Whirlpool

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Argyllshire

Scotland

Whirlpool

Corryvreckan, north of Jura An area of turbulence with, behind it, a dead-flat area of sea. Photo taken mid afternoon. I think the tide was listed as 4.0 that day. — Corryvreckan, north of Jura Credit: Patrick Hamilton

Whirlpool, located in Argyllshire, Scotland, is a natural phenomenon known for its powerful whirlpool currents. The whirlpool is caused by the meeting of the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Inner Hebrides, resulting in turbulent and swirling waters. The whirlpool is formed at the narrow strait between the islands of Jura and Scarba, where the tidal currents create a swirling vortex that can be seen and heard from a distance.

The whirlpool is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors who come to witness the impressive display of nature's power. Boat tours are available for those who want to get a closer look at the whirlpool, although caution is advised due to the strong currents and unpredictable nature of the waters.

In addition to the whirlpool itself, the surrounding area of Argyllshire offers stunning natural beauty, with rugged coastline, cliffs, and sea caves to explore. The area is also rich in wildlife, with seabirds, seals, and occasionally dolphins and whales being spotted in the waters around Whirlpool. Overall, Whirlpool, Argyllshire is a unique and awe-inspiring destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

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Whirlpool Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.154783/-5.7295079 or Grid Reference NM6802. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Corryvreckan, north of Jura

An area of turbulence with, behind it, a dead-flat area of sea. Photo taken mid afternoon. I think the tide was listed as 4.0 that day.

Patrick Hamilton

Gulf of Corryvreckan

Andrew Curtis

Bagh Gleann nam Muc

The Bay of the Pig's Glen at the NW tip of Jura along with Eilean Mor and Eilean Beag, seen from An Cruachan.

Jim Barton

Above Creag an t-SeÃ²il

Chris Wimbush

Beach below An Cruachan

Chris Wimbush

Gulf of Corryvreckan

Looking over the gulf in the direction of Scarba from the northern tip of Jura.

Steve Partridge

Eilean Beag from Corryvreckan

Was this the small island (what Eilean Beag means..) that George Orwell ended up stranded on with his son after getting into difficulties with the Corryvreckan whirlpool??? If not this then presumably the nearby Eilean Mòr (Big Island)

Phillip Williams

Eilean Beag with Jura beyond

Islet hardly distinguishable from Jura.

Phillip Williams

Eilean MÃ²r from Corryvreckan

From deck of the PS Waverley at slack tide: Well, you wouldn't want to go over Corryvreckan in a 1946-built steam powered paddle-steamer when the whirlpool is at its worst.

Phillip Williams

Guano-topped outlier of Eilean MÃ²r

Small bit of rock favour by sea-birds, evidently, separated at high-tide from the rest of Eilean Mòr

Phillip Williams

Eilean MÃ²r with Jura beyond

Glentrosdale Bay is the other side of Eilean Mòr. Bit washed-out as taken into sun bouncing off sea

Phillip Williams

SW corner of Scarba

From deck of PS Waverley

Phillip Williams

The Corryvreckan Whirlpool

This whirlpool effect is caused by the squeezing of the tide though the narrow Gulf of Corryvreckan between Jura and Scarba, over humps and holes in the reef, including a rock pinnacle that rises to 29m from the surface of the sea. This was taken from a small boat that sailed from Easdale.

Walter Baxter

Uamh Camas nam Bairneach on Scarba

This gully with a burn running down into the Camas nan Bairneach on the south side of Scarba was viewed from a small boat in the Gulf of Corryvreckan.

Walter Baxter