Little Skate Bay

Bay in Buteshire

Scotland

Little Skate Bay

The Gowk Stone - Isle of Cumbrae In folklore a gowk is a cuckoo or fool, the latter were thought to be fairy-touched.
Gowk’s Day was the old Scottish April Fool&#039;s Day, which was held on 13th April when the cuckoo begins to call.
The call of the cuckoo is believed to beckon the souls of the dead, and the cuckoo was thought to be able to travel back and forth between the worlds of the living and the dead. — The Gowk Stone - Isle of Cumbrae Credit: Raibeart MacAoidh

Little Skate Bay is a scenic coastal area located in Buteshire, a historic county in Scotland. Situated on the western coast of the Isle of Bute, this small bay offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the Firth of Clyde.

The bay is characterized by its rocky shoreline, which is interspersed with small sandy coves, providing a picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy. The crystal-clear waters of the bay make it an ideal spot for swimming and other water-based activities, such as snorkeling and kayaking.

Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, Little Skate Bay is also a popular spot for hiking and nature walks. There are several well-maintained trails that wind their way along the coast, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the area's diverse flora and fauna.

In addition to its natural beauty, Little Skate Bay is home to a variety of marine life. The bay is known for its abundance of marine species, including seals, dolphins, and a wide variety of fish. This makes it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

The bay is easily accessible, with a car park located nearby, as well as public transportation options. There are also a few local amenities available, such as cafes and shops, where visitors can relax and purchase refreshments.

Overall, Little Skate Bay is a serene and picturesque coastal area, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in Scotland's natural beauty and enjoy a range of outdoor activities.

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Little Skate Bay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.77926/-4.9322244 or Grid Reference NS1657. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Gowk Stone - Isle of Cumbrae

In folklore a gowk is a cuckoo or fool, the latter were thought to be fairy-touched. Gowk’s Day was the old Scottish April Fool's Day, which was held on 13th April when the cuckoo begins to call. The call of the cuckoo is believed to beckon the souls of the dead, and the cuckoo was thought to be able to travel back and forth between the worlds of the living and the dead.

Raibeart MacAoidh

Millport Curling Club Bothy - Isle of Cumbrae

Wee Minnemoer Bothy is the home of Millport Curling Club which was founded in 1838. The first President was John Wishart from a report of a meeting held in the Kelburne Arms. The bothy was built by William Wishart about 1845. In these early years curling on Cumbrae was run less formally but from 1925 the Curling Club has flourished and more recently ladies were admitted to the club as members. The Club has been and remains active in many competitions organised by the Argyll Province and the Royal Club.

Raibeart MacAoidh

Ballochmartin, Great Cumbrae Island

The island is more generally known as "The Big Cumbrae" or just "Millport" after its main town.

Gordon Brown

Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Trig point

This Trig Point (or triangulation pillar) is on the highest point of Great Cumbrae island at 417' (127m). The views can be stunning from here apparently - unfortunately this was not the case at the time of our visit as low cloud and rain obscured any such views.

Rob Farrow

Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - The Glaid Stone

The Glaid Stone is a glacial erratic deposited on top of Barbay Hill on Great Cumbrae in the last Ice Age. It is c. 12' (3.6m) long with a cross section of c. 4' x 4' (1.2m x 1.2m)

Rob Farrow

Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Track to the Trig point

This track with rough steps leads from a car pull-in on the minor road which climbs up Barbay Hill to the highest point on Great Cumbrae marked by NS1657 : Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Trig point.

Rob Farrow

Great Cumbrae - View to Minnemoer

Minnemoer is a small loch on the slopes of Barbay Hill. It is seen here from NS1657 : Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Track to the Trig point

Rob Farrow

Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Rock of Ages?

This boulder, near to both NS1657 : Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Trig point and NS1657 : Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - The Glaid Stone has a little plaque attached to it with the heading "Great are the works of the Lord" (a quotation from Psalm 111).

Rob Farrow