A' Ghruagach

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Argyllshire

Scotland

A' Ghruagach

Skerry south-west of Hyskeir A low-lying rock, with Hyskeir light and the isle of Rum visible beyond.
Skerry south-west of Hyskeir Credit: Toby Speight

A' Ghruagach, located in Argyllshire, Scotland, is a captivating coastal feature that encompasses a headland and point. This awe-inspiring natural formation is renowned for its stunning beauty and picturesque landscapes, attracting locals and tourists alike.

The headland of A' Ghruagach boasts dramatic cliffs that rise majestically from the tumultuous waters of the Atlantic Ocean. These towering cliffs offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area and serve as a haven for a diverse range of seabirds, including puffins and gannets, making it a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts.

At the tip of the headland lies the point of A' Ghruagach, which juts out into the sea, creating a distinct landmark that is visible from miles away. This rocky promontory is often pounded by crashing waves, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for onlookers. The point also offers panoramic vistas of the ocean, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

A' Ghruagach is not only a visual marvel but also holds a significant place in local folklore. Legend has it that the headland is home to a mystical sea creature known as the Ghruagach, a mermaid-like being with long flowing hair. According to folklore, those who catch a glimpse of the Ghruagach are granted good luck and prosperity.

Visitors to A' Ghruagach can explore the area by following scenic coastal trails that meander along the clifftops, providing stunning views at every turn. The headland also offers opportunities for rock climbing and fishing, making it a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts.

In conclusion, A' Ghruagach in Argyllshire is a captivating coastal feature that encompasses a headland and point. With its stunning cliffs, diverse wildlife, and rich folklore, it is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a taste of Scotland's natural beauty.

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A' Ghruagach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.967409/-6.6747198 or Grid Reference NM1595. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Skerry south-west of Hyskeir A low-lying rock, with Hyskeir light and the isle of Rum visible beyond.
Skerry south-west of Hyskeir
A low-lying rock, with Hyskeir light and the isle of Rum visible beyond.
Seals and seaweed The seals love to bask on these kelpy rocks, and aren't often disturbed by inquisitive kayakers such as myself.
Seals and seaweed
The seals love to bask on these kelpy rocks, and aren't often disturbed by inquisitive kayakers such as myself.
East coast of Hyskeir Geese swim on the sheltered side of the island.
East coast of Hyskeir
Geese swim on the sheltered side of the island.
Low-lying rocks Normally hidden under the water, these rocks appear only at a low spring tide.
Low-lying rocks
Normally hidden under the water, these rocks appear only at a low spring tide.
Hyskeir Lighthouse Hyskeir (Oigh Sgeir) Lighthouse is situated on rocks approximately 5 miles south west of Canna and 8 miles west of the island of Rhum. It was established in 1904 to light the southern end of the Minch and to warn shipping off Mills Rocks, Canna Island and the rock on which the lighthouse is built.
Twelve island baggers were landed by Coastal Connections after a 2.5 hour RIB ride out from Oban on a sunny, calm day.
Hyskeir Lighthouse
Hyskeir (Oigh Sgeir) Lighthouse is situated on rocks approximately 5 miles south west of Canna and 8 miles west of the island of Rhum. It was established in 1904 to light the southern end of the Minch and to warn shipping off Mills Rocks, Canna Island and the rock on which the lighthouse is built. Twelve island baggers were landed by Coastal Connections after a 2.5 hour RIB ride out from Oban on a sunny, calm day.
North tip of Ceann Mòr The north point of Oigh-sgeir. The island is largely composed of columnar basalt.
North tip of Ceann Mòr
The north point of Oigh-sgeir. The island is largely composed of columnar basalt.
Oigh-sgeir The southwest coast with the 39m tall lighthouse beyond. It is an important mark at the south end of The Minch.
Oigh-sgeir
The southwest coast with the 39m tall lighthouse beyond. It is an important mark at the south end of The Minch.
East coast of Oigh-sgeir
East coast of Oigh-sgeir
Oigh-sgeir Island of Hyskeir (Oigh-sgeir) showing lighthouse (built in 1904 - by Stevenson family).  Basaltic rocks visible in the distance.  Island is covered by ground nesting seabirds.
Oigh-sgeir
Island of Hyskeir (Oigh-sgeir) showing lighthouse (built in 1904 - by Stevenson family). Basaltic rocks visible in the distance. Island is covered by ground nesting seabirds.
Oigh Sgier The island with its lighthouse taken from the Lochboisdale to Oban ferry.
Oigh Sgier
The island with its lighthouse taken from the Lochboisdale to Oban ferry.
Hard to reach squares Oigh-sgeir as seen from Compass Hill on Canna.  The smaller island on the right in the picture is Humla.
Hard to reach squares
Oigh-sgeir as seen from Compass Hill on Canna. The smaller island on the right in the picture is Humla.
One Hole Golf Hyskeir is a flat island. The Lighthouse keepers (now automatic) had a famous one hole golf course here.
One Hole Golf
Hyskeir is a flat island. The Lighthouse keepers (now automatic) had a famous one hole golf course here.
Approaching Hyskeir lighthouse As seen from the Northern Lighthouse Board helicopter; the helipad is out of view to the left side of the tower.
Approaching Hyskeir lighthouse
As seen from the Northern Lighthouse Board helicopter; the helipad is out of view to the left side of the tower.
Hyskeir lighthouse Taken in the days when this was a manned light: the keepers had vegetable plots and a small golf course to occupy their off-duty hours.
Hyskeir lighthouse
Taken in the days when this was a manned light: the keepers had vegetable plots and a small golf course to occupy their off-duty hours.
Helipad at Hyskeir lighthouse Taken from the balcony of the light with the Northern Lighthouse Board's red helicopter parked below. The track gives access to a foghorn at the N end of the island.
Helipad at Hyskeir lighthouse
Taken from the balcony of the light with the Northern Lighthouse Board's red helicopter parked below. The track gives access to a foghorn at the N end of the island.
Hyskeir's coastline The need for a light on an island like this can be seen from the rather complicated topography of the coast on this small low-lying island, also known by the Gaelic version of its name as Oigh-sgeir. This view was taken from the balcony of the lighthouse tower. Plots for growing vegetables are on the right, maintained by the keepers at the time.
Hyskeir's coastline
The need for a light on an island like this can be seen from the rather complicated topography of the coast on this small low-lying island, also known by the Gaelic version of its name as Oigh-sgeir. This view was taken from the balcony of the lighthouse tower. Plots for growing vegetables are on the right, maintained by the keepers at the time.
From the balcony of Hyskeir lighthouse The lighthouse boasted a small (and fairly exclusive) golf course in its days as a manned light. The cable strung from the tower is not a zip-wire thrill ride, but a radio aerial, given a wide berth by the helicopter pilot when approaching.
From the balcony of Hyskeir lighthouse
The lighthouse boasted a small (and fairly exclusive) golf course in its days as a manned light. The cable strung from the tower is not a zip-wire thrill ride, but a radio aerial, given a wide berth by the helicopter pilot when approaching.
Show me another place!

