Aileodair

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Aileodair

Loch na Leacaich Shoreline A view along the shoreline of Loch na Leacaich, with the peaked hill of Crogearraidh Mor is the far distance. — Loch na Leacaich Shoreline Credit: G Kilpatrick

Aileodair is a prominent coastal feature located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. It is a headland or point that juts out into the North Sea, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and ocean. It is situated on the eastern coast of Scotland, approximately 20 miles northeast of Inverness.

Aileodair is known for its rugged and dramatic cliffs that rise up from the rocky shoreline. These cliffs provide a nesting site for various seabird species, including puffins, gannets, and guillemots. The area is a designated nature reserve, attracting nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers from around the world.

The headland is rich in geological diversity, with layers of sedimentary rocks that date back millions of years. Fossils can often be found embedded in the rocks, offering a glimpse into the ancient history of the area.

Visitors to Aileodair can enjoy scenic walks along the coastal path that runs along the edge of the headland. The path offers panoramic views of the sea, with opportunities to spot marine wildlife such as seals and dolphins. On a clear day, the distant mountains of the Scottish Highlands can be seen in the background, creating a picturesque backdrop.

Aileodair is easily accessible by car, with a small parking area available nearby. The headland is a popular spot for photography, as the changing light and weather conditions offer unique opportunities for capturing stunning images. Overall, Aileodair is a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty and tranquility along the Scottish coastline.

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Aileodair Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.63719/-7.2130479 or Grid Reference NF8972. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Loch na Leacaich Shoreline

A view along the shoreline of Loch na Leacaich, with the peaked hill of Crogearraidh Mor is the far distance.

G Kilpatrick

Blathaisbhal stone row

A stone row composed of three stones. Like most rows it is far from straight (Scale 1m). Link

Sandy Gerrard

View towards Loch an Duin

The distant water translates as the Loch of the Dun, with the remains of Dun Torcuill in the middle distance [centre of photo]. The convoluted outline of the loch includes two other dun sites, both well out of sight from this point by the road.

Gordon Hatton

Loch Dheoir

Loch Dheoir is the name given to this area of salt water where a maze of channels eventually connect with the open sea close to Lochmaddy.

Gordon Hatton

Dun Torcuill

A view from an adjoining square towards this iron age broch in Loch an Duin. The walls are said to be up to 4m thick and 3m high, but approach on land is very difficult.

Gordon Hatton

Loch Blathaisbhal

View from Blathaisbhal towards Lochmaddy.

Richard Webb

On Blathaisbhal

A fine appreciation of the mix of land and water that is North Uist. I always think of North Uist as a reverse of the Stockholm Archipelago - more land than water, just rather than the other way around.

Richard Webb

A865 below Blathaisbhal

Richard Webb

Airigh Nan Luchag shieling

A ruined shieling (Scale 1m). Link

Sandy Gerrard

Airigh Nan Luchag shieling

Shielings are often difficult to spot but this one comes with its own signpost. Link

Sandy Gerrard

Sea loch at Aileodair

View from the loch side picnic area.

Sandy Gerrard

Cama Lochan

Beinn Mhor in the background.

Dave Fergusson

Loch Blathaisbhal

In the distance on the left can be seen Crogearraidh na Thabha rising to 154m

Stuart Wilding

Loch Blathaisbhal

A ruined house stands on the shore and in the distance can be seen the hills of Skye

Stuart Wilding

Ruins of a croft house on the shore of Loch Blathaisbhal

Dannie Calder

Tidal rapid draining Loch Dheoir

Behind Lochmaddy is an area of shallow lagoons filled and drained by the tides each day. Where the tide runs between the rocks, tidal rapids are formed like this one in a narrows which drains Loch Dheoir towards Loch Blathaisbhal during the ebb.

Andy Waddington

Paddling hard to ascend tidal rapid in Loch Blathaisbhal

The Lochs behind Lochmaddy are tidal lagoons, connected by narrow channels. As the ebb tide drains the upper lochs, tidal rapids form, opposing progress by sea kayakers. There are three channels up from Loch Blathaisbhal towards the northwest, of which this was the narrowest, shallowest but least fast-flowing, so with a bit of a struggle we managed to paddle up this one. Had we managed to coincide our trip with the flood, we would have been helped on our way, and could have used to ebb to speed us on the way back.

Andy Waddington