Stac Gorm

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Argyllshire

Scotland

Stac Gorm

Moorland beside unsurfaced road to RSPB reserve A minor road crosses the peninsula of The Oa eventually becoming unsurfaced and presumably unadopted. It reaches the RSPB reserve after a kilometre or so of rough motoring.
Moorland beside unsurfaced road to RSPB reserve Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Stac Gorm is a prominent coastal feature located in Argyllshire, Scotland. Situated on the western coast of the mainland, this headland or point is known for its stunning natural beauty and striking geological formations.

Rising proudly from the surrounding sea, Stac Gorm is a distinctive headland that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Its name, derived from the Gaelic language, translates to "Blue Stack," which aptly reflects the deep blue hue of the rock formations that make up this feature.

The headland is characterized by its rugged cliffs and steep slopes, which provide a dramatic backdrop to the crashing waves below. The rock formations are predominantly composed of basalt, a type of volcanic rock, giving Stac Gorm its unique appearance. Over the centuries, the relentless force of the ocean has carved sea caves, arches, and stacks into the cliffs, further adding to its allure.

Stac Gorm is not only visually striking but also serves as an important habitat for various bird species. The cliffs provide nesting grounds for seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, and puffins. Their presence adds a lively and dynamic element to the already captivating landscape.

Due to its natural beauty and ecological significance, Stac Gorm attracts nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers alike. Visitors can explore the headland via designated walking trails or by boat, allowing them to fully appreciate the grandeur of this coastal feature. The panoramic views from Stac Gorm are truly breathtaking, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the wild and rugged beauty of Scotland's coastline.

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Stac Gorm Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.612058/-6.3322049 or Grid Reference NR2743. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Moorland beside unsurfaced road to RSPB reserve A minor road crosses the peninsula of The Oa eventually becoming unsurfaced and presumably unadopted. It reaches the RSPB reserve after a kilometre or so of rough motoring.
Moorland beside unsurfaced road to RSPB reserve
A minor road crosses the peninsula of The Oa eventually becoming unsurfaced and presumably unadopted. It reaches the RSPB reserve after a kilometre or so of rough motoring.
Low hill on rough grazing from path to American Monument A path runs from the RSPB reserve at The Oa to the American Monument passing the low hill at the centre of the image on its south side.
Low hill on rough grazing from path to American Monument
A path runs from the RSPB reserve at The Oa to the American Monument passing the low hill at the centre of the image on its south side.
Old field boundary Grassed over dyke, Upper Killeyan.
Old field boundary
Grassed over dyke, Upper Killeyan.
Wetland, Upper Killeyan Beside the path to the American Monument.
Wetland, Upper Killeyan
Beside the path to the American Monument.
Path from the American Monument A waymarked path on the Mull of Oa.
Path from the American Monument
A waymarked path on the Mull of Oa.
Cliffs at the Mull of Oa These are the Oa cliffs looking north.
Cliffs at the Mull of Oa
These are the Oa cliffs looking north.
Car Park at the start of the route to the American Monument, Islay The route starts out as a track leaving the car park at the far end. Soon after this point a path leading to the American Monument leaves the track.
Car Park at the start of the route to the American Monument, Islay
The route starts out as a track leaving the car park at the far end. Soon after this point a path leading to the American Monument leaves the track.
Kissing Gate on the Path to the American Monument, Islay It's amazing how many different ways there are for opening gates and kissing gates. This was one of the more common ones.
Kissing Gate on the Path to the American Monument, Islay
It's amazing how many different ways there are for opening gates and kissing gates. This was one of the more common ones.
Killeyan Moorland View The settlement of Lower Killeyan is shown in the background, in the next square.
Killeyan Moorland View
The settlement of Lower Killeyan is shown in the background, in the next square.
Birdwatching On The Oa This popular birdwatching area is managed by the RSPB.
Birdwatching On The Oa
This popular birdwatching area is managed by the RSPB.
Cill Eathain The site near Killeyan lies on a natural terrace on the south bank of Abhainn Ghil. The roughly circular site enclosed by low turfed stony mounds contains the ruin of a medieval chapel.
Cill Eathain
The site near Killeyan lies on a natural terrace on the south bank of Abhainn Ghil. The roughly circular site enclosed by low turfed stony mounds contains the ruin of a medieval chapel.
Cill Eathain Chapel Site The site near Killeyan lies on a natural terrace on the south bank of Abhainn Ghil. The roughly circular site enclosed by low turfed stony mounds contains the ruin of a medieval chapel. It may also have been used as a burial ground. The Explorer Map shows it as a chapel and uses two small circles to indicate its location.
There’s another collection of stones nearby which might be related to Cill Eathain.
Cill Eathain Chapel Site
The site near Killeyan lies on a natural terrace on the south bank of Abhainn Ghil. The roughly circular site enclosed by low turfed stony mounds contains the ruin of a medieval chapel. It may also have been used as a burial ground. The Explorer Map shows it as a chapel and uses two small circles to indicate its location. There’s another collection of stones nearby which might be related to Cill Eathain.
At Cill Eathain The site near Killeyan lies on a natural terrace on the south bank of Abhainn Ghil. The roughly circular site enclosed by low turfed stony mounds contains the ruin of a medieval chapel from the 8th century. It may also have been used as a burial ground. The Explorer Map shows it as a chapel and uses two small circles to indicate its location.
Moorland sites like this are not always easy to find.
At Cill Eathain
The site near Killeyan lies on a natural terrace on the south bank of Abhainn Ghil. The roughly circular site enclosed by low turfed stony mounds contains the ruin of a medieval chapel from the 8th century. It may also have been used as a burial ground. The Explorer Map shows it as a chapel and uses two small circles to indicate its location. Moorland sites like this are not always easy to find.
Leacann Ruin The abandoned farm building at Leacann near Lower Killeyan.
Leacann Ruin
The abandoned farm building at Leacann near Lower Killeyan.
Killeyan Coastal View Looking over the moorland at Lower Killeyan towards its spectacular rocky coast.
Killeyan Coastal View
Looking over the moorland at Lower Killeyan towards its spectacular rocky coast.
From The Cairn Site At Lower Killeyan The rocky shore at Lower Killeyan viewed from a potentially interesting collection of stones on the moorland. The pile of stones could be a cairn related to the 8th century Cill Eathain chapel site nearby.
From The Cairn Site At Lower Killeyan
The rocky shore at Lower Killeyan viewed from a potentially interesting collection of stones on the moorland. The pile of stones could be a cairn related to the 8th century Cill Eathain chapel site nearby.
Moorland Cairn At Lower Killeyan This collection of stones lies near the medieval chapel site of Cill Eathain - see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6151273">NR2743 : Cill Eathain Chapel Site</a> It's not possible to tell if the two sites are related to each other.
Moorland Cairn At Lower Killeyan
This collection of stones lies near the medieval chapel site of Cill Eathain - see NR2743 : Cill Eathain Chapel Site It's not possible to tell if the two sites are related to each other.
At Lower Killeyan Visitors are asked to park here as space further on is very limited. The name Killeyan has been Anglicised from the Gaelic Cill Eathain, which refers to a medieval chapel and a burial ground - see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6151286">NR2743 : At Cill Eathain</a>
At Lower Killeyan
Visitors are asked to park here as space further on is very limited. The name Killeyan has been Anglicised from the Gaelic Cill Eathain, which refers to a medieval chapel and a burial ground - see NR2743 : At Cill Eathain
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Stac Gorm is located at Grid Ref: NR2743 (Lat: 55.612058, Lng: -6.3322049)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///stress.ribs.interrupt. Near Port Ellen, Argyll & Bute

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