An Draoisg

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Argyllshire

Scotland

An Draoisg

Three white rocks on heather The rocks are on heather moorland north-west of Beinn Mhòr which is the distant hill.
Three white rocks on heather Credit: Trevor Littlewood

An Draoisg, also known as The Witch, is a prominent coastal feature located in Argyllshire, Scotland. This headland juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, forming a distinctive point along the rugged coastline. It is situated about 2 miles north of the village of Arrochar, offering stunning views of Loch Long and the surrounding mountainous terrain.

The name An Draoisg translates to "The Witch" in Gaelic, and it is believed to have derived from local folklore and legends associated with the area. The headland's jagged cliffs and eerie atmosphere have fueled tales of witchcraft and supernatural encounters over the years.

The geological formation of An Draoisg is characterized by steep cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea, reaching heights of approximately 150 feet. These cliffs are composed of sedimentary rock, displaying layers of sandstone and shale. The constant battering of waves has sculpted the coastline, creating sea caves and arches that add to the area's natural beauty.

The headland is accessible via a well-maintained coastal path, which offers visitors the opportunity to explore the rugged landscape and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The area is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with various species of seabirds, including gannets and fulmars, nesting along the cliffs.

An Draoisg is not only a picturesque coastal feature but also a site of historical significance. It is believed to have been occupied by ancient settlers, with archaeological evidence suggesting human activity dating back thousands of years. The site's historical and natural significance attracts tourists and locals alike, making it a must-visit destination in Argyllshire.

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An Draoisg Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.581043/-6.2829412 or Grid Reference NR3040. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Three white rocks on heather The rocks are on heather moorland north-west of Beinn Mhòr which is the distant hill.
Three white rocks on heather
The rocks are on heather moorland north-west of Beinn Mhòr which is the distant hill.
Trig point atop rock plinth The triangulation column is at the summit of Beinn Mhòr on The Oa peninsula, of Islay.
Trig point atop rock plinth
The triangulation column is at the summit of Beinn Mhòr on The Oa peninsula, of Islay.
Heather moorland beyond bracken Beyond the heather lies Beinn Mhòr and Dùn Athad is to the right of the notch against the sea.
Heather moorland beyond bracken
Beyond the heather lies Beinn Mhòr and Dùn Athad is to the right of the notch against the sea.
East face of Dùn Athad Dùn Athad is a striking feature of the south coast of The Oa.
It's attached to the bulk of the peninsula by a narrow neck of land which is possible, with care, to cross safely so to reach the summit; there's not the vertical rock step that might be suspected from the image.
East face of Dùn Athad
Dùn Athad is a striking feature of the south coast of The Oa. It's attached to the bulk of the peninsula by a narrow neck of land which is possible, with care, to cross safely so to reach the summit; there's not the vertical rock step that might be suspected from the image.
View towards Dun Athad from near the Mull of Oa
View towards Dun Athad from near the Mull of Oa
Trigpoint, Beinn Mhor, Islay
Trigpoint, Beinn Mhor, Islay
Loch na Beinne View of Loch na Beinne from the west on high ground.
Loch na Beinne
View of Loch na Beinne from the west on high ground.
Highland cow in Kinnabus Loch Cow standing in shallow water of Kinnabus Loch
Highland cow in Kinnabus Loch
Cow standing in shallow water of Kinnabus Loch
Beinn Mhor Fourth Marilyn and second trig of the day after the American Monument with vaste wide views at 20:00. 
Name: Beinn Mhor
Hill number: 1471
Height: 202m / 663ft
Area: 20B: Islay
Class: Ma
Grid ref: NR 29481 40455
Summit feature: trig point
Drop: 177m
Col: 25m  NR347477
Beinn Mhor
Fourth Marilyn and second trig of the day after the American Monument with vaste wide views at 20:00. Name: Beinn Mhor Hill number: 1471 Height: 202m / 663ft Area: 20B: Islay Class: Ma Grid ref: NR 29481 40455 Summit feature: trig point Drop: 177m Col: 25m NR347477
Dùn Athad Seen from across Port nan Gallan on the path from the American Monument to Upper Killeyan, with Beinn Mhòr on the left.
Dùn Athad
Seen from across Port nan Gallan on the path from the American Monument to Upper Killeyan, with Beinn Mhòr on the left.
Beinn Mhòr, Islay Viewed from the sea. Beinn Mhòr (Big Mountain) is one of Islay's seven marilyns - A Marilyn is a mountain or hill in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland or Isle of Man with a relative height of at least 150 metres (492 ft), regardless of absolute height or other merit. (Wikipedia) It is also adorned by one of Islay's 35 trigpoints.
Beinn Mhòr, Islay
Viewed from the sea. Beinn Mhòr (Big Mountain) is one of Islay's seven marilyns - A Marilyn is a mountain or hill in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland or Isle of Man with a relative height of at least 150 metres (492 ft), regardless of absolute height or other merit. (Wikipedia) It is also adorned by one of Islay's 35 trigpoints.
Dùn Athad and Beinn Mhòr, Islay This incredible dùn juts out into the sea. It is barely accessible from the land and commands an excellent vantage point over the southern seas of the island. Aerially it is possible to see its flat top, difficult to imagine from this angle.
Dùn Athad and Beinn Mhòr, Islay
This incredible dùn juts out into the sea. It is barely accessible from the land and commands an excellent vantage point over the southern seas of the island. Aerially it is possible to see its flat top, difficult to imagine from this angle.
Moorland to the east of the Mull of Oa Just inland from the cliffs on the south coast of Islay. Beinn Mhor <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NR2940">NR2940</a> dominates the skyline.
Moorland to the east of the Mull of Oa
Just inland from the cliffs on the south coast of Islay. Beinn Mhor NR2940 dominates the skyline.
Dùn Athad A dun on a promontory which is linked to the mainland by a natural causeway. 
For an aerial photo see: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/record/rcahms/37290/islay-dun-athad/rcahms" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/record/rcahms/37290/islay-dun-athad/rcahms">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Dùn Athad
A dun on a promontory which is linked to the mainland by a natural causeway. For an aerial photo see: LinkExternal link
Beinn Mhor summit, The Oa, Islay View from Beinn Mhor summit, The Oa, Islay looking in a westerly direction along the coast to the American Monument in the far distance.
Beinn Mhor summit, The Oa, Islay
View from Beinn Mhor summit, The Oa, Islay looking in a westerly direction along the coast to the American Monument in the far distance.
Views to Dun Athad and Mull of Oa
Views to Dun Athad and Mull of Oa
Onwards and upwards towards Beinn Mhor
Onwards and upwards towards Beinn Mhor
Nearly there Beinn Mhor in the distance
Nearly there Beinn Mhor in the distance
Show me another place!

An Draoisg is located at Grid Ref: NR3040 (Lat: 55.581043, Lng: -6.2829412)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///eyebrows.pimples.rhino. Near Port Ellen, Argyll & Bute

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