Airigh Ard

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Ross-shire

Scotland

Airigh Ard

Shore at Cuidhir Rocky shoreline backed by equally rocky hills at the Cuidhir road end. — Shore at Cuidhir Credit: Colin Smith

Airigh Ard is a picturesque coastal feature located in Ross-shire, Scotland. It is characterized as a headland or point that juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. The name "Airigh Ard" translates to "high shieling" in Gaelic, reflecting the elevated position of the headland.

Situated on the western coast of Ross-shire, Airigh Ard boasts rugged cliffs that stand tall against the crashing waves. These cliffs are composed of various rock formations, including sandstone and limestone, which have been shaped by the relentless force of the ocean over time. The headland is also surrounded by pristine, sandy beaches, providing a perfect spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and beachcombing.

The area surrounding Airigh Ard is rich in wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Seabird colonies, such as puffins and gannets, can be observed nesting on the cliffs during the breeding season. Visitors may also catch a glimpse of seals basking on the rocks or dolphins gracefully swimming offshore.

Access to Airigh Ard is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading to the headland. This path meanders through rolling green hills, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. A small parking area is available nearby, making it convenient for visitors to explore this natural wonder.

With its dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and abundant wildlife, Airigh Ard is a true gem of Ross-shire's coastline. Whether one seeks tranquility, breathtaking scenery, or a chance to immerse themselves in nature, this coastal feature has something to offer to all who venture there.

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Airigh Ard Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.143251/-6.4203157 or Grid Reference NB3925. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shore at Cuidhir

Rocky shoreline backed by equally rocky hills at the Cuidhir road end.

Colin Smith

Evening at Cuidhir

Rowing boat, in the evening sunshine, pulled up onto the grass above the small, rocky cove at Cuidhir.

Colin Smith

Grimshader Salmon Farm

Marine Harvest - Arachas Bhratan Griomshadair. Sea loch industry on the shores of Loch Griomsiadair.

Colin Smith

Loch Griomsiadair

Yacht and lobster boat moored in the sheltered sea loch at Grimshader which is also used for salmon farming.

Colin Smith

Crosbost Jetty

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Ralph Greig

Loch Grimshader

Ordnance survey maps show two Loch Grimshaders! One is the sea loch as shown on NB3925; the second is this small freshwater loch in the village of Grimshader. It seems likely that the ordnance survey got it wrong many years ago when it first named the sea loch as Loch Grimshader. Its name was originally Loch Hurnavay. This freshwater loch has a small island in it. Although I have found no archaeological reference to it, I suspect that the island is possibly a crannog, as it has a sunken overgrown interior within a ring of large stones and boulders. The loch is good for brown trout and eels. The village, Grimshader, takes its name from the Norse, and means Grim's summer pasture.

londonaye

Grimshader's 'Peat Road'

This track is used by local crofters to reach their flocks grazing on the open moorland, and by some villagers who cut peat for fuel.

londonaye

Peat Cuttings, Bog Cotton and Water Tower

The peat cuttings just right of centre in this photograph were, until recently, worked by Torcuil MacRath (Torquil MacRae), a Gaelic poet and author of some distinction who died late in 2006. A wonderful character and a good neighbour, it was our privilege and pleasure to count him as a friend during the few years my family and I have lived here. I now work these peat cuttings myself. While much of the UK has suffered a wet spring and summer in 2007, the weather on the Isle of Lewis has been relatively dry. Perhaps this accounts for the fine crop of bog cotton seen on the moorland this year. On the horizon is a water tower, no longer used.

londonaye

Loch nan Capull

Loch nan Capull (the loch of the colt). A reasonably good trout loch.

londonaye

Wrecked car at end of the peat road

This car graces the far end of Grimshaders peat road. Although the tyres appear in good order, it is probable that the vehicle would fail its MoT on other counts.

londonaye

Loch Beinn Bhreac

This loch is unusual in that no streams run into it, and no (surface) streams run out of it, as it is drained by an underground stream running through the peat. It is not believed to contain any fish.

londonaye