A' Chearc

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

A' Chearc

One of the Gamhnaichean Rocks Na Gamhnaichean are skerries off the south west of Soay. The birds on this southern part of the rocks are shags. — One of the Gamhnaichean Rocks Credit: John Allan

A' Chearc is a prominent coastal feature located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. It is a headland or point that juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Situated on the western coast of Scotland, A' Chearc is characterized by its rugged cliffs, rocky outcrops, and a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The headland is known for its dramatic landscape, with steep cliffs rising from the sea below. These cliffs provide nesting grounds for seabirds like gulls, fulmars, and kittiwakes, making it an important site for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The area is also home to a variety of marine life, including seals and dolphins, which can often be spotted swimming in the waters around A' Chearc.

The headland is accessible via a well-maintained footpath, which allows visitors to explore its unique geology and take in the breathtaking coastal views. The path winds its way along the cliff edge, offering stunning vistas of the ocean and the surrounding countryside.

A' Chearc is a popular destination for hikers and photographers, who are drawn to its natural beauty and rugged charm. The headland's remote location and unspoiled landscape make it a peaceful and tranquil spot to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Overall, A' Chearc is a picturesque coastal feature that showcases the raw beauty of the Scottish coastline. Whether it's for birdwatching, exploring nature, or simply enjoying the scenic views, this headland offers a memorable experience for all who visit.

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A' Chearc Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.126642/-6.2441039 or Grid Reference NG4311. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

One of the Gamhnaichean Rocks

Na Gamhnaichean are skerries off the south west of Soay. The birds on this southern part of the rocks are shags.

John Allan

The home of Thunderbird 6?

Though the perfect shape suggests a man-made structure, this is a natural sea-cave in the sandstone, home to nothing more exotic than a colony of noisy guillemots. Hidden under the grass above is a volcanic sill, which may help to support the roof.

Toby Speight

Cormorants occupying a tidal rock

Just a small skerry, with Soay behind (and Skye behind that, if it weren't so misty!).

Toby Speight

Rocky cove

This is one of the few weaknesses in the western cliffs where I was able to put ashore and look down from the top.

Toby Speight

Boggy valley

I wanted to have something interesting to say about this scene; about the best that I can manage is that it's probably the furthest point from the coast on the whole island (certainly the only place more than 1km from the sea).

Toby Speight

Loch Doir' a' Chreamha

On this warm and humid evening, the wildlife here (in the form of clegs) was very active - and vicious. I managed to snap this, then run for the safety of the sea...

Toby Speight

Submerged rock

I searched for a while at this low tide for the land, but it was still under water (by 100-110cm or so). It seems it's only exposed at spring tides, possibly only near the equinoxes. Here it is, anyway, visible through the fronds of seaweed that grow well in the shallow waters.

Toby Speight

An Coileach at very low tide

This small skerry is only 0.5m above chart datum, meaning it's only visible at low spring tide and even then only around the equinoxes. So a mission was hatched to photograph this square above the water at a vernal spring tide (reaching down to 0.1m). The rock appears to be granite (but may perhaps be Torridonian Sandstone, as is Soay). Soay is seen behind, and Skye behind that, with the tops of the southernmost Cuillin hills wreathed with cloud.

Toby Speight