Alla Tolan

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Ross-shire

Scotland

Alla Tolan

Weary worker by the B895 In fact just a boulder dressed up with helmet and overalls. A bit of light relief in this moorland landscape on a cold, wet, windy May day. Five years later, and still there <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5802841">NB4943 : Weary worker still by the B895 near Griais, Isle of Lewis</a>.
Weary worker by the B895 Credit: M J Richardson

Alla Tolan is a prominent coastal feature located in Ross-shire, Scotland. It is an impressive headland that juts out into the North Sea, forming a distinct point along the coastline. This rugged and picturesque landscape is known for its dramatic cliffs, rocky outcrops, and stunning views of the surrounding sea.

The headland itself is characterized by its steep slopes, which are formed by layers of sedimentary rock, primarily sandstone and shale. Over time, the relentless action of waves and weathering has sculpted the cliffs into unique formations, adding to the allure of the area.

Alla Tolan is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers, offering a range of outdoor activities. The headland boasts several walking trails, providing access to the breathtaking coastal views and the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. Visitors can spot various seabirds, such as gulls, puffins, and fulmars, as well as seals and dolphins swimming in the waters below.

The headland's strategic location has also played a role in shaping its history. In the past, Alla Tolan served as a lookout point for potential invaders, and remnants of ancient fortifications can still be found scattered across the area. These historical landmarks add an extra layer of fascination to the site, attracting history enthusiasts and archaeologists.

Alla Tolan's natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the Ross-shire coastline. Whether it's admiring the stunning cliffs, observing wildlife, or delving into the area's past, this coastal feature offers a truly captivating experience for all.

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

Alla Tolan Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.304561/-6.2377146 or Grid Reference NB5142. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Weary worker by the B895 In fact just a boulder dressed up with helmet and overalls. A bit of light relief in this moorland landscape on a cold, wet, windy May day. Five years later, and still there <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5802841">NB4943 : Weary worker still by the B895 near Griais, Isle of Lewis</a>.
Weary worker by the B895
In fact just a boulder dressed up with helmet and overalls. A bit of light relief in this moorland landscape on a cold, wet, windy May day. Five years later, and still there NB4943 : Weary worker still by the B895 near Griais, Isle of Lewis.
Moorland on the flanks of Beinn Iobheir An uninspiring view of the Lewis landscape on a cold, wet, windy day.
Moorland on the flanks of Beinn Iobheir
An uninspiring view of the Lewis landscape on a cold, wet, windy day.
Weary worker still by the B895 near Griais, Isle of Lewis He's been hard at work for over five years now: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3467875">NB4943 : Weary worker by the B895</a>.

The B895 runs between the A857, to the north of Stornoway, and New Tolsta.
Weary worker still by the B895 near Griais, Isle of Lewis
He's been hard at work for over five years now: NB4943 : Weary worker by the B895. The B895 runs between the A857, to the north of Stornoway, and New Tolsta.
Geo below Cnoc nan Caorach, Isle of Lewis The oil rig in the distance is the Transocean Winner which ran aground on the west side of Lewis.  It is shown in Broad Bay/Loch a Tuath to where it has been towed for assessment before transportation to a repair yard.
Geo below Cnoc nan Caorach, Isle of Lewis
The oil rig in the distance is the Transocean Winner which ran aground on the west side of Lewis. It is shown in Broad Bay/Loch a Tuath to where it has been towed for assessment before transportation to a repair yard.
Coastline, Sròn Ruadh, Isle of Lewis
Coastline, Sròn Ruadh, Isle of Lewis
The old single-track road to Tolsta This road was formerly the main road to the village of Tolsta. It has been bypassed by the new double-track B895 and has fallen into disrepair. To the left are the electric pylons which carry the power supply to the village and behind them a more ancient source of power in the form of some disused peatbanks.
The old single-track road to Tolsta
This road was formerly the main road to the village of Tolsta. It has been bypassed by the new double-track B895 and has fallen into disrepair. To the left are the electric pylons which carry the power supply to the village and behind them a more ancient source of power in the form of some disused peatbanks.
Peat track leading into moorland east of B895 This is a section of peat track used to give tractors access to the peatbanks to collect the dried peats. Tractors are only used to transport the peats home, no other machines are traditionally used in cutting peats. On the horizon is the Eye Peninsula or Point as it is locally known.
Peat track leading into moorland east of B895
This is a section of peat track used to give tractors access to the peatbanks to collect the dried peats. Tractors are only used to transport the peats home, no other machines are traditionally used in cutting peats. On the horizon is the Eye Peninsula or Point as it is locally known.
Passing places on old Tolsta road This photo shows a section of the disused Gress-Tolsta road. It is a great detour from the main road to Tolsta and a wide variety of wildlife can be observed from it. It is a popular location for over night stays in motorhomes and caravans.
Passing places on old Tolsta road
This photo shows a section of the disused Gress-Tolsta road. It is a great detour from the main road to Tolsta and a wide variety of wildlife can be observed from it. It is a popular location for over night stays in motorhomes and caravans.
Glen Tolsta The valley leading into the sea here is Glen Tolsta. The house is one of the few houses in the village of Glen Tolsta, although several new houses are being built there at the moment. The small beach is very pleasant