Sgeir nam Bàirneach

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Argyllshire

Scotland

Sgeir nam Bàirneach

Igneous escarpment above Balmeanach Tertiary lava flows dominate the view but there are surviving sedimentary rocks, including chalk, here from before the volcanoes, this has led to good farmland along the coast and on Inch Kenneth. — Igneous escarpment above Balmeanach Credit: Richard Webb

Sgeir nam Bàirneach is a prominent coastal feature located in Argyllshire, Scotland. It is known as a headland or point, jutting out into the sea and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Situated along the rugged coastline, Sgeir nam Bàirneach is characterized by its rocky cliffs and outcrops. The headland is formed by the erosion of the underlying rock layers, which have been shaped over time by the relentless force of the ocean. The exposed rocks provide a glimpse into the geological history of the region, with layers of sedimentary rock visible in some areas.

The headland is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The hardy vegetation that clings to the cliffs includes species such as sea thrift, sea campion, and heather, adding a splash of color to the otherwise stark landscape. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, with seals often spotted basking on the rocks and seabirds soaring overhead.

Sgeir nam Bàirneach is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The headland offers excellent opportunities for hiking and exploring, with several walking trails that wind their way along the coast. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea, with the Isle of Mull visible in the distance on clear days.

Overall, Sgeir nam Bàirneach is a captivating coastal feature in Argyllshire, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, geological interest, and recreational opportunities. It is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a glimpse of Scotland's stunning coastline.

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Sgeir nam Bàirneach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.430637/-6.1432805 or Grid Reference NM4434. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Igneous escarpment above Balmeanach

Tertiary lava flows dominate the view but there are surviving sedimentary rocks, including chalk, here from before the volcanoes, this has led to good farmland along the coast and on Inch Kenneth.

Richard Webb

Old milepost

One of the remaining mileposts on the B8035 road from Salen southwards to join the A849 for the 38 miles from Salen to Fionnphort and the Iona Ferry jetty. These posts on Mull made by Smith, Patterson of Blaydon are the only ones known to have been cast at that foundry that have a date, 1897. This post is on the west side of the road north of Balnahard.

John Hicks

Marshy ground below the B8035 near An Sithean

Looking towards a farmstead at Balmeanach in square NM4433.

Rod Allday

Inch Kenneth from Gribun

Field gate and track leading from the B8035 at Gribun, Mull, down to the Loch opposite Inch Kenneth island

Peter Evans

Gribun sheep

Very inquisitive and/or hungry sheep along the B8035 at Gribun, Mull - February 2016

Peter Evans

Gribun cattle

Cattle around a ring-feeder on ground below the B8035 at Gribun, Mull. Inch Kenneth island is across the water and Little Colonsay further off to the left.

Peter Evans

Road near Clachandhu

Peter Moore

Start of the downhill section of the B8073 to Loch na Keal

Peter Moore

In the hairpins on the B8035

Peter Moore

Cliffs on Mull

The road passes directly below these cliffs. It is very narrow with passing places so you hope not to meet something large coming the other way.

Malcolm Neal

Coastal road on Mull

There are a number of images taken along the Allt na Teangaidh, eg NM4532 : Allt na Teangaidh. This bridge, with a rivet benchmark NM4532 : Benchmark on a bridge parapet at the end of the parapet, is over an unnamed tributary flowing from the cliffs of A Mhaol. The view is along the A8035 (which runs out of the square in about 150m) to the small island of Inch Kenneth and the larger island of Ulva beyond.

Neville Goodman

Benchmark on a bridge parapet

The OS description is NBM RIVET NE PARA BR NW END. The bridge parapet and the view from it are shown in NM4532 : Coastal road on Mull.

Neville Goodman

On the bridge over the Alltan na Caillich

This is looking SE to the fantastic scenery (partly obscured by mist) that overlooks the A8035 and the coast of this part of Mull. The red-roofed house features in NM4534 : Corrugated House by the B8035 and NM4534 : Corrugated iron house at Balnahard. There is a rivet benchmark NM4534 : A well indicated benchmark on the right hand edge of the stone with the large patch of whitish lichen on its left hand edge.

Neville Goodman

A well indicated benchmark

The arrow of this rivet benchmark is really obvious, unlike many. The OS description is: RIVET E PARA BR OVER ALLTAN NA CAILLICH 1.3M N END. The bridge is shown in NM4534 : On the bridge over the Alltan na Caillich.

Neville Goodman

Marvellous scenery on the Mull coast

The scenery here is wonderful. This bridge NM4535 : Road towards the Bungalow, Loch na Keal over an unnamed stream has a rivet benchmark NM4535 : Benchmark and lichen on it.

Neville Goodman

Benchmark and lichen

The lichen is doing a good job of very slowly obscuring the accompanying arrow of this rivet benchmark (OS description: RIVET E PARA BR 1.3M N END). The bridge parapet is shown in NM4535 : Marvellous scenery on the Mull coast.

Neville Goodman

View to Inch Kenneth

Beyond the parapet of this bridge over an unnamed stream is a narrow strip of coast and a view to Inch Kenneth two squares to the west. There is a rivet benchmark NM4535 : Benchmark on bridge parapet on the central stone of the parapet.

Neville Goodman