Port Reinigeadal

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Port Reinigeadal

Water source for Rhenigidale before mains water The small lake still has the pipework for delivering the water to Rhenigidale, but now the village is on the mains. — Water source for Rhenigidale before mains water Credit: Julian Paren

Port Reinigeadal is a picturesque coastal village located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, it is nestled between the rugged cliffs and the pristine waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The village is named after the Reinigeadal River, which flows into the sea nearby.

The sea surrounding Port Reinigeadal is known for its breathtaking beauty. Its azure waters are teeming with marine life, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The coastline is characterized by towering cliffs that provide a dramatic backdrop to the village. Seabirds can often be spotted perched on the cliffs, adding to the area's natural charm.

The estuary at Port Reinigeadal is a haven for wildlife. The tidal waters of the river attract a variety of bird species, including herons, ducks, and waders. The estuary is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with salt marshes and mudflats providing essential habitats for many species.

A small creek runs through the heart of the village, giving it a distinct charm. The creek serves as a focal point for the community, with locals often gathering along its banks for leisurely strolls or to watch the boats sail in and out. The creek is also essential for the village's economy, as it provides a sheltered harbor for fishing boats and other vessels.

Overall, Port Reinigeadal is a hidden gem on the Scottish coast. Its stunning sea views, abundant wildlife, and charming creek make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful coastal retreat.

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Port Reinigeadal Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.917173/-6.680456 or Grid Reference NB2201. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Water source for Rhenigidale before mains water

The small lake still has the pipework for delivering the water to Rhenigidale, but now the village is on the mains.

Julian Paren

Path to the entrance to Rhenigidale Hostel

Rhenigidale Hostel is owned by a charity - the Gatliff Hebridean Hostels Trust - and has been open for over 50 years. The Gatliff Trust is affiliated to the SYHA.

Julian Paren

Rubha na h-Uamha

This headland has a cave and juts into Loch Seaforth.

Julian Paren

Gearraidh Mhurchaidh

A well restored cottage that may be accessed by a minor path from Rhenigidale or by boat to a small pier far below the cottage. A "railway"connects the pier to the lawn beside the house allowing supplies to be easily taken up to the house.

Julian Paren

Outlook from Creag Mhurchaidh

Looking towards the open sea with a salmon farm in the middle of Loch Seaforth. In the far distance is part of the Isle of Skye.

Julian Paren

The fields at Nostar

I gather that no one has lived at Nostar for a very long time but the fields were worked by a crofter until recently. Nostar is an area of green thanks to grass and bog-loving plants.

Julian Paren

Mountain terrain above Loch Seaforth

The rock outcrops made for easier walking than the heather of the hillside. The east side of Loch Seaforth is seen as being excessively steep.

Julian Paren

The entrance to Loch Seaforth from Druim Caol

A bright afternoon to enjoy the coastal and mountain scenery of Rhenigidale.

Julian Paren

Looking across Port Rhenigidale

Beyond the entrance to Rhenigidale lies Loch Trolamaraig.

Julian Paren

The hamlet of Rhenigidale

All but one of the houses of Rhenigidale are visible here. The school bus calls daily in term time and on demand in the school holidays. There is a postbox, a self catering cottage and the Gatliff Trust Youth Hostel. The Hostel Warden lives here as does the last postman who did the daily walk along the "Postman's Path" from Urgha on the Tarbert to Scalpay Road. The mountain Toddun dominates the village. The trees and road are recent additions to the village.

Julian Paren

Rhenigidale from the headland of Rubha Glas 2015

A similar viewpoint to NB2301 : Coastline SE of Rhenigidale taken in the 1980s. Note the two new modern houses, the new road, the introduction of trees and, not so obvious but apparent on the ground, vast numbers of fences fencing parcels of land around the village. The Youth Hostel is hidden by the woodland - not so in the earlier image. Unchanging is the weather and the mass of Toddun overlooking the village.

Julian Paren

Ruins of Gearraidh Lotaigear

The postman's path rounds the headland beyond on the way to Tarbert.

Alan Reid

Reinigeadal

Alan Reid

Path to Reinigeadal passes the head of Loch Trolamaraig

Alan Reid

Gleann Trolamaraig

Mick Garratt

Todun

Mick Garratt

Gearraidh Lotalgear

Compared to west coast the east coast of Harris is rugged and harsh, lacking the fertile machair found on the western coast of the islands. Even today with no white sandy beaches few tourists make the 6 mile detour along the windy hilly single track road. Gearraidh Lotalgear was an outying settlement of Rhenigidale, today a community of a handful of cottages. Prior to the clearances there were just a couple of shepherding families at Rhenigidale reached by a 3½ mile mountainous walk from Tarbet. The track can be seen snaking around the hillside. When the landowners cleared the western lands for more sheep some of the evicted settled in communities like Rhenigidale swelling its population to over a 100 by the 1880s. Others went further afield, emigrating to Nova Scotia. Those left supplemented what meagre produce the land could provide with by fishing for the herring. A century later the population had shrunk to 10 and Rhenigidale was on the verge of total abandonment. There was still no road to the rest of the island. It was not until 1989 that a road was constructed, and Rhenigidale became the last community in Scotland to be connected to the road network. The population is now at around 20. Gearraidh is a Gaelic word meaning the outer pastures. Its handful of stone ruins and lazy beds, now home to sheep, provide an evocative glimpse into past lives. From my blog Link