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Loch Hurabhaig

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Loch Hurabhaig

Peaty pool by the roadside Cotton grass by the roadside, looking south east towards the hills beyond Lochmaddy.
Peaty pool by the roadside Credit: Gordon Hatton

Loch Hurabhaig is a picturesque body of water located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated on the west coast of the country, it is part of the larger complex of sea lochs that make up the region's stunning landscape.

As a sea loch, Loch Hurabhaig is directly connected to the Atlantic Ocean, allowing for the ebb and flow of tides. The loch's mouth opens up to the sea, creating a unique estuary that provides a diverse habitat for a range of marine species. The surrounding area is characterized by a mix of rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush vegetation, offering visitors a stunning natural setting to explore.

At low tide, the loch reveals a network of creeks and channels that meander through the mudflats. These intricate waterways serve as feeding grounds for wading birds like herons and oystercatchers, as well as providing a safe haven for various fish and shellfish species. The intertidal zone is also home to a rich array of marine life, including crabs, starfish, and numerous types of seaweed.

Due to its protected status as a Special Area of Conservation, Loch Hurabhaig is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Visitors can enjoy walking along the shoreline, observing the diverse wildlife, or simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of this stunning coastal environment.

In conclusion, Loch Hurabhaig in Inverness-shire is a beautiful sea loch with an estuary and creek system that supports a diverse range of marine and bird life. Its natural beauty and protected status make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic Scottish coastal experience.

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Loch Hurabhaig Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.660874/-7.1626965 or Grid Reference NF9275. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Peaty pool by the roadside Cotton grass by the roadside, looking south east towards the hills beyond Lochmaddy.
Peaty pool by the roadside
Cotton grass by the roadside, looking south east towards the hills beyond Lochmaddy.
Peat stacks at Stolie Moorland dropping gently to a tidal channel, with Beinn Mhor in the distance.
Peat stacks at Stolie
Moorland dropping gently to a tidal channel, with Beinn Mhor in the distance.
Tidal channels and mud flats Having squeezed into a corner of this square, further progress across the tidal mud flats would appear to be a foolish move. The unnamed islet some 150m away is, according to the OS map, surrounded by sand. In reality it appears to be a rather sicky mud.
Tidal channels and mud flats
Having squeezed into a corner of this square, further progress across the tidal mud flats would appear to be a foolish move. The unnamed islet some 150m away is, according to the OS map, surrounded by sand. In reality it appears to be a rather sicky mud.
A maze of muddy channels Looking east from the Rubha Dubh promontory across a maze of muddy channels, exposed rocks and little islands.
A maze of muddy channels
Looking east from the Rubha Dubh promontory across a maze of muddy channels, exposed rocks and little islands.
Tidal channel from Rubha Dubh There's a maze of muddy tidal channels here. The OS map indicates sand, but only the foolish, or those with chest waders would be tempted to cross these muddy channels.
Tidal channel from Rubha Dubh
There's a maze of muddy tidal channels here. The OS map indicates sand, but only the foolish, or those with chest waders would be tempted to cross these muddy channels.
Tidal channel between Aird Innis and Aird nan Laogh Seen close to low tide. Aird Innis, almost a separate island is on the far side of the mud.
Tidal channel between Aird Innis and Aird nan Laogh
Seen close to low tide. Aird Innis, almost a separate island is on the far side of the mud.
Tidal channel between Aird Innis and Aird nan Laogh Seen close to low tide. Aird Innis, almost a separate island is on the far side of the mud.
Tidal channel between Aird Innis and Aird nan Laogh
Seen close to low tide. Aird Innis, almost a separate island is on the far side of the mud.
Peat Bank By the Lochportain road.
Peat Bank
By the Lochportain road.
Electricity Pole Crossing the soggy peat, as seen at the forefront of the photograph
Electricity Pole
Crossing the soggy peat, as seen at the forefront of the photograph
Loch Dubh na Moine Taken from the east slopes of Beinn Mhor. What was presumably an old enclosure boundary leads down to the loch.
Loch Dubh na Moine
Taken from the east slopes of Beinn Mhor. What was presumably an old enclosure boundary leads down to the loch.
South-east slopes of Beinn Mhor, North Uist
South-east slopes of Beinn Mhor, North Uist
Loch Iosal an Duin A lovely loch complete with Dun (just into the next grid-square south).
Loch Iosal an Duin
A lovely loch complete with Dun (just into the next grid-square south).
Aird Thormaid across Camas Dubh Sunlight picks out the end of the small peninsula. The Sound of Harris provides a backdrop.
Aird Thormaid across Camas Dubh
Sunlight picks out the end of the small peninsula. The Sound of Harris provides a backdrop.
Cnoc Mor Thormaid What appears to be a very overgrown cairn on the small hillock of Cnoc Mor Thormaid. I wonder if it's of any antiquarian interest - there is any amount of neolithic monuments in the wider area.
Cnoc Mor Thormaid
What appears to be a very overgrown cairn on the small hillock of Cnoc Mor Thormaid. I wonder if it's of any antiquarian interest - there is any amount of neolithic monuments in the wider area.
Pool on Aird Thanais This headland is very boggy underfoot - not pleasant walking at all. The views surrounding it make up for this.
Pool on Aird Thanais
This headland is very boggy underfoot - not pleasant walking at all. The views surrounding it make up for this.
Low tide at Loch Hurabhaig Beinn Mhor in the background
Low tide at Loch Hurabhaig
Beinn Mhor in the background
Feur-lochan A bog more than a lochan, with mosses of a lurid green/yellow.
Feur-lochan
A bog more than a lochan, with mosses of a lurid green/yellow.
Loch Aird an Dun The high loch of the Dun. The white structure in the distance is the Berneray-Leverburgh ferry.
Loch Aird an Dun
The high loch of the Dun. The white structure in the distance is the Berneray-Leverburgh ferry.
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Loch Hurabhaig is located at Grid Ref: NF9275 (Lat: 57.660874, Lng: -7.1626965)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///lavished.pushed.series. Near Lochmaddy, Na h-Eileanan Siar

Nearby Locations

Loch Hurabhaig Eilean na Cloich Frobost Island Eilean nam Brisgein Àird Thànais

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