Geodh' an Toa

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Ross-shire

Scotland

Geodh' an Toa

Rough grazing fields and peat cutting next to the A857
Rough grazing fields and peat cutting next to the A857 Credit: David Gearing

Geodh' an Toa is a prominent coastal feature located in Ross-shire, Scotland. It is a headland or point that extends into the North Sea and is characterized by its rugged and dramatic cliffs. The name Geodh' an Toa translates to "Bay of the Axe" in English, which may refer to the jagged rocks and steep cliffs that resemble the shape of an axe.

The coastal feature is known for its stunning natural beauty and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The cliffs, which are formed from layers of sedimentary rock, rise steeply from the sea, creating a striking contrast with the deep blue waters below. The constant erosion and weathering of these cliffs have also revealed interesting geological formations, such as sea caves and arches.

Geodh' an Toa is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers who enjoy exploring the rugged coastline. Visitors can follow coastal trails that wind along the cliffs, offering panoramic vistas of the sea and nearby landscapes. The headland is also home to a diverse range of bird species, including sea birds such as gulls, kittiwakes, and fulmars.

Due to its exposed location, Geodh' an Toa can experience harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and rough seas. Therefore, it is important for visitors to exercise caution and be prepared when visiting the area.

Overall, Geodh' an Toa is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the natural beauty and geological diversity of Ross-shire's coastline.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Geodh' an Toa Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.455817/-6.3705211 or Grid Reference NB4560. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rough grazing fields and peat cutting next to the A857
Rough grazing fields and peat cutting next to the A857
Rough grazing in Lewis With the Atlantic Ocean in the background.
Rough grazing in Lewis
With the Atlantic Ocean in the background.
Old field walls on northern slope of Cnoc Thorabroc The walls of this field, close to the coast, have been overgrown. Field features some lazy beds.
Old field walls on northern slope of Cnoc Thorabroc
The walls of this field, close to the coast, have been overgrown. Field features some lazy beds.
Geodh'an Toa and headland at Tobha Ghabhsainn Geodh'an Toa with Tobha Ghabhsainn behind. Small stone beach is near entrance to cave. Viewed from a sheep track at cliff edge at Druim o Thuath
Geodh'an Toa and headland at Tobha Ghabhsainn
Geodh'an Toa with Tobha Ghabhsainn behind. Small stone beach is near entrance to cave. Viewed from a sheep track at cliff edge at Druim o Thuath
Gabhsann bho Thuath (North Galson) A dark threatening sky above the houses at Gabhsann bho Thuath heralds the next vicious squall on a blustery day.
Gabhsann bho Thuath (North Galson)
A dark threatening sky above the houses at Gabhsann bho Thuath heralds the next vicious squall on a blustery day.
Near Gabhsann Lines of breaking waves, and storm clouds building over the land, on a wild day on the west coast of Leòdhas near Gabhsann (Galson).
Near Gabhsann
Lines of breaking waves, and storm clouds building over the land, on a wild day on the west coast of Leòdhas near Gabhsann (Galson).
Reidheadal The map shows as Reidheadal a gap in the rocks offshore here. It is hard to believe that such a place could have been used enough to acquire a name, given how exposed it is to the north-west. The sunshine is more an illusion than a reality - it was merely a gap between sharp squalls of blustery rain - and the next storm clouds are building over the sea.
Reidheadal
The map shows as Reidheadal a gap in the rocks offshore here. It is hard to believe that such a place could have been used enough to acquire a name, given how exposed it is to the north-west. The sunshine is more an illusion than a reality - it was merely a gap between sharp squalls of blustery rain - and the next storm clouds are building over the sea.
Surf! Waves breaking as they roll in towards the west coast of Leòdhas near Gabhsann. In fact the sea bed west of the Hebrides mostly slopes very gently, so the waves here are not nearly as impressive as they might be further south where there are sea cliffs.
Surf!
Waves breaking as they roll in towards the west coast of Leòdhas near Gabhsann. In fact the sea bed west of the Hebrides mostly slopes very gently, so the waves here are not nearly as impressive as they might be further south where there are sea cliffs.
Foreshore at Gabhsann Beyond the Lewisian gneiss of the rocky shore, the white horses show that the wind is blowing at least Force 4-5.
Foreshore at Gabhsann
Beyond the Lewisian gneiss of the rocky shore, the white horses show that the wind is blowing at least Force 4-5.
Gabhsann bho Deas Water from a nearby spring has carved a gap in the dunes, providing a peaceful frame for a view of a wild sea. The yellow flowers are Marsh Marigold, also known as Kingcups (Caltha palustris) which are typical of wet habitats like this.
Gabhsann bho Deas
Water from a nearby spring has carved a gap in the dunes, providing a peaceful frame for a view of a wild sea. The yellow flowers are Marsh Marigold, also known as Kingcups (Caltha palustris) which are typical of wet habitats like this.
Galson: the A857 from Ness The A857 approaches Galson from the north, going into a dip where it crosses the river, Abhainn Gabhsann bho Thuath (i.e. north Galson river, Ghabsann equating to Galson).
Galson: the A857 from Ness
The A857 approaches Galson from the north, going into a dip where it crosses the river, Abhainn Gabhsann bho Thuath (i.e. north Galson river, Ghabsann equating to Galson).
East of Loch Barabhat Rough moorland typical of this area of Lewis.
East of Loch Barabhat
Rough moorland typical of this area of Lewis.
Abhainn Ghabhsainn bho Dheas With a small bridge over the burn.
Abhainn Ghabhsainn bho Dheas
With a small bridge over the burn.
Storm beach At the mouth of Abhainn Ghabhsainn bho Dheas.
Storm beach
At the mouth of Abhainn Ghabhsainn bho Dheas.
Grazing Land Overlooking the Atlantic Southwest of the townships of Cros and Dail bho Dheas.
Grazing Land Overlooking the Atlantic
Southwest of the townships of Cros and Dail bho Dheas.
Roofless Post Office The Post Office is actually housed within the Guest House
Roofless Post Office
The Post Office is actually housed within the Guest House
Road and Drystane Dyke With the Atlantic beyond.
Road and Drystane Dyke
With the Atlantic beyond.
Croftland at Gabhsann The township of Gabhsann consists of two settlements, Gabhsann bho Dheas and Gabhsann bho Thuath.
Croftland at Gabhsann
The township of Gabhsann consists of two settlements, Gabhsann bho Dheas and Gabhsann bho Thuath.
Show me another place!

Geodh' an Toa is located at Grid Ref: NB4560 (Lat: 58.455817, Lng: -6.3705211)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///fears.cunning.cleanser. Near North Tolsta, Na h-Eileanan Siar

Related Wikis

South Galson

South Galson is a settlement on the northwest coast of the Isle of Lewis in the Western Isles of Scotland. It is 11 km southwest of Port of Ness. The Galson...

South Dell

South Dell (Scottish Gaelic: Dail-bho-Dheas) is a village on the Isle of Lewis in the community of Ness, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. South Dell is...

North Dell

North Dell (Scottish Gaelic: Dail bho Thuath) is a village on the Isle of Lewis in the community of Ness, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. North Dell is...

Cross, Lewis

Cross (Scottish Gaelic: Cros) is a township on the Isle of Lewis in the community of Ness, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Cross is within the parish...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.455817,-6.3705211
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Lat/Long: 58.45691/-6.37073
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Lat/Long: 58.45715/-6.37022
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Lat/Long: 58.45756/-6.3653
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Geodh' an Toa?

Leave your review of Geodh' an Toa below (or comments, questions and feedback).