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Leac a' Sgail

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Ross-shire

Scotland

Leac a' Sgail

Slipway and winch at Camas Mol Linnis The slipway is very steep and the winch must have made all the difference.
Slipway and winch at Camas Mol Linnis Credit: Sandy Gerrard

Leac a' Sgail is a prominent coastal feature located in Ross-shire, Scotland. It is a headland or point that stretches out into the North Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views and unique geological formations. The name "Leac a' Sgail" translates to "the shadowy rock" in English, which perfectly encapsulates the rugged and mysterious nature of this area.

Situated on the west coast of Scotland, Leac a' Sgail is characterized by its towering cliffs and rocky terrain. The headland is composed of ancient sandstone and has been shaped over centuries by the relentless force of the ocean waves. The cliffs provide a natural habitat for a variety of seabirds, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

The headland offers panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, with the Scottish Highlands visible in the distance. On a clear day, visitors can also catch a glimpse of the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides. The area is known for its dramatic sunsets, with the sun sinking below the horizon in a blaze of vibrant colors.

Leac a' Sgail is also rich in history, with archaeological evidence suggesting human habitation in the area for thousands of years. There are numerous ancient ruins and standing stones scattered along the coastline, providing a glimpse into the past.

Overall, Leac a' Sgail is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the raw beauty and natural wonders of the Scottish landscape. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking solitude, adventure, and a connection to the rich history of the region.

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Leac a' Sgail Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.092553/-7.1039445 or Grid Reference NA9922. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Slipway and winch at Camas Mol Linnis The slipway is very steep and the winch must have made all the difference.
Slipway and winch at Camas Mol Linnis
The slipway is very steep and the winch must have made all the difference.
Mol Foirs Geòdha A small beach by Western Isles standards.
Mol Foirs Geòdha
A small beach by Western Isles standards.
Moorland opposite Eilean Mhealasta
Moorland opposite Eilean Mhealasta
Abhainn Ruadh Tumbling from the western slopes of the Lewis mountains towards the Atlantic
Abhainn Ruadh
Tumbling from the western slopes of the Lewis mountains towards the Atlantic
Looking west from Taireabhal This hill is near the end of civilisation in Lewis.
Looking west from Taireabhal
This hill is near the end of civilisation in Lewis.
On the far west of Lewis At Mealasta looking towards the island of Grèineam.
On the far west of Lewis
At Mealasta looking towards the island of Grèineam.
Looking south from Mealasta The larger island in the middle distance is Eileen Mhealasta. Beyond that is Scarp.
Looking south from Mealasta
The larger island in the middle distance is Eileen Mhealasta. Beyond that is Scarp.
The end of the road from Uig The road on the west side of Lewis ends at this remote jetty with a view out over Camas Mol Linnis. The map carries a name Totarol nearby but I'm unable to establish to what that refers.
The end of the road from Uig
The road on the west side of Lewis ends at this remote jetty with a view out over Camas Mol Linnis. The map carries a name Totarol nearby but I'm unable to establish to what that refers.
At the end of the road south of Mealasta Remains of concrete structures suggest busier times here in the past at this very remote location. The distant peak appears to be Naideabhal a Staigh <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NB012235">NB012235</a>.
At the end of the road south of Mealasta
Remains of concrete structures suggest busier times here in the past at this very remote location. The distant peak appears to be Naideabhal a Staigh NB012235.
Outcropping rock at Mealasta Looking towards Cracabhal.
Outcropping rock at Mealasta
Looking towards Cracabhal.
Truncated rainbow above Cracabhal Viewed from Mealasta.
Truncated rainbow above Cracabhal
Viewed from Mealasta.
Allt Hatasaidh reaching the Atlantic
Allt Hatasaidh reaching the Atlantic
Flotsam washed up at Mealasta, Isle of Lewis The island is Grèineam. Other Geograph contributors have told me that the item is probably a fender, possibly one which would be used between a submarine and a harbour wall. The distance the item is from the shore illustrates the ferocity of the storms experienced by the west coast of Lewis.
Flotsam washed up at Mealasta, Isle of Lewis
The island is Grèineam. Other Geograph contributors have told me that the item is probably a fender, possibly one which would be used between a submarine and a harbour wall. The distance the item is from the shore illustrates the ferocity of the storms experienced by the west coast of Lewis.
Site of horizontal mill on the Abhainn Ruadh, Isle of Lewis The pile of stone blocks in the centre of the photo on the other side of the stream are remains of the mill. It is shown as a ruin on the 1st Edition OS map surveyed in 1852-53.
Site of horizontal mill on the Abhainn Ruadh, Isle of Lewis
The pile of stone blocks in the centre of the photo on the other side of the stream are remains of the mill. It is shown as a ruin on the 1st Edition OS map surveyed in 1852-53.
Clapper bridge near Camus Mol Linnis, Isle of Lewis The two hills in the centre of the horizon are Laibheal a Tuath and Lasibheal a Deas. The bridge carries the road to Camus Mol Linnis over the Abhainn Hotaroil.
Clapper bridge near Camus Mol Linnis, Isle of Lewis
The two hills in the centre of the horizon are Laibheal a Tuath and Lasibheal a Deas. The bridge carries the road to Camus Mol Linnis over the Abhainn Hotaroil.
Site of a horizontal mill on the Abhainn Hotaroil, Isle of Lewis What remains of the mill is on the right and there is a millstone half in the water on the left.
Site of a horizontal mill on the Abhainn Hotaroil, Isle of Lewis
What remains of the mill is on the right and there is a millstone half in the water on the left.
Former pipeline crossing the Abhainn Hotaroil, Isle of Lewis The pillar in the burn has 1942 inscribed on it which, along with the general direction of the pipeline, makes me think that this might have been the water supply for <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/13700">NA9924 : Brenish WWII Chain Home radar station</a>, the construction of which was completed in 1942. The remains of a horizontal mill can be seen beyond the top left of the pillar.
Former pipeline crossing the Abhainn Hotaroil, Isle of Lewis
The pillar in the burn has 1942 inscribed on it which, along with the general direction of the pipeline, makes me think that this might have been the water supply for NA9924 : Brenish WWII Chain Home radar station, the construction of which was completed in 1942. The remains of a horizontal mill can be seen beyond the top left of the pillar.
Taigh nan Cailleachan Dubha, Isle of Lewis Taigh nan Cailleachan Dubha means the House of the Old Black Women. In the OS Name Book of 1848-52 it was stated that this building had been part of a nunnery occupied by the order of the Black Nuns. However other sources say that this is "highly unlikely" and this blackhouse is part of a typical pre-crofting settlement. See <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/3983" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/3983">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> for further information.
Taigh nan Cailleachan Dubha, Isle of Lewis
Taigh nan Cailleachan Dubha means the House of the Old Black Women. In the OS Name Book of 1848-52 it was stated that this building had been part of a nunnery occupied by the order of the Black Nuns. However other sources say that this is "highly unlikely" and this blackhouse is part of a typical pre-crofting settlement. See LinkExternal link for further information.
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Leac a' Sgail is located at Grid Ref: NA9922 (Lat: 58.092553, Lng: -7.1039445)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///shout.name.tadpoles. Near Tarbert, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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Rubha Foirsgeo Seann Stiogha Geodha Sgal Staca-Geodha Tom Dhòmhnaill Polla Thorr

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