Àirigh Nighean Allein

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Àirigh Nighean Allein

Incoming tide on Rubha Port Scolpaig The waves of the rising tide break over the rocks about 25 yards ahead of me. — Incoming tide on Rubha Port Scolpaig Credit: Richard Law

Àirigh Nighean Allein is a prominent headland located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated along the rugged coastline, this coastal feature offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the vast expanse of the North Sea. The name Àirigh Nighean Allein translates to "shelter of the daughter of Allein," reflecting the rich history and folklore of the area.

The headland is characterized by sheer cliffs that plunge dramatically into the sea below, creating a striking and picturesque backdrop. The rocky terrain is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, making it a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Visitors to Àirigh Nighean Allein can enjoy hiking along the coastal paths, taking in the breathtaking views and exploring the unique rock formations that dot the landscape. The headland is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with a variety of seabirds nesting in the cliffs and soaring overhead.

Overall, Àirigh Nighean Allein offers a serene and awe-inspiring experience for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Scottish coastline.

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Àirigh Nighean Allein Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.58158/-7.4953325 or Grid Reference NF7167. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Incoming tide on Rubha Port Scolpaig

The waves of the rising tide break over the rocks about 25 yards ahead of me.

Richard Law

Rubha Port Scolpaig

Low spring tides at the full moon exposed more beach than usual.

AlastairG

Rubha Port Scolpaig

Rocky point that separates two white sand beaches. RSPB reserve to the north west.

Gordon Hatton

Loch Sanndaraigh

The map shows a causeway across this shallow loch and the feature is visible to the left side of the photo.

Gordon Hatton

Paiblesgearraidh post box

Since Chris Downer was here, the post box appears to have been replaced with a shiny new one.

Gordon Hatton

Paibeil phone box

Still standing against the Hebridean gales, but at a slightly drunken angle. [leaning into the prevailing wind]

Gordon Hatton

Metalled road through the marshland near Balranald House

The track leads to machair on the nature reserve and a scattering of farm buildings (behind me), whilst the water visible in the middle distance is the tidal inlet of Loch Phaibeil.

Richard Law

A barn at Rosamul

A low-profile barn, which keeps its head down out of the wind. The surrounding area is extensively grazed by cattle, so the barn presumably provides them with some shelter, as well as storing cattle feed and other farm kit.

Richard Law

Cattle grazing at Rosamul

Richard Law

Machair and dunes near Hanglam

Richard Law

Shoreline rocks near the mouth of Loch Phaibeil

Richard Law

Boulder beach and rocks at Hanglam

Richard Law

Rocks at Hanglam, and the beach beyond

It's tempting to call the beach Tràigh Hanglam, but it's unnamed on the current maps. Another of the Outer Hebrides' fine shell-sand beaches, backed by a line of dunes, and as crowded as all the others in the area.

Richard Law