A' Ghruagach is located at Grid Ref: NM1595 (Lat: 56.967409, Lng: -6.6747198)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///says.prowling.thinking. Near Arinagour, Argyll & Bute

Nearby Locations

Rubha Bàn A' Ghruagach

Related Wikis

Hyskeir

Hyskeir (Scottish Gaelic: Òigh-sgeir) or Heyskeir is a low-lying rocky islet (a skerry) in the Inner Hebrides, Scotland. The Hyskeir Lighthouse marks the...

Hyskeir Lighthouse

Hyskeir Lighthouse was established in 1904. The 39 metres (128 ft) metre high lighthouse marks the southern end of the Minch, warning of the presence of...

Garbh Sgeir

Garbh Sgeir (Gaelic: 'rough skerry') is a rock about 100 metres west of the islet Òigh-sgeir, in the Small Isles, Lochaber, Scotland. There is an anchorage...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 56.967409,-6.6747198
Seamark Fog Signal Category: horn
Seamark Light Character: Fl
Seamark Light Colour: white
Seamark Light Group: 3
Seamark Light Height: 41
Seamark Light Period: 30
Seamark Light Range: 24
Seamark Light Reference: A 4076
Seamark Light Sequence: 0.2+(3)+0.2+(3)+0.2+(23.4)
Seamark Name: Oigh Sgeir
Seamark Radar Transponder Category: racon
Seamark Radar Transponder Group: T
Seamark Radio Station Category: ais
Seamark Radio Station Mmsi: 992351094
Seamark Type: light_major
Source: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 56.969402/-6.6803863
A' Ghruagach
Place: locality
Source: Bing
Source Name: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 56.9673685/-6.6740391
Cnoc na h-Airigh
Place: locality
Source: Bing
Source Name: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 56.971041/-6.6732738
Cnoc nan Uibhean
Place: locality
Source: Bing
Source Name: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 56.9679699/-6.6805314
Rubha Bàn
Natural: cape
Source: Bing
Source Name: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 56.9670585/-6.6815274
Sgeir nan Cuag
Place: locality
Source: Bing
Source Name: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 56.9680261/-6.6732096
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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