Carsaig Arches

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Argyllshire

Scotland

Carsaig Arches

Rocky coastline near Malcolm's Point Credit: Steven Brown

Carsaig Arches is a captivating coastal feature located in Argyllshire, Scotland. Situated on the western coast of the Isle of Mull, this natural wonder is known for its breathtaking arches sculpted by the relentless power of the ocean. The site is positioned on a rocky headland, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape.

The arches at Carsaig Arches are the result of thousands of years of erosion caused by the crashing waves and strong currents. The rock formations are made of basalt, a volcanic rock that gives them a unique appearance. The arches vary in size and shape, with some towering several meters high and others creating picturesque frames against the vast expanse of the sea.

Visitors to Carsaig Arches can access the site by following a scenic coastal path that winds its way along the rugged coastline. The path offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and sea stacks, providing a wonderful opportunity for nature lovers and photographers alike.

The area surrounding Carsaig Arches is teeming with wildlife. Seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills can be spotted nesting on the cliffs, while seals and otters occasionally frolic in the nearby waters.

Due to its remote location and the challenging terrain, it is recommended to visit Carsaig Arches with caution and appropriate footwear. It is also advisable to check the tide times, as the arches can only be fully appreciated during low tide when they are not submerged by the sea.

In conclusion, Carsaig Arches in Argyllshire offers a mesmerizing display of nature's power and beauty. Its unique rock formations and stunning coastal views make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Isle of Mull.

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Carsaig Arches Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.292825/-6.0515344 or Grid Reference NM4918. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rocky coastline near Malcolm's Point

Steven Brown

Waterfall in the cliffs near Carsaig

Steven Brown

Cnocan Buidhe

Bagged on the way to Creachan Mòr with two likely high spots visited with Jim Bloomer. Name: Cnocan Buidhe Hill number: 102188 Height: 295m / 968ft Area: 17E: Mull and Nearby Islands Class: 2 Grid ref: NM 50626 19627 Summit feature: grassy knoll Drop: 30m Col: 265m NM498197

Rude Health

Path to Carsaig

Following in the footsteps of David Balfour, the hero of Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped, as he makes his way back to Edinburgh to confront his wicked uncle. Stage 1, June 2016 from Erraid to Fishnish on the Isle of Mull. See Link

Mick Garratt

Coast below Cnocan Buidhe

Mick Garratt

Coast below Cnocan Buidhe

Mick Garratt

Mull's south coast north-east of Malcolm's Point

Steep grassy slopes below a vertical cliff running down to rocks at the sea shore. Malcolm's Point and the Carsaig Arches lie to the right, out of the image - and down below of course! A Geograph recorded for NM5018 from the only possible accessible point above the rock face by lying flat to the ground with a camera held over the cliff edge.

Trevor Littlewood

Rock block at cliff edge

This striking feature is at the crag rim of the south side of the Ross of Mull south-east of the hill top, Creachan Mòr. An easy ascent can be made by following the narrow grass rib above the exposed soil, then by a simple scramble.

Trevor Littlewood

View to Carsaig Arches

Steven Brown

Narrow path to the second Carsaig arch

Steven Brown

Narrow steep path near the Carsaig Arches

Steven Brown

By Steamer To Iona - 4th June 2012 : Malcolm's Point Ahead

Steaming back from Iona to Oban on a perfect Hebridean afternoon, the paddle steamer Waverley is heading towards the prominent cliffs of Malcolm's Point on the south coast of Mull.

Richard West

Creachan MÃ²r

Second Marilyn on a cool and windy morning with hale showers with Jim Bloomer. Name: Creachan Mòr Hill number: 1326 Height: 331m / 1086ft Area: 17E: Mull and Nearby Islands Class: Ma,3 Grid ref: NM 49621 19565 Summit feature: cairn Drop: 165m Col: 166m NM518205

Rude Health

Adder In Moorland

I almost stood on this adder on the upper moorland slopes of Creachan Mòr.

Rude Health

Carsaig Arch

Although the map (and lots of guidebooks) use the name "Carsaig Arches", in reality this is the one arch, whilst the other is far more of a cave with landward and seaward entrances. Both are formed in Tertiary basalt lava flows. Either can be entered on foot from the land side at low tide, whilst high tide (and a reasonable disregard for the integrity of your hull if there's any swell) is needed for entry by boat from the sea. The tide was fairly well in on our visit, so the arch was easy enough, and one could even have landed on the shingle beach inside. The cave was harder by boat, but easy from the shore side if you didn't mind ankle-deep rotting seaweed... The arch is by far the more delicate of the two, with a narrow span and a teetering stack on the top which looks as though it might blow over in a bit of a breeze ! This whole section of coast offers splendid rock-hopping from a sea kayak and some pretty rough walking - getting tougher further west. To land and inspect the arches, it's easiest behind the small headland to the left of this photo, where a steep cobble beach allows one to gain the shore and drag boats above the high tide line. However, it would be punishing in any amount of swell, as the gradient would guarantee dumping surf and a hard landing ! Should you become stranded, feral goats would provide an excellent diet if you could find enough driftwood to cook...

Andy Waddington