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Am Bealach

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Argyllshire

Scotland

Am Bealach

Port an Eag-uillt, Scarba One of the few places to land on Scarba.
Port an Eag-uillt, Scarba Credit: M J Richardson

Am Bealach is a picturesque coastal region located in Argyllshire, Scotland. Nestled between rolling hills and the vast Atlantic Ocean, it comprises a captivating blend of sea, estuary, and creek. This enchanting area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse marine ecosystem.

The sea surrounding Am Bealach is a breathtaking expanse of azure waters, providing a mesmerizing backdrop to the rugged coastline. The crashing waves create a symphony of sound, while the salty air invigorates the senses. The clear waters are home to a plethora of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and a variety of fish species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

The estuary within Am Bealach is a tranquil haven where freshwater meets the sea. It is formed by the convergence of several rivers, creating a unique habitat for numerous bird species. The estuary is a popular spot for birdwatching, with sightings of herons, oystercatchers, and sandpipers being common. The intertidal mudflats and salt marshes provide an abundant food source for these feathered creatures.

A network of winding creeks meanders through Am Bealach, adding another layer of charm to the landscape. These narrow waterways are perfect for exploring by kayak or small boat, providing an opportunity to discover hidden coves and secluded beaches. The creeks are bordered by lush vegetation, creating a sense of serenity and isolation.

Am Bealach, Argyllshire, is a captivating coastal region that offers a harmonious blend of sea, estuary, and creek. Its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and tranquil ambiance make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

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Am Bealach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.200478/-5.6870093 or Grid Reference NM7106. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Port an Eag-uillt, Scarba One of the few places to land on Scarba.
Port an Eag-uillt, Scarba
One of the few places to land on Scarba.
The north coast of Scarba Port an Eag-Uillt is just visible on the left.
The north coast of Scarba
Port an Eag-Uillt is just visible on the left.
Scarba - the northeast shore A scrub of Willows, Bracken and rough grassland. There were two White-tailed Eagles and their nest in the RH conifer.
Scarba - the northeast shore
A scrub of Willows, Bracken and rough grassland. There were two White-tailed Eagles and their nest in the RH conifer.
Cottage on Lunga On the east coast of this Slate Island, in the Sound of Luing. There is also a larger house <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6932677">NM7108 : House on the Slate Island of Lunga</a>, obscured by the rock behind the cottage.
Cottage on Lunga
On the east coast of this Slate Island, in the Sound of Luing. There is also a larger house NM7108 : House on the Slate Island of Lunga, obscured by the rock behind the cottage.
House on the Slate Island of Lunga Seen from the Sound of Luing.
House on the Slate Island of Lunga
Seen from the Sound of Luing.
Pony track View taken from a point close to the ford marked on the map.
Pony track
View taken from a point close to the ford marked on the map.
East towards the Grey Dogs Looking East towards the Grey Dogs - Scarba on the right, Lunga on the left.
East towards the Grey Dogs
Looking East towards the Grey Dogs - Scarba on the right, Lunga on the left.
Port an Eag-Uillt, Scarba Wonderful pebble beach on north coast of Scarba looking towards the Garvellachs and Mull.
Port an Eag-Uillt, Scarba
Wonderful pebble beach on north coast of Scarba looking towards the Garvellachs and Mull.
Houses on east coast of Lunga Lunga is one of the Slate Islands in the Firth of Lorn. The 'Grey Dog' tidal race, which runs in the sea channel to the south, Bealach a' Choin Ghlais, reaches 8 knots in full flood. The name 'Lunga' is derived from the Old Norse for 'Isle of the Longships', but almost all other place names are Gaelic in origin. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunga_(Slate_Islands)" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunga_(Slate_Islands)">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Houses on east coast of Lunga
Lunga is one of the Slate Islands in the Firth of Lorn. The 'Grey Dog' tidal race, which runs in the sea channel to the south, Bealach a' Choin Ghlais, reaches 8 knots in full flood. The name 'Lunga' is derived from the Old Norse for 'Isle of the Longships', but almost all other place names are Gaelic in origin. LinkExternal link
Incoming tide at The Grey Dogs The channel to the south of the Island of Lunga, Bealach a' Choin Ghlais (Pass of the Grey Dog), is only 200 metres wide and is scoured by the notorious 'Grey Dog' tidal race which reaches 8 knots when in full flood. According to an 1845 description: '... about 1 cable broad, and the stream of water during the greater part of ebb and flood rushes along the narrow pass with much violence. So great is the overfall on the current, that even during moderate tides it is impossible to force a boat through.' This strait is sometimes called the 'Little Corryvreckan' after its greater cousin between Scarba and Jura just a few miles to the south. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunga_(Slate_Islands)" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunga_(Slate_Islands)">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> The place is said to be named after Bhreacan's faithful dog who having pulled the body of his master ashore after capsizing in the Corryvreckan whirlpool, then perished itself in 'Little Corryvreckan'. It is often quoted that the Royal Navy described the Gulf of Corryvreckan as unnavigable but it appears that the warning phrase in the West Coast Pilot refers to this narrower channel: 'It is reported that the excessive rate of the tidal stream and the narrow width of the E entrance channel create an unnavigable area just S of Eilean a’ Bhealaich, an islet in the centre of the E entrance. As a result, it is inadvisable to pass through this channel, and even with local knowledge passage should only be attempted in quiet weather at slack water.' <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.whirlpool-scotland.co.uk/royalnavy.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.whirlpool-scotland.co.uk/royalnavy.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Incoming tide at The Grey Dogs
The channel to the south of the Island of Lunga, Bealach a' Choin Ghlais (Pass of the Grey Dog), is only 200 metres wide and is scoured by the notorious 'Grey Dog' tidal race which reaches 8 knots when in full flood. According to an 1845 description: '... about 1 cable broad, and the stream of water during the greater part of ebb and flood rushes along the narrow pass with much violence. So great is the overfall on the current, that even during moderate tides it is impossible to force a boat through.' This strait is sometimes called the 'Little Corryvreckan' after its greater cousin between Scarba and Jura just a few miles to the south. LinkExternal link The place is said to be named after Bhreacan's faithful dog who having pulled the body of his master ashore after capsizing in the Corryvreckan whirlpool, then perished itself in 'Little Corryvreckan'. It is often quoted that the Royal Navy described the Gulf of Corryvreckan as unnavigable but it appears that the warning phrase in the West Coast Pilot refers to this narrower channel: 'It is reported that the excessive rate of the tidal stream and the narrow width of the E entrance channel create an unnavigable area just S of Eilean a’ Bhealaich, an islet in the centre of the E entrance. As a result, it is inadvisable to pass through this channel, and even with local knowledge passage should only be attempted in quiet weather at slack water.' LinkExternal link
North-east coast of Scarba
North-east coast of Scarba
Kilmory Lodge, Scarba
Kilmory Lodge, Scarba
Rocky foreshore at Poll na h-Ealaidh A small bump of rocky ground at Poll na h-Ealaidh, the main landing place for Scarba: Taken from deck of SS Waverley.
Rocky foreshore at Poll na h-Ealaidh
A small bump of rocky ground at Poll na h-Ealaidh, the main landing place for Scarba: Taken from deck of SS Waverley.
Poll na h-Ealaidh promontory with Kilmory Lodge to right Wider view of this small OS square with more beyond including Kilmory Lodge.
Poll na h-Ealaidh promontory with Kilmory Lodge to right
Wider view of this small OS square with more beyond including Kilmory Lodge.
Small promontory on Scarba: The promontory spans 7205 & 7206. The building is in 7206 I think, associated with the small landing stage.
Small promontory on Scarba:
The promontory spans 7205 & 7206. The building is in 7206 I think, associated with the small landing stage.
The Grey Dogs Dinghy approaching the Grey Dogs tidal race between Scarba and Lunga
The Grey Dogs
Dinghy approaching the Grey Dogs tidal race between Scarba and Lunga
Beach at Camas a' Mhor-Fhir The ridge of Bidein na h-Iolaire appears on the skyline. This is the highest point on Lunga and although marked on OS maps as 98m, resurveys have put its height at 100m, qualifying it a Scottish HUMP.
Beach at Camas a' Mhor-Fhir
The ridge of Bidein na h-Iolaire appears on the skyline. This is the highest point on Lunga and although marked on OS maps as 98m, resurveys have put its height at 100m, qualifying it a Scottish HUMP.
Bidein na h-Iolaire, Lunga From Scarba through a narrow channel to Camas a' Mhòr-Fhir, up the cliff and then much fun was had trying to guess which was the true summit and whether it was really a Hump or not. Smashing views however. Walked over four likely summits after tricky landing, lovely island on a calm sunny day. Name: Bidein na h-Iolaire Hill number: 4873 Height: 101m / 331ft Area: 20A: Jura, Scarba and Colonsay Class: Hu Grid ref: NM 70665 08602 Summit feature: no feature 60m WNW of cairn Drop: 101m Col: Sea
Bidein na h-Iolaire, Lunga
From Scarba through a narrow channel to Camas a' Mhòr-Fhir, up the cliff and then much fun was had trying to guess which was the true summit and whether it was really a Hump or not. Smashing views however. Walked over four likely summits after tricky landing, lovely island on a calm sunny day. Name: Bidein na h-Iolaire Hill number: 4873 Height: 101m / 331ft Area: 20A: Jura, Scarba and Colonsay Class: Hu Grid ref: NM 70665 08602 Summit feature: no feature 60m WNW of cairn Drop: 101m Col: Sea
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Am Bealach is located at Grid Ref: NM7106 (Lat: 56.200478, Lng: -5.6870093)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///many.stream.spindles. Near Lochbuie, Argyll & Bute

