors can enjoy picnicking on the beach, taking in the breathtaking views, or simply unwinding in the peaceful surroundings.

Overall, Spàinebhig is a hidden gem in Ross-shire, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and historical significance. It is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in the Scottish Highlands.

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Spàinebhig Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.496926/-6.225436 or Grid Reference NB5364. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Dun Eistean cairn with distant view of Butt of Lewis lighthouse

Catherine Morgan

Dun Eistean bridge and houses in Knockaird

Catherine Morgan

Port of Ness

Catherine Morgan

Port of Ness Post Office

Catherine Morgan

Rocky headland at Port of Ness

Houses at Callicvol sit above the beach.

Alan Reid

Port Nis

In around 1999, the Ordnance Survey replaced English-language placenames in the Western Isles with Gaelic-language names. Some of the more prominent features (e.g. Isle of Barra; Stornoway; Sound of Harris) do have bilingual labels but, on the whole, villages, lochs, peaks etc. generally have the Gaelic names on the modern-day mapping. Because the English versions have a tendency not to appear on the maps any more, I have decided to use them in my image titles and, as such, a translation will be readily available from the Gaelic labelling on the map. (NB I have not translated some of the more minor loch and river names, where I have not easily found the English version.)

Ralph Greig

A857 entering Port of Ness

Colin Park

Harbour at Port of Ness

Colin Park

Footbridge linking Lewis with Dun Eistean

Colin Park

Dun Eistean & connecting bridge near Butt of Lewis

Colin Park

Ness Church (Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland)

An active church.

David Bremner

Old Rover 2000 (1)

The remains of a once-beautiful car crumble away outside a derelict garage. This series of Rovers was produced at Solihull from 1963 to 1977. Link

. For the front view see NB5363 : Old Rover 2000 (2).

Tiger

Old Rover 2000 (2)

Once a fine car, rusting away outside a derelict garage in Port. For the rear view see NB5363 : Old Rover 2000 (1).

Tiger

The harbour at Port Nis/Cealagbhal

John Lucas

Port Nis/Cealagbhal slipway

John Lucas

Port Nis

Mick Garratt

DÃ¹n Ãistean

The site of a medieval fort on a small island the size of half a football pitch surrounded by steep crags off the coast just east of the Butt of Lewis overlooking the shipping routes of The Minch. The island probably supported a permanent community and is said to be the traditional stronghold of the Clan Morrison. Evidence has been found of houses, storage buildings, a defensive turf wall and, on the highest point, a keep, which could have been up to 4 metres high. On the mainland are the remains of lazy beds and other cultivation. Modern access is by a steel bridge over the steep ravine but the island would have originally been accessed either by climbing down and back up at low tide or by hauling boats up a sloping gorge on the seaward side. A pond on the top provided fresh water. Archaeological finds include coins dating from the reigns of James VI and Elizabeth I, musket balls and pistol shot as well as late medieval pottery. Probably the first branch of Morrisons in the country. From my blog Link

Mick Garratt