An Loch an Ear

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Inverness-shire

Scotland

An Loch an Ear

Houses at Scalpay
Houses at Scalpay Credit: Sandy Gerrard

An Loch an Ear, also known as Loch Eireasort, is a stunning sea loch located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. It is situated on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, one of the Outer Hebrides islands. The Loch stretches over approximately 10 miles from its entrance at the Atlantic Ocean to its narrowest point near the village of Knockaird.

The landscape surrounding An Loch an Ear is characterized by breathtaking natural beauty. The loch is surrounded by rolling hills and rugged cliffs, providing a picturesque backdrop for visitors. The area is also rich in wildlife, with numerous species of birds, seals, and even dolphins often spotted in the waters.

The Loch offers a diverse range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Fishing enthusiasts will find an abundance of opportunities, as the loch is home to a variety of fish species, including salmon and trout. Sailing and kayaking are also popular pastimes, allowing visitors to explore the tranquil waters and take in the stunning scenery.

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the shores of An Loch an Ear are perfect for peaceful walks and picnics. The area is dotted with small, sandy beaches and hidden coves, providing ample opportunity for relaxation and solitude.

Overall, An Loch an Ear is a truly remarkable location that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and recreational activities. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or simply seeking tranquility, this sea loch in Inverness-shire is a must-visit destination.

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An Loch an Ear Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.859077/-6.7022273 or Grid Reference NG2195. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Houses at Scalpay
Houses at Scalpay
Scalpay Church of Scotland The majority on Scalpay chose to remain in the Free Church when the United Free Church reunited with the established Church of Scotland in 1929.  As the congregation was not enough to justify maintaining a large building and a resident minister, the Church of Scotland kept this small church where services were conducted by a lay missionary, who lived with his family in the nearby <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4742256">NG2196 : Scalpay Mission House</a>

Shortly after this photograph was taken the bridge linking Scalpay to the mainland of Harris was completed, making it possible for the remaining Church of Scotland congregation to attend Sunday services in Tarbert and so there was no longer any need for a missionary.

This small church is now used for services by the Free Church (Continuing).  For a later view from the other side see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1514144">NG2196 : Church Scalpay</a>.
Scalpay Church of Scotland
The majority on Scalpay chose to remain in the Free Church when the United Free Church reunited with the established Church of Scotland in 1929. As the congregation was not enough to justify maintaining a large building and a resident minister, the Church of Scotland kept this small church where services were conducted by a lay missionary, who lived with his family in the nearby NG2196 : Scalpay Mission House Shortly after this photograph was taken the bridge linking Scalpay to the mainland of Harris was completed, making it possible for the remaining Church of Scotland congregation to attend Sunday services in Tarbert and so there was no longer any need for a missionary. This small church is now used for services by the Free Church (Continuing). For a later view from the other side see NG2196 : Church Scalpay.
Scalpay Mission House The corrugated building was once the home of the lay missionary who served the <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4742254">NG2196 : Scalpay Church of Scotland</a>.  Following the opening of the Scalpay Bridge in 1997, soon after this photograph was taken, the small Church of Scotland congregation was able to travel to worship on the Harris mainland and missionaries no longer resided on the island.
Scalpay Mission House
The corrugated building was once the home of the lay missionary who served the NG2196 : Scalpay Church of Scotland. Following the opening of the Scalpay Bridge in 1997, soon after this photograph was taken, the small Church of Scotland congregation was able to travel to worship on the Harris mainland and missionaries no longer resided on the island.
Scalpay village
Scalpay village
Pier at Scalpay
Pier at Scalpay
The end of the pier at Scalpay/Scalpaigh Derrick on the main pier. The inlet and land beyond are An Acairseid a Tuath and Àird an Aiseig.
The end of the pier at Scalpay/Scalpaigh
Derrick on the main pier. The inlet and land beyond are An Acairseid a Tuath and Àird an Aiseig.
House on Scalpay/Scalpaigh In need of some restoration.
House on Scalpay/Scalpaigh
In need of some restoration.
The pier at Scalpay/Scalpaigh Neat and tidy, with moored fishing boats and derrick. The inlet and land beyond are An Acairseid a Tuath and Àird an Aiseig.
The pier at Scalpay/Scalpaigh
Neat and tidy, with moored fishing boats and derrick. The inlet and land beyond are An Acairseid a Tuath and Àird an Aiseig.
Looking across An Acairseid a Tuath From the pier to a tumbledown shed and house.
Looking across An Acairseid a Tuath
From the pier to a tumbledown shed and house.
Scalpay Community Fire Station At the head of the pier, with the Community Hall beyond.
Scalpay Community Fire Station
At the head of the pier, with the Community Hall beyond.
Coast at Ãird Adhanais At the end of Sraid Falkland, looking out to Bagh Ceann na Muice.
Coast at Ãird Adhanais
At the end of Sraid Falkland, looking out to Bagh Ceann na Muice.
Tidal island in Bagh Ceann na Muice Sea surrounds the island at high tide, and separates it from the two houses in the distance.
Tidal island in Bagh Ceann na Muice
Sea surrounds the island at high tide, and separates it from the two houses in the distance.
Bàgh Ceann na Muice Or Bagh Ceann na Muise [OS spelling varies from scale to scale]. Looking across rocky grasslend from the road to Ceann a Bhàigh.
Bàgh Ceann na Muice
Or Bagh Ceann na Muise [OS spelling varies from scale to scale]. Looking across rocky grasslend from the road to Ceann a Bhàigh.
House on Straid Falkland Overlooking An Acairseid a Deas near Ceann a Bhàigh.
House on Straid Falkland
Overlooking An Acairseid a Deas near Ceann a Bhàigh.
Coast at Ceann a Bhàigh The end of the road at the southern end of Scalpay/Scalpaigh, over looking Loch an Tairbeairt.
Coast at Ceann a Bhàigh
The end of the road at the southern end of Scalpay/Scalpaigh, over looking Loch an Tairbeairt.
Rocky grassland at Ceann a Bhàigh Otherwise Kennavay, at the south of Scalpay.
Rocky grassland at Ceann a Bhàigh
Otherwise Kennavay, at the south of Scalpay.
Inlet from Bàgh Ceann na Muice One of two branches of the bay that penetrate Ãird Adhanais.
Inlet from Bàgh Ceann na Muice
One of two branches of the bay that penetrate Ãird Adhanais.
Road to the pier, Scalpay
Road to the pier, Scalpay
Show me another place!

An Loch an Ear is located at Grid Ref: NG2195 (Lat: 57.859077, Lng: -6.7022273)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///zoos.outermost.reading. Near Tarbert, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.859077,-6.7022273
Mol Ban
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 57.8614663/-6.7029841
Tidal Pond
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 57.8629405/-6.7003741
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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