Port na Cagain

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Port na Cagain

One of many ruins Halistra was at one time very much more populated than is the case today. The Highland Council Historic Environment Record shows more than 18 farmsteads in the area, and 99 buildings plus a number of enclosures. A vast area of land was cultivated in broad lazybeds which has now reverted to heather moorland. — One of many ruins Credit: Richard Dorrell

Port na Cagain is a picturesque coastal village located in the Inverness-shire region of Scotland. Situated along the banks of the sea, estuary, and creek, this charming settlement offers breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty.

The village is primarily known for its stunning seafront, which provides visitors with a tranquil and idyllic setting. The deep blue waters of the sea are a sight to behold, and they attract both locals and tourists alike. The sea is also home to a diverse range of marine life, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts and wildlife enthusiasts.

Adjacent to the sea, the estuary adds to the beauty of the village. The estuary is formed where the sea meets a river, creating a unique ecosystem that supports a variety of bird species. Birdwatchers flock to this area to catch a glimpse of the numerous seabirds, waders, and waterfowl that inhabit the estuary.

In addition to the sea and estuary, a meandering creek flows through Port na Cagain. The creek provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it a popular spot for leisurely walks and picnics. The gentle flow of the creek creates a soothing ambiance, perfect for those looking to relax and unwind.

The village itself is a quaint and charming settlement, with traditional Scottish architecture and a close-knit community. Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the picturesque streets, soaking in the local atmosphere and exploring the various shops and cafes.

Overall, Port na Cagain is a hidden gem in Inverness-shire, offering a harmonious blend of sea, estuary, and creek. Its natural beauty and tranquil ambiance make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

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Port na Cagain Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.536398/-6.6112549 or Grid Reference NG2458. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

One of many ruins

Halistra was at one time very much more populated than is the case today. The Highland Council Historic Environment Record shows more than 18 farmsteads in the area, and 99 buildings plus a number of enclosures. A vast area of land was cultivated in broad lazybeds which has now reverted to heather moorland.

Richard Dorrell

Once cultivated land

This view is from one of many ruined buildings on the lower south-west facing slope of Ben Halistra. In the late 1700s, almost all of the heather moorland in the image was cultivated in broad lazybeds, 4 to 5 metres in width. The patterns of the beds do not show up well in photographs taken from the ground, though aerial photographs show the beds quite clearly.

Richard Dorrell

Allt na Claise Moire

The small river flows through a steep sided gorge here, as it flows down the south facing slope of Ben Halistra

Richard Dorrell

Allt na Claise Moire

Looking up the river into a gorge on the hillside of Ben Halistra.

Richard Dorrell

Lazybeds on Ben Halistra

There is a vast area of hand-dug once-cultivated land on the south facing slope of Ben Halistra, just north of the modern township of Upper Halistra. The land was being farmed in the late 1700s, but was abandoned in the mid-1800s, and has now reverted to heather moorland. The land still shows the distinctive pattern of broad stripes. The stripes show up well in aerial photographs. See also NG2459 : The Farm of Halistra.

Richard Dorrell

Dramatic Sky over Halistra

Taken near the junction of the Trumpan road branches. View toward Halistra beneath a dramatic skyscape.

Hilmar Ilgenfritz

Roadside scene, Waternish

Looking towards Loch Bay with the Black Cuillin on the southern horizon.

Gordon Hatton

Old Settlement at Halistra

The remains of long abandoned houses and field divisions are visible on the moorland above the present day community at Halistra.

John Allan

Loch Halistra

A small loch hidden from the road,northwest of Upper and Lower Halistra.

Dave Fergusson

Remains of Old Settlement

Above the southeastern end of Loch Halistra.

Dave Fergusson

Grazing Land at Halistra

On sunny, but very windy day. In the centre of image, a waterfall can be seen blowing back.

Dave Fergusson

Burn at Halistra

Flowing towards Loch Bay.

John Allan

Loch Halistra

The loch is artificial, created by a dam at the far end. The ground at this end is extremely boggy.

John Allan

Ancient wall near Trumpan

There are a number of ancient walls on the Waternish peninsula, usually built using very large and very heavy stones. The ruin in the background is Trumpan church. On the horizon are mountains on the Isle of Harris.

Richard Dorrell

Road to Trumpan

This road makes a loop, starting and ending at Halistra, at the north western end of the Waternish peninsuala. This is the western side of the loop.

Richard Dorrell

To where?

One minute you are walking down the road, when all of a sudden the more recent route for the road diverges away from the old route. At least,that is what it looks like with this path lined on both sides with boulders, and slightly raised above the level of the surrounding field.Follow it though and it just disappears into the common grazings. Wonder where it used to go?

Carol Walker

Out to sea

These are the islands of Isay and Mingay on a very grey day.

Carol Walker

Waternish Free Church in Halistra

John Gifford's Pevsner guide of 1992 notes that this late 19th-century building is "very simple, with segmental-arched windows". There are only two of these windows on the far side wall, and the one on the gable end which lights a gallery covering about a third of the floor space. In late summer 2021 the church has just reopened for worship after a major renovation including repositioning of the entrance - compare with Anthony O'Neil's 2010 view NG2459 : Waternish Church, Upper Halistra, Skye. The new windows on the lean-to extension are still to be installed.

Tiger

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Port na Cagain is located at Grid Ref: NG2458 (Lat: 57.536398, Lng: -6.6112549)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands