Geodh' an t-Salainn

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Ross-shire

Scotland

Geodh' an t-Salainn

Chicken Head and Chicken Rock The rocks lying off Chicken Head are called Hen & Chickens and Cock Rock.  The paddle steamer HMS Lively ran aground on the rocks in 1883 and was wrecked (all aboard were rescued). The scattered wreckage of the Lively is marked by the yellow buoy at position 59°10.610’N, 06°15.467’W in depths up to 15 metres (<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.scottishshipwrecks.com/hms-lively/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.scottishshipwrecks.com/hms-lively/">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> Scottish Shipwrecks).
Chicken Head and Chicken Rock Credit: David Dixon

Geodh' an t-Salainn, located in Ross-shire, Scotland, is a prominent coastal feature known for its stunning headland and point. The name Geodh' an t-Salainn translates to "Salt Bay" in English, which aptly describes the area's proximity to the sea and its significance as a coastal landmark.

This headland juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. Geodh' an t-Salainn is characterized by its rugged cliffs, which rise majestically from the sea, providing a dramatic backdrop to the crashing waves below. The headland is composed of a variety of rock types, including sandstone, shale, and granite, lending to its unique geological features.

The area is also renowned for its rich biodiversity. Geodh' an t-Salainn is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including seabirds, marine mammals, and various coastal plants. Visitors can often spot colonies of seabirds nesting along the cliffs, including guillemots, kittiwakes, and razorbills. The surrounding waters are frequented by seals, dolphins, and occasionally even whales, adding to the area's natural beauty and appeal.

Hikers and nature enthusiasts are drawn to Geodh' an t-Salainn for its scenic walking trails, which provide opportunities to explore the headland's rugged terrain and take in the stunning vistas. The area is also popular with photographers, who capture the ever-changing moods of the sea and the striking interplay between land and water.

In summary, Geodh' an t-Salainn in Ross-shire is a captivating coastal feature, boasting a picturesque headland and point. Its rugged cliffs, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views make it a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Scotland's coastal landscapes.

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Geodh' an t-Salainn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.18824/-6.2669328 or Grid Reference NB4930. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Chicken Head and Chicken Rock The rocks lying off Chicken Head are called Hen & Chickens and Cock Rock.  The paddle steamer HMS Lively ran aground on the rocks in 1883 and was wrecked (all aboard were rescued). The scattered wreckage of the Lively is marked by the yellow buoy at position 59°10.610’N, 06°15.467’W in depths up to 15 metres (<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.scottishshipwrecks.com/hms-lively/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.scottishshipwrecks.com/hms-lively/">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> Scottish Shipwrecks).
Chicken Head and Chicken Rock
The rocks lying off Chicken Head are called Hen & Chickens and Cock Rock. The paddle steamer HMS Lively ran aground on the rocks in 1883 and was wrecked (all aboard were rescued). The scattered wreckage of the Lively is marked by the yellow buoy at position 59°10.610’N, 06°15.467’W in depths up to 15 metres (LinkExternal link Scottish Shipwrecks).
Isle of Lewis, cliffs on the Eye Peninsula
Isle of Lewis, cliffs on the Eye Peninsula
Site of Ancient Temple According to the map this area is the site of the remains of an ancient temple. Despite a lengthy search I couldn't find any sign of it but the view more than made up for the disappointment and the long hike!
Site of Ancient Temple
According to the map this area is the site of the remains of an ancient temple. Despite a lengthy search I couldn't find any sign of it but the view more than made up for the disappointment and the long hike!
The Muddy Pool Never have I been more disappointed. After walking a fair way to photograph Loch Cuilc I was confronted with this muddy pool. At first I thought I'd got the co-ordinates wrong but no....this is it!
The Muddy Pool
Never have I been more disappointed. After walking a fair way to photograph Loch Cuilc I was confronted with this muddy pool. At first I thought I'd got the co-ordinates wrong but no....this is it!
Chicken Head The red beacon marking Chicken Rock is seen centre of frame with Chicken Head prominent behind it and Eilean Croitach to extreme right.
The name of this headland is misleading in that in Old Norse it would have been "Kirk Ness" meaning the point or headland with a Church.
The Scottish Gaelic word for "chicken" is "Cearc" which is similar in pronunciation to "Kirk" (Church). The translations were mixed up so we have finished up with "Chicken Head" on the modern maps.
Chicken Head
The red beacon marking Chicken Rock is seen centre of frame with Chicken Head prominent behind it and Eilean Croitach to extreme right. The name of this headland is misleading in that in Old Norse it would have been "Kirk Ness" meaning the point or headland with a Church. The Scottish Gaelic word for "chicken" is "Cearc" which is similar in pronunciation to "Kirk" (Church). The translations were mixed up so we have finished up with "Chicken Head" on the modern maps.
The coastline in Geodh a Chuibhrig Suardail can be seen in the background
The coastline in Geodh a Chuibhrig
Suardail can be seen in the background
A burn on the common grazings
A burn on the common grazings
Chicken Rock Chicken Head and Eilean Crotach in distance.
Chicken Rock
Chicken Head and Eilean Crotach in distance.
Chicken Head Viewed from the causeway across to the Eye Peninsula.
Chicken Head
Viewed from the causeway across to the Eye Peninsula.
Bayble Hill trig
Bayble Hill trig
Road of  An Rubha
Road of An Rubha
Roads of An Rubha
Roads of An Rubha
Roads of An Rubha
Roads of An Rubha
Roads of An Rubha
Roads of An Rubha
Looking south from Cnoc towards the east coast of Lewis
Looking south from Cnoc
towards the east coast of Lewis
House with peat stack at Suardail This is one of several recently-built houses in the area.  The well-stocked peat stack belongs not to the house shown, but to its neighbour, just out of shot on the right.
House with peat stack at Suardail
This is one of several recently-built houses in the area. The well-stocked peat stack belongs not to the house shown, but to its neighbour, just out of shot on the right.
Buttercup invasion on the croft No longer worked, this croft is becoming overgrown.  A new house is being built on the neighbouring croft (right of photo).
Buttercup invasion on the croft
No longer worked, this croft is becoming overgrown. A new house is being built on the neighbouring croft (right of photo).
Church at An Cnoc [Knock] Lewis has some similarities to Wales with regard to the number of small churches scattered about.  However in Wales the majority would be Methodist chapels, whereas on Lewis they are almost all either Church of Scotland [Presbyterian] or Free Presbyterian. This particular building didn't even have a church sign or noticeboard, so I assume that it is a Free Presbyterian building.
Church at An Cnoc [Knock]
Lewis has some similarities to Wales with regard to the number of small churches scattered about. However in Wales the majority would be Methodist chapels, whereas on Lewis they are almost all either Church of Scotland [Presbyterian] or Free Presbyterian. This particular building didn't even have a church sign or noticeboard, so I assume that it is a Free Presbyterian building.
Show me another place!

Geodh' an t-Salainn is located at Grid Ref: NB4930 (Lat: 58.18824, Lng: -6.2669328)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///sums.gangway.outbursts. Near Stornoway, Na h-Eileanan Siar

Related Wikis

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.18824,-6.2669328
Turning Circle
Lat/Long: 58.1913144/-6.263892
Generator Method: wind_turbine
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: wind
Generator Type: horizontal_axis
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 58.1915761/-6.2689354
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1921321/-6.2654211
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.1926232/-6.2651015
Street Lamp
Lamp Type: electric
Lat/Long: 58.1910606/-6.2637743
Street Lamp
Lamp Type: electric
Lat/Long: 58.1913801/-6.2637032
Street Lamp
Lamp Type: electric
Lat/Long: 58.1917448/-6.2639137
Street Lamp
Lamp Type: electric
Lat/Long: 58.1920919/-6.2639339
Street Lamp
Lamp Type: electric
Lat/Long: 58.1924149/-6.2639406
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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