Mas an Toa

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Ross-shire

Scotland

Mas an Toa

Gob Geòdha nam Bradan
Gob Geòdha nam Bradan Credit: Sandy Gerrard

Mas an Toa is a prominent coastal feature located in Ross-shire, Scotland. Situated on the western coast of the Scottish Highlands, Mas an Toa is a headland that juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean. The name "Mas an Toa" translates to "Hill of the Bull" in the local Gaelic language, reflecting the rugged and majestic nature of this point.

The headland is characterized by its dramatic cliffs, reaching heights of up to 100 meters, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. These cliffs have been shaped by the relentless pounding of the ocean waves, creating intricate rock formations and caves along the coastline. Visitors can explore these caves, which are home to a variety of seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills.

Mas an Toa also serves as an important navigational landmark for ships and boats navigating the treacherous waters of the North Atlantic. The headland's strategic location provides a vantage point for sailors to spot potential hazards and safely navigate their vessels.

Aside from its natural beauty, Mas an Toa is also rich in history. The headland is dotted with the remains of ancient settlements, including Iron Age forts and Viking burial sites, providing glimpses into the region's past.

Overall, Mas an Toa is a stunning coastal feature that offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Scotland's natural beauty and explore its rich history. Whether it is admiring the towering cliffs, spotting seabirds, or uncovering ancient ruins, Mas an Toa provides a truly memorable experience for all who visit.

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Mas an Toa Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.232675/-6.9665265 or Grid Reference NB0837. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gob Geòdha nam Bradan
Gob Geòdha nam Bradan
Sheepfold at Tobha Mòr
Sheepfold at Tobha Mòr
Sheepfold and boundary wall near Tobha Mòr
Sheepfold and boundary wall near Tobha Mòr
Rocky surface at Eala Sheadha
Rocky surface at Eala Sheadha
Eastern side of the Eala Sheadha Headland
Eastern side of the Eala Sheadha Headland
Crystal clear seas off North West coast of Na h-Eileanan an Iar View to about 3 metres depth from RIB floating in lagoon between Pabaigh Mor and Pabaigh Beag.  See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1120209">NB1038 : Lagoon on Pabbay Mor</a>
Crystal clear seas off North West coast of Na h-Eileanan an Iar
View to about 3 metres depth from RIB floating in lagoon between Pabaigh Mor and Pabaigh Beag. See also NB1038 : Lagoon on Pabbay Mor
Beach at Pabaigh Mor
Beach at Pabaigh Mor
Geodh'an Tuill penetrates Pabaigh Mor Pabaigh More has a tidally flooded low-lying area in the middle of the island (at one time used for buffering lobsters) which connects to the open sea over a reef to the northwest, and through a couple of rocky channels heading northeast. It's clear that those channels must have started the same way as this cave, which has penetrated right to the lagoon (from which it is separated only by a storm beach thrown up by waves entering the cave) and, on a geological timescale, is just about at the end of its life. Although one of our group walked over the arch, and once we'd paddled round the island several of us entered the cave from the sea, it is not the most confidence-inspiring roof, especially at this landward end.
Geodh'an Tuill penetrates Pabaigh Mor
Pabaigh More has a tidally flooded low-lying area in the middle of the island (at one time used for buffering lobsters) which connects to the open sea over a reef to the northwest, and through a couple of rocky channels heading northeast. It's clear that those channels must have started the same way as this cave, which has penetrated right to the lagoon (from which it is separated only by a storm beach thrown up by waves entering the cave) and, on a geological timescale, is just about at the end of its life. Although one of our group walked over the arch, and once we'd paddled round the island several of us entered the cave from the sea, it is not the most confidence-inspiring roof, especially at this landward end.
Lagoon between Pabaigh Mor and Pabaigh Beag View to west showing narrows between these two islands off the northwest coast off Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Outer Hebrides).
Lagoon between Pabaigh Mor and Pabaigh Beag
View to west showing narrows between these two islands off the northwest coast off Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Outer Hebrides).
Tràigh na Clibhe on the Isle of Lewis This beautiful north-facing beach, Tràigh na Clibhe, is popular with surfers (two are just visible beyond the lone figure). It is protected on both sides by 50 foot high cliffs (not in view here, but see <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1618866" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1618866">Link</a> )
Tràigh na Clibhe on the Isle of Lewis
This beautiful north-facing beach, Tràigh na Clibhe, is popular with surfers (two are just visible beyond the lone figure). It is protected on both sides by 50 foot high cliffs (not in view here, but see Link )
Tràigh na Clibhe On the skyline is the low headland which marks the left edge of Tràigh na Clibhe beach. This north-facing beach is also protected on both sides by 50 foot high cliffs (not in view here, but see <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1618866" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1618866">Link</a> ). In the hinterland is the village of Cliobh (Cliff) to the south and the town of Bhaltos (Valtos) to the east, providing several alternative names for this popular beach.
Tràigh na Clibhe
On the skyline is the low headland which marks the left edge of Tràigh na Clibhe beach. This north-facing beach is also protected on both sides by 50 foot high cliffs (not in view here, but see Link ). In the hinterland is the village of Cliobh (Cliff) to the south and the town of Bhaltos (Valtos) to the east, providing several alternative names for this popular beach.
Traigh na Clibhe North-west facing bay, backed by sand dunes, north of Cliobh.
Traigh na Clibhe
North-west facing bay, backed by sand dunes, north of Cliobh.
Bhaltos / Valtos Community of crofts, fishermen's houses and holiday homes on Pabbay Sound / Caolas Phabaigh.
Bhaltos / Valtos
Community of crofts, fishermen's houses and holiday homes on Pabbay Sound / Caolas Phabaigh.
Valtos Pier Sheltering the small harbour of Valtos / Bhaltos on Pabbay Sound / Caolas Phabaigh. The island of Pabaigh Mor / Big Pabbay is in the background.
Valtos Pier
Sheltering the small harbour of Valtos / Bhaltos on Pabbay Sound / Caolas Phabaigh. The island of Pabaigh Mor / Big Pabbay is in the background.
Tràigh na Clibhe
Tràigh na Clibhe
View from near Bhaltos towards Pabaigh Mor
View from near Bhaltos towards Pabaigh Mor
Traigh Bhaltos
Traigh Bhaltos
Blue boat on the slipway at Bhaltos
Blue boat on the slipway at Bhaltos
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Mas an Toa is located at Grid Ref: NB0837 (Lat: 58.232675, Lng: -6.9665265)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///bombshell.beats.spots. Near Carloway, Na h-Eileanan Siar

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