Nearby Locations

Clach na h-Earraidh Bàgh a' Bhàn-Rubha Am Bealach Rubha a' Chùil Ann Gleann Bàn Rubha

Related Wikis

Lunga, Firth of Lorn
Lunga, Firth of Lorn

Lunga is one of the Slate Islands in the Firth of Lorn in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The "Grey Dog" tidal race, which runs in the sea channel to the south...

Scarba, Lunga and the Garvellachs National Scenic Area
Scarba, Lunga and the Garvellachs National Scenic Area

Scarba, Lunga and the Garvellachs is the name of one of the 40 national scenic areas of Scotland. The designated area covers the islands of Scarba, Lunga...

Scarba
Scarba

Scarba (Scottish Gaelic: Sgarba) is an island, in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, just north of the much larger island of Jura. The island has not been permanently...

Eilean Dubh Mòr
Eilean Dubh Mòr

Eilean Dubh Mòr (Scottish Gaelic: big black island) is an uninhabited island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. It lies at the mouth of the Firth of Lorn...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 56.200478,-5.6870093
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 56.202571/-5.6859956
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Am Bealach
Natural: bay
Source: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 56.2005813/-5.6869774
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bealach a' Choin Ghlais
Natural: bay
Source: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 56.2008383/-5.6943978
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Madadh a' Bhealaich
Natural: bay
Source: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 56.2020951/-5.6867536
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Poll na Carraigh Ruaidhe
Natural: bay
Source: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 56.2025167/-5.6923406
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 56.2005155/-5.6890777
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Bealach a' Choin Ghlais Argyllshire
Madadh a' Bhealaich Argyllshire

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