Caolas Annraidh

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Argyllshire

Scotland

Caolas Annraidh

Eilean Dubh na Ciste Eilean Dubh na Ciste is a rocky skerry at the NNE end of Bull Hole, a narrow channel and anchorage between Iona and the Ross of Mull. Its advantage from my perspective is that the two main rocks are linked by a small sandy tombolo beach which provides a convenient place to land a sea kayak and wander around getting the best views. This view looks northwards to more skerries outside Kinta harbour, where the water is a lot calmer than on my last visit <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5796448">NM3125 : Paddling into the sun - Eilean Corrach</a>. — Eilean Dubh na Ciste Credit: Andy Waddington

Caolas Annraidh is a picturesque sea inlet located in Argyllshire, Scotland. Nestled between rolling hills and rugged coastline, this estuary offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere.

The caolas, or sea channel, connects the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean to a smaller creek, creating a natural haven for marine life and bird species. The crystal-clear waters are home to a diverse range of marine species, including seals, dolphins, and various fish species. Birdwatchers flock to this area to catch glimpses of rare seabirds such as puffins and guillemots.

The surrounding landscape is characterized by lush greenery, with towering cliffs and rocky outcrops adding to its dramatic beauty. The estuary is surrounded by a mix of grassy meadows and heather-covered moorlands, creating a striking contrast against the deep blue of the sea.

Caolas Annraidh is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can partake in activities such as kayaking, sailing, and fishing. The calm waters of the creek offer an ideal setting for beginners to try their hand at water sports.

For those seeking tranquility and natural beauty, Caolas Annraidh is a hidden gem. Its unspoiled surroundings and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those looking to immerse themselves in the stunning Scottish landscape.

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Caolas Annraidh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.349687/-6.3806648 or Grid Reference NM2926. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Eilean Dubh na Ciste

Eilean Dubh na Ciste is a rocky skerry at the NNE end of Bull Hole, a narrow channel and anchorage between Iona and the Ross of Mull. Its advantage from my perspective is that the two main rocks are linked by a small sandy tombolo beach which provides a convenient place to land a sea kayak and wander around getting the best views. This view looks northwards to more skerries outside Kinta harbour, where the water is a lot calmer than on my last visit NM3125 : Paddling into the sun - Eilean Corrach.

Andy Waddington

Landing on Eilean Dubh na Ciste

Eilean Dubh na Ciste is a rocky skerry at the NNE end of Bull Hole, a narrow channel and anchorage between Iona and the Ross of Mull. Its advantage from my perspective is that the two main rocks are linked by a small sandy tombolo beach which provides a convenient place to land a sea kayak and wander around getting the best views. This is the full extent of the beach - my back is almost against the rocks looking over my landing spot towards the bay south of Kintra.

Andy Waddington

Sand on Eilean Dubh na Ciste

Eilean Dubh na Ciste is a rocky skerry at the NNE end of Bull Hole, a narrow channel and anchorage between Iona and the Ross of Mull. Its advantage from my perspective is that the two main rocks are linked by a small sandy tombolo beach which provides a convenient place to land a sea kayak and wander around getting the best views. These are the rocks on the eastern edge of the beach, beyond which lie the shallow bays and rocky coast hiding the settlement of Kintra.

Andy Waddington

Dunsmeorach House

Near Iona Abbey.

Andrew Abbott

St Mary's Abbey, Iona

Category A listed. Listing reference LB12310. Dating from the 13th century. Heavily restored in the first half of the 20th century.

Andrew Abbott

Bishops Walk

Row of houses on Iona.

Andrew Abbott

Lagandorain House

The most northerly property on Iona.

Andrew Abbott

Eilean Chalbha

An island off the north coast of Iona.

Andrew Abbott

Eilean Annraidh

An island off the north coast of Iona.

Andrew Abbott

Track down to Traigh Bhan

On the north coast of Iona.

Andrew Abbott

Trekking north

Near Summer House, Iona.

Andrew Abbott

The Summer House

Near Traigh Bhan, Iona.

Andrew Abbott

House on Iona

Opposite the memorial cross.

Andrew Abbott

House on Iona

Near Clachanach.

Andrew Abbott

Road north on Iona

Towards Clachanach.

Andrew Abbott

Abbey and Graveyard

St Mary's Abbey with some of the monuments in the adjacent cemetery.

Des Blenkinsopp

From cairn to trig point on Dun I

Dun I is a relatively easy ascent from the road north of the Abbey, but approaching from the interior, one feels as though one has climbed a much bigger and rougher hill than the 101m summit seen here. The cairn sits a little higher than the trig point to the NE and offers a super view over the tip of Iona to Staffa, the Treshnish Isles and the Wilderness coast of Mull.

Andy Waddington

Descending from Dun I

The descent from Dun I to the road back towards the Abbey has a short steep bit, but is otherwise straightforward and would have seemed almost busy were it not by comparison with the east coast's hordes of tourists (many of them sporting identical red cagoules marking them as inmates of the cruise/prison hulk anchored in the south end of the Sound). Well, as I once told a photographer who was complaining at the crowds, if we'd wanted it to ourselves we'd have come at dawn in February...

Andy Waddington

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Caolas Annraidh is located at Grid Ref: NM2926 (Lat: 56.349687, Lng: -6.3806648)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire