An Crann

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Argyllshire

Scotland

An Crann

The summit of Beinn Oronsay A substantial and well-built cairn for a hill only 93m high.  But Oronsay is a popular island to visit. It is tidal, and can be easily walked to from Colonsay except near low tide. There are the ruins of an Augustinian priory nearby. And the hill is low, and an easy walk!

Just left of the cairn is Beinn Eibhne on the mainland of Colonsay.
The summit of Beinn Oronsay Credit: Michael Earnshaw

An Crann is a prominent headland located in Argyllshire, Scotland. Situated on the west coast, it is renowned for its rugged beauty and commanding views of the surrounding coastal landscape. The name "An Crann" translates to "The Tree" in Gaelic, possibly due to the solitary tree that once stood on the headland.

This coastal feature is characterized by its steep cliffs, which rise dramatically from the sea, reaching heights of up to 100 meters. These cliffs provide a nesting habitat for various seabird species, including gannets, puffins, and razorbills, making An Crann a popular spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

The headland offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area, with panoramic views of the vast Atlantic Ocean and the nearby islands of Mull and Jura. On clear days, visitors can even catch glimpses of the distant mountains of the Isle of Skye.

Access to An Crann is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading to the headland. The path meanders through picturesque coastal heathland, offering opportunities to spot wildflowers, such as heather and sea pink, as well as a diverse range of wildlife, including seals and dolphins.

Due to its exposed location, An Crann is subject to strong winds and rough seas, making it a popular spot for windsurfing and other water sports. However, caution is advised, as the currents can be treacherous, and the cliffs are dangerous to approach too closely.

Overall, An Crann is a stunning coastal feature that showcases the natural beauty of Argyllshire. Its towering cliffs, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking views make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

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An Crann Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.023116/-6.2719032 or Grid Reference NR3389. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The summit of Beinn Oronsay A substantial and well-built cairn for a hill only 93m high.  But Oronsay is a popular island to visit. It is tidal, and can be easily walked to from Colonsay except near low tide. There are the ruins of an Augustinian priory nearby. And the hill is low, and an easy walk!

Just left of the cairn is Beinn Eibhne on the mainland of Colonsay.
The summit of Beinn Oronsay
A substantial and well-built cairn for a hill only 93m high. But Oronsay is a popular island to visit. It is tidal, and can be easily walked to from Colonsay except near low tide. There are the ruins of an Augustinian priory nearby. And the hill is low, and an easy walk! Just left of the cairn is Beinn Eibhne on the mainland of Colonsay.
An Taigh Cearc (The Hen House) This small dwelling is of a type common in the eighteenth century
An Taigh Cearc (The Hen House)
This small dwelling is of a type common in the eighteenth century
Oronsay scarecrow Oronsay is an RSPB reserve which is farmed to encourage an increase in the population of corncrakes
Oronsay scarecrow
Oronsay is an RSPB reserve which is farmed to encourage an increase in the population of corncrakes
Stabilised walls in Oronsay Priory
Stabilised walls in Oronsay Priory
On the west coast of Oronsay All the important elements.  A bay, machair, the home farm and Priory, Benn Oronsay and ---surprise, surprise --- a small building marked only on the most detailed maps.
On the west coast of Oronsay
All the important elements. A bay, machair, the home farm and Priory, Benn Oronsay and ---surprise, surprise --- a small building marked only on the most detailed maps.
Track through the machair These tracks are used daily by the RSPB staff who run around the island in their vehicles checking the welfare of the animals and birds.
Track through the machair
These tracks are used daily by the RSPB staff who run around the island in their vehicles checking the welfare of the animals and birds.
Track to Oronsay Farm and House From this angle Oronsay Priory is hidden behind the buildings.  The field adjacent to the track is full of wildflowers for the corncrakes who were rather noisy!
Track to Oronsay Farm and House
From this angle Oronsay Priory is hidden behind the buildings. The field adjacent to the track is full of wildflowers for the corncrakes who were rather noisy!
Wildflower meadow, Oronsay Located in front of the rather fine Oronsay House. The meadows are designed to provide habitat for the corncrakes that are attracted to the area.
Wildflower meadow, Oronsay
Located in front of the rather fine Oronsay House. The meadows are designed to provide habitat for the corncrakes that are attracted to the area.
Tombstones at Oronsay Priory Eighteen years on since <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3096272">NR3488 : Tombstones at Oronsay Priory</a>.  Spot the difference!

One of the roofed buildings of Oronsay Priory contains an array of tombstones. Of the two raised off the floor one is reputed to be that of Sir Alexander Macdonald of Lochalsh, who died about 1498.
Tombstones at Oronsay Priory
Eighteen years on since NR3488 : Tombstones at Oronsay Priory. Spot the difference! One of the roofed buildings of Oronsay Priory contains an array of tombstones. Of the two raised off the floor one is reputed to be that of Sir Alexander Macdonald of Lochalsh, who died about 1498.
Oronsay Priory and Farm The priory is a Scheduled Monument (see <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM287" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM287">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> ).
Comparison with <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4403124">NR3488 : Oronsay Priory</a> shows that many of the farm buildings have been renovated since 1974.
Islay is on the horizon on the left.
Oronsay Priory and Farm
The priory is a Scheduled Monument (see LinkExternal link ). Comparison with NR3488 : Oronsay Priory shows that many of the farm buildings have been renovated since 1974. Islay is on the horizon on the left.
Bay on west coast of Oronsay
Bay on west coast of Oronsay
Sandy beach on the west coast of Oronsay
Sandy beach on the west coast of Oronsay
Cross at Oronsay Priory
Cross at Oronsay Priory
Small bothy on Oronsay The building was open but the only contents seemed to lead to its use being more to do with fishing than farming
Small bothy on Oronsay
The building was open but the only contents seemed to lead to its use being more to do with fishing than farming
Entrance to Oronsay Priory and Farm
Entrance to Oronsay Priory and Farm
Road on Oronsay
Road on Oronsay
Oronsay - the north side Rough grassland sloping gently down to the tidal channel separating Oronsay from Colonsay. The Ardkenish peninsula beyond.
Oronsay - the north side
Rough grassland sloping gently down to the tidal channel separating Oronsay from Colonsay. The Ardkenish peninsula beyond.
The approach to Oronsay House The cluster of buildings at the end of the main track on Oronsay include Oronsay House and farm, various cottages, and the ruins of the priory.
The approach to Oronsay House
The cluster of buildings at the end of the main track on Oronsay include Oronsay House and farm, various cottages, and the ruins of the priory.
Show me another place!

An Crann is located at Grid Ref: NR3389 (Lat: 56.023116, Lng: -6.2719032)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///payer.skims.worthy. Near Scalasaig, Argyll & Bute

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 56.023116,-6.2719032
Sloc Chroinn
Natural: bay
Source Name: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 56.0228629/-6.2734447
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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