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Mol na Mnà

Beach in Ross-shire

Scotland

Mol na Mnà

Caolas a Tuath A panoramic view down the length of the channel.
Caolas a Tuath Credit: Rob Burke

Mol na Mnà is a picturesque beach located in the Ross-shire region of Scotland. Situated along the northwest coast, it offers visitors stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

The beach is characterized by its soft golden sands and clear turquoise waters, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere. Its remote location provides a sense of seclusion and tranquility, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying nature. The beach is surrounded by rolling hills and dramatic cliffs, adding to its natural beauty.

Mol na Mnà is renowned for its diverse wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can spot a variety of seabirds, including gannets, puffins, and kittiwakes, as well as seals and dolphins in the waters. The beach is also home to a wide range of plant species, with wildflowers and grasses dotting the coastline.

The beach offers various activities for visitors to enjoy. Swimming and sunbathing are popular during the summer months when the weather is milder. The crystal-clear waters are also perfect for snorkeling and diving, allowing visitors to explore the underwater world teeming with marine life.

Access to Mol na Mnà is relatively easy, with a car park located nearby and a short walk leading to the beach. However, it is recommended to check the tide times before visiting, as the beach can become inaccessible during high tide.

Overall, Mol na Mnà is a hidden gem along the Ross-shire coast, offering visitors a chance to unwind, explore nature, and immerse themselves in the breathtaking surroundings.

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Mol na Mnà Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.010762/-6.4780024 or Grid Reference NB3511. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Caolas a Tuath A panoramic view down the length of the channel.
Caolas a Tuath
A panoramic view down the length of the channel.
The abandoned township of Stiomrabhaigh
The abandoned township of Stiomrabhaigh
Islands on Loch Shaghachain
Islands on Loch Shaghachain
The township of Stiomrabhaigh looking North West
The township of Stiomrabhaigh looking North West
Orasaigh with view of Shiant Islands
Orasaigh with view of Shiant Islands
Orasaigh from top of footpath steps
Orasaigh from top of footpath steps
Loch near Giearol
Loch near Giearol
Ruined blackhouse at Stiomrabhaig The census of 1851 shows that the village consisted of 16 dwellings and supported a population of 81. By 1858 there were none. Clearances had been well underway in the area during the first half of the 19th century; many of them brutal and uncaring. The residents of Stiomrabhaigh were better placed of than most, having leases directly with the land owner. But when these expired, they accepted an offer of crofts in Leumrabhagh. Lewis was relatively prosperous right up until World War I, which put an end to the herring trade with Russia and Eastern Europe and in spite of the clearances, the increasing population put pressure on land. There were numerous requests to resettle Stiomrabhaigh, all of which were resisted by the landowners and it was not until 1921 when Lord Leverhulme abandoned his ambitious plan for Lewis that crofters returned to the township. Even the resettlement was marked with tragedy as two young men were drowned while transporting household goods from Calbost. These settlers were never officially recognized as crofters by the government; they received no help and no road was built to the township. Given the difficulties of living without facilities, over the next twenty years, a number of the families drifted back to Leumrabhagh. At the start of World War II only two families remained and by the end of the 1940’s, Stiomrabhaigh was once again deserted. Today there is much of the township to be seen; its ruined buildings, lazybeds and field walls standing in splendid isolation between the moor and the sea.
Ruined blackhouse at Stiomrabhaig
The census of 1851 shows that the village consisted of 16 dwellings and supported a population of 81. By 1858 there were none. Clearances had been well underway in the area during the first half of the 19th century; many of them brutal and uncaring. The residents of Stiomrabhaigh were better placed of than most, having leases directly with the land owner. But when these expired, they accepted an offer of crofts in Leumrabhagh. Lewis was relatively prosperous right up until World War I, which put an end to the herring trade with Russia and Eastern Europe and in spite of the clearances, the increasing population put pressure on land. There were numerous requests to resettle Stiomrabhaigh, all of which were resisted by the landowners and it was not until 1921 when Lord Leverhulme abandoned his ambitious plan for Lewis that crofters returned to the township. Even the resettlement was marked with tragedy as two young men were drowned while transporting household goods from Calbost. These settlers were never officially recognized as crofters by the government; they received no help and no road was built to the township. Given the difficulties of living without facilities, over the next twenty years, a number of the families drifted back to Leumrabhagh. At the start of World War II only two families remained and by the end of the 1940’s, Stiomrabhaigh was once again deserted. Today there is much of the township to be seen; its ruined buildings, lazybeds and field walls standing in splendid isolation between the moor and the sea.
Glen Orinsay A marker post on the footpath to the deserted village of Stiomrabhaigh in front of the greens and browns of Glen Orinsay.
Glen Orinsay
A marker post on the footpath to the deserted village of Stiomrabhaigh in front of the greens and browns of Glen Orinsay.
The road to Orasaigh Looking towards Orinsay Island
The road to Orasaigh
Looking towards Orinsay Island
House at Orasaigh Looking towards Shiant Islands
House at Orasaigh
Looking towards Shiant Islands
Orasaigh
Orasaigh
Orasaigh hills
Orasaigh hills
Allt Gil Mhic Phaic burn Showing the mouth of the Allt Gil Mhic Phaic burn flowing into Tob na Gile Moire on Loch Shell (Loch Sealg)
Allt Gil Mhic Phaic burn
Showing the mouth of the Allt Gil Mhic Phaic burn flowing into Tob na Gile Moire on Loch Shell (Loch Sealg)
Coastal view, Orasaigh One would assume that the name 'Orasaigh' refers to the small island [centre left], as well as the community. The island is accessible at low tide, like several Oronsay and Orasay islands around the west coast.
Coastal view, Orasaigh
One would assume that the name 'Orasaigh' refers to the small island [centre left], as well as the community. The island is accessible at low tide, like several Oronsay and Orasay islands around the west coast.
Orasaigh View southwards from Orasaigh with the Shiant Islands in the distance.
Orasaigh
View southwards from Orasaigh with the Shiant Islands in the distance.
Ruined cottage, Orasaigh Wind and weather appear to have been the major factors in the slow decay of this cottage. The 'Rayburn' style stove is still in situ.
Ruined cottage, Orasaigh
Wind and weather appear to have been the major factors in the slow decay of this cottage. The 'Rayburn' style stove is still in situ.
Seaweed on the shore Looking along a seaweed covered shore from a small jetty on this inlet of Loch Sealg.
Seaweed on the shore
Looking along a seaweed covered shore from a small jetty on this inlet of Loch Sealg.
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Mol na Mnà is located at Grid Ref: NB3511 (Lat: 58.010762, Lng: -6.4780024)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///awkward.plan.severe. Near Leurbost, Na h-Eileanan Siar

Nearby Locations

Mol na Mnà Cnoc a' Charnain Cnoc Mòr Loch na Mnà Cnoc a' Ghromuinn Mol Allt Loch na Mnà

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