Port an t-Seilich

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Argyllshire

Scotland

Port an t-Seilich

Thrift (Armeria maritima) A fine clump of this almost exclusively coastal plant, also known, rather more prosaically, as Sea Pink. — Thrift (Armeria maritima) Credit: Anne Burgess

Port an t-Seilich is a small coastal village located in Argyllshire, Scotland. Situated on the western coast of the country, it is nestled between the picturesque hills and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. The name of the village translates to "Port of the Willow" in English.

The village is primarily known for its stunning natural beauty and its proximity to the sea. The open sea, estuary, and creek are all prominent features of Port an t-Seilich. The sea provides an awe-inspiring view with its deep blue waters and crashing waves, while the estuary offers a tranquil environment with its calm waters and abundant birdlife.

The creek, on the other hand, is a narrow waterway that meanders through the village, offering a charming and peaceful atmosphere. It is often used by local fishermen and boating enthusiasts, who can be seen casting their lines or navigating their boats along its gentle currents.

The village itself is a quaint and close-knit community, with a small population of residents who are primarily involved in fishing and other maritime activities. The local economy is heavily reliant on the sea, as fishing and tourism play a significant role in sustaining the village.

Visitors to Port an t-Seilich can enjoy a range of activities, including fishing, boating, birdwatching, and coastal walks. The village also offers a few amenities, such as a small harbor, a local pub, and a few shops catering to the needs of both residents and tourists.

In summary, Port an t-Seilich is a charming coastal village in Argyllshire, Scotland, with stunning sea views, a tranquil estuary, and a meandering creek. It is a haven for nature lovers, fishermen, and those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst the beauty of the Scottish coast.

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Port an t-Seilich Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.271905/-6.2570983 or Grid Reference NM3616. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Thrift (Armeria maritima)

A fine clump of this almost exclusively coastal plant, also known, rather more prosaically, as Sea Pink.

Anne Burgess

Bird's Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)

A common plant of coasts and waste ground, it takes its name from the shape of its seed heads.

Anne Burgess

Ardalanish Bay

The west end of the kilometre-long stretch of sand.

Anne Burgess

Boulders by the Track

The large boulder may be an erratic, but the smaller ones seem to have been arranged in a straight line. In the distance is Loch Mòr Ardalanish in the next square.

Anne Burgess

Cordierite

The dark shapes on the surface of the rock are cordierite crystals. This is an indicator mineral, so called because it forms in particular conditions of heat and pressure, so its presence tells geologists part of the history of the rock.

Anne Burgess

Carraig MhÃ²r

The west side of Ardalanish Bay is on the fringe of the pink Ross of Mull granite intrusion. This is the eastern edge, and possibly the bottom, of the granite, which is sheet-like in form and anything from 2 to 8 kilometres thick. It may have made its way in via what is now the Sound of Iona Fault. it is interfingered here with grey Moine psammites.

Anne Burgess

Carraig MhÃ²r

The dark grey rocks are Moine psammites which have been deformed and contorted by the intruding pink Ross of Mull granite.

Anne Burgess

Carraig MhÃ²r

The dark layers at the top and bottom of this outcrop are Moine psammites, that is, metamorphosed sandstones. Between them is a thick sheet of bright pink Ross of Mull granite. The granite can be dated by radiometric methods, and is found to have been intruded about 414 million years ago. Because the granite cuts through the Moine rocks, it must be younger than they are, so it provides evidence for the age of the Moine. Inside the granite sheet are xenoliths of Moine rock. A xenolith is a pre-existing piece or rock which has got caught up in a magma body. Finally, a thick dark sheet of microdiorite cuts diagonally across both the granite and the xenoliths. This is obviously later than the rocks it cuts through, and such microdiorite intrusions are possibly the final phase in the evolution of the granite complex. Diorite is chemically intermediate between gabbro and granite, and microdiorite is finer-grained than diorite because it has cooled faster. A magma of dioritic chemical composition, if erupted at the surface of the Earth, forms andesite, so named because of its prevalence in the South American Andes.

Anne Burgess

Old Thatched Cottage

This old cottage stands beside the track. Its turf roof is disintegrating, even though it has been stabilised with what looks like fairly modern green plastic netting. For a view of the front of it see NM3618 : Wee cottage above Ardalanish.

Anne Burgess

Beach at Ardalanish

Looking from the edge of the dunes across the beach at Ardalanish towards the distant Paps of Jura.

Gordon Hatton

Ardalanish beach, Isle of Mull

Cary O'Donnell

Ardalanish beach and bay viewed from the fort

Cary O'Donnell

Rocky point on West edge of Ardanalish Bay

Cary O'Donnell

Beinn a'Chaol-airigh

Walked along the track through the organic farm with the Highland cows and Hebridean sheep on a wet day with Jim Bloomer. Summit is just rather flat and featureless moorland. Name: Beinn a'Chaol-airigh Hill number: 4813 Height: 127m / 417ft Area: 17E: Mull and Nearby Islands Class: Hu,1 Grid ref: NM 35511 18443 Summit feature: no feature Drop: 103m Col: 24m NM406197

Rude Health

Cattle Grazing

Highland Cattle on rough moorland grazing seen walking towards Beinn a'Chaol-airigh.

Rude Health

Ardalanish Bay

Brian Cooper

The anchorage at Rubh Ardalanish

A wild, remote spot on the Ross of Mull. The rock here is all granite but nearby there is metamorphic rock where garnets can be found on the beach. A lonely place now but there is much of evidence of former habitation around the bay.

Ben Dallimore

Rubh' Ardalanish

Some interesting geology here - this part of the Headland of Rubh' Ardalanish is in the contact zone between the Ross of Mull granite to the west and an area of schist to the east. The landscape is rugged and spectacular. Remote now, there is much evidence of former habitation.

Ben Dallimore

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Port an t-Seilich is located at Grid Ref: NM3616 (Lat: 56.271905, Lng: -6.2570983)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire