Sgeir na h-Altair

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Ross-shire

Scotland

Sgeir na h-Altair

Aird Bheag BhrÃ gair A small area of the rocky headland here is the only land in this square. — Aird Bheag BhrÃ gair Credit: Anne Burgess

Sgeir na h-Altair is a coastal feature located in Ross-shire, Scotland. It is a prominent headland that juts out into the sea, forming a distinct point along the coastline. The name "Sgeir na h-Altair" translates to "Rock of the Altar" in English, adding a sense of mystique to the area.

This headland is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, with steep cliffs that descend into the crashing waves below. The rocks are mainly composed of ancient volcanic formations, showcasing the geological history of the region. The headland is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including seabirds such as gulls and cormorants that nest on the cliffs.

Sgeir na h-Altair offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the vast expanse of the North Atlantic Ocean. The area is popular among photographers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts who come to admire its natural beauty and capture the stunning landscapes.

Access to Sgeir na h-Altair is relatively easy, with well-maintained coastal paths leading to the headland. Visitors can explore the rocky shoreline, observe the wildlife, or simply enjoy the peacefulness of this coastal retreat.

Overall, Sgeir na h-Altair is a significant coastal feature in Ross-shire, known for its dramatic cliffs, stunning views, and diverse wildlife. It is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a true Scottish coastal experience.

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Sgeir na h-Altair Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.350544/-6.6633327 or Grid Reference NB2749. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Aird Bheag BhrÃ gair

A small area of the rocky headland here is the only land in this square.

Anne Burgess

Aird Bheag BhrÃ gair

This rocky shelf, the rocks on the shore below, and a couple of offshore rocks, are the only land in this square.

Anne Burgess

Sgeir MhÃ²r

The grid line bisects these rock outcrops just off Aird Bheag Bhràgair.

Anne Burgess

Aird Bheag BhrÃ gair

Looking down on the rocky shelf shown in NB2750 : Aird Bheag Bhràgair.

Anne Burgess

Small beach east of Rubha Gharsan

Rob Burke

Iuchair

Like much of this coast, the sea has made deep cuts into the headland. See NB2649 : Coastal rubbish dump for a close up of the old rubbish dump in the nearer cut.

Rob Burke

Coastal rubbish dump

The sea used to be a convenient disposal point for all island rubbish. Here there are the remains of buildings, vehicle parts, and wire fencing,

Rob Burke

Blow hole at Dunan Croir

The sea has cut a cave deep into the cliff, and then created a hole in the roof of the cave. The hole is 2 or 3m across, and the floor of the cave perhaps 10m below.

Rob Burke

Dunan Croir

This looks as if it might be a "little fort", hence the name. However Canmore reports that there is no evidence of artificial construction. There is the remains of a rectangular enclosure in the foreground, but again Canmore dryly notes "Not an antiquity".

Rob Burke

Bad stile near Labost

This type of stile is used throughout the coastal walk from Bragar to Siabost. It's an object lesson in how not to make a stile. Firstly the single step is much too high, as demonstrated by my able assistant. It risks pulled muscles, climbing up or jumping down. Secondly, as everyone has to pull on the top bar to climb up, the bar soon breaks off. Half the stiles on this part of the walk had lost the bar. Once the bar comes off, the rest of the stile becomes unstable because the legs are long and there is no cross bracing. Next, the mortice joint attaching the step to the back legs is too shallow. After we climbed over one stile, we found that the joint had come unscrewed and only a 1cm edge of wood on the wonky stile stopped it from collapsing. Finally, to add damage to injury, the barbed wire of the fence is uncovered, so it catches rucsacks as you jump off.

Rob Burke

Footbridge over Loch Ordais outflow

This footbridge gives access to the coastal walk west from the car park at Bragar.

Rob Burke

War graves at Bragar cemetery

There are several war graves in the cemetery. Sadly, half of them bear the date 1st January 1919. 205 men returning to Lewis were drowned in the Iolaire disaster close to Stornoway. The grave in the foreground has an even later date, 26 October 1919. Donald Morrison served on HMS Pontefract, a minesweeper, and died in an accident.

Rob Burke