Gorrabhair Mhòr

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Ross-shire

Scotland

Gorrabhair Mhòr

Mangurstadh Coastline Looking South The cliffs here are spectacular and the Lewisian Gneiss makes for some great climbing.
Mangurstadh Coastline Looking South Credit: RIJones

Gorrabhair Mhòr 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 breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. The name Gorrabhair Mhòr is derived from Scottish Gaelic, with "gorrabhair" meaning "rough" or "rugged" and "mhòr" meaning "big" or "great", accurately describing the nature of this coastal landmark.

The headland is characterized by its steep cliffs, which rise dramatically from the sea, creating a stunning landscape. The cliffs are composed of rugged rock formations, shaped by years of erosion caused by the powerful waves crashing against them. Gorrabhair Mhòr stands as a testament to the natural forces that have shaped the Scottish coastline.

The headland is also known for its diverse wildlife. The surrounding waters are home to a variety of marine species, including seals, dolphins, and seabirds. The cliffs provide nesting sites for seabird colonies such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts often visit Gorrabhair Mhòr to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

Gorrabhair Mhòr is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and photography. There are walking trails that lead visitors along the cliff tops, allowing them to enjoy the panoramic views of the ocean and the rugged coastline. The headland also offers a sense of tranquility and solitude, as it is relatively untouched by human development.

In conclusion, Gorrabhair Mhòr is a magnificent coastal feature in Ross-shire, Scotland. Its rugged cliffs, diverse wildlife, and stunning views make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

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Gorrabhair Mhòr Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.179571/-7.079804 or Grid Reference NB0132. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mangurstadh Coastline Looking South The cliffs here are spectacular and the Lewisian Gneiss makes for some great climbing.
Mangurstadh Coastline Looking South
The cliffs here are spectacular and the Lewisian Gneiss makes for some great climbing.
Eilean Molach Showing the narrow gap between it and mainland Lewis.
Eilean Molach
Showing the narrow gap between it and mainland Lewis.
North end of Traigh Mhangarstaidh A beautiful beach with a fine Atlantic swell pounding in.
North end of Traigh Mhangarstaidh
A beautiful beach with a fine Atlantic swell pounding in.
Atlantic swell, Traigh Mhangarstaidh An exciting time being beside to a tumultuous sea - and at close range.
Atlantic swell, Traigh Mhangarstaidh
An exciting time being beside to a tumultuous sea - and at close range.
Looking down on Traigh Mhangarstaidh A walk for the view with my son on the beach.
Looking down on Traigh Mhangarstaidh
A walk for the view with my son on the beach.
Sea off Traigh Mhangarstaidh Exhilarating!
Sea off Traigh Mhangarstaidh
Exhilarating!
Coast line near Traigh Mhangarstaidh A wide view from stitching images.  An amazing experience.
Coast line near Traigh Mhangarstaidh
A wide view from stitching images. An amazing experience.
Radio masts at Mangastra/Mhangarstaidh, Lewis, 1989 Compared to more recent images, it would appear a number of these buildings and one mast have been demolished in the intervening years.
Radio masts at Mangastra/Mhangarstaidh, Lewis, 1989
Compared to more recent images, it would appear a number of these buildings and one mast have been demolished in the intervening years.
Beach and headland at Carnais
Beach and headland at Carnais
Beach at Carnais
Beach at Carnais
Tom A small tidal island near Carnais.
Tom
A small tidal island near Carnais.
Càrnais (Carinish) Two cottages overlooking Tràigh Lèire at the head of Cappadale Sands in Uig Bay.
Càrnais (Carinish)
Two cottages overlooking Tràigh Lèire at the head of Cappadale Sands in Uig Bay.
Spring Squill (Scilla verna) Surprisingly, given how exposed the headland at Mangarstadh is, and how scarce the soil, there was a carpet of stunted wildflowers including this Spring Squill.
Spring Squill (Scilla verna)
Surprisingly, given how exposed the headland at Mangarstadh is, and how scarce the soil, there was a carpet of stunted wildflowers including this Spring Squill.
Thrift (Armeria maritima) A cushion of thrift provides a splash of colour on the bleak and windswept clifftop. The flower stalks are taller in more benign conditions, but here they are stunted by the wind and weather. I wonder whether any insects brave the wind to pollinate the flowers>
Thrift (Armeria maritima)
A cushion of thrift provides a splash of colour on the bleak and windswept clifftop. The flower stalks are taller in more benign conditions, but here they are stunted by the wind and weather. I wonder whether any insects brave the wind to pollinate the flowers>
Gneiss Rocks This headland is mostly composed of striped grey Lewisian gneiss. The sloping rock face behind the foreground rock is a thrust plane which dips towards the east.
Gneiss Rocks
This headland is mostly composed of striped grey Lewisian gneiss. The sloping rock face behind the foreground rock is a thrust plane which dips towards the east.
Thrift in a Cleft This Thrift plant has found a less exposed spot than <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2432622">NB0033 : Thrift (Armeria maritima)</a>, so has been able to grow into a more 'normal' shape. It is exploiting a crack in the inhospitable Lewisian gneiss, probably created by movement on the adjacent thrust.
Thrift in a Cleft
This Thrift plant has found a less exposed spot than NB0033 : Thrift (Armeria maritima), so has been able to grow into a more 'normal' shape. It is exploiting a crack in the inhospitable Lewisian gneiss, probably created by movement on the adjacent thrust.
Mangarstadh Head Contrast the glassy surface of the rock pool, sheltered from the wind, with the surf crashing on the cliffs beyond. The rock surfaces sloping from lower left to upper right are the faces of thrust planes generated by tectonic movements some 430 million years ago.
Mangarstadh Head
Contrast the glassy surface of the rock pool, sheltered from the wind, with the surf crashing on the cliffs beyond. The rock surfaces sloping from lower left to upper right are the faces of thrust planes generated by tectonic movements some 430 million years ago.
Mangarstadh Head Looking out from the cliffs at Mangarsatdh Head, the offshore rocks are whipping up surf in a strong westerly wind.
Mangarstadh Head
Looking out from the cliffs at Mangarsatdh Head, the offshore rocks are whipping up surf in a strong westerly wind.
Show me another place!

Gorrabhair Mhòr is located at Grid Ref: NB0132 (Lat: 58.179571, Lng: -7.079804)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///onions.homecare.reverses. Near Carloway, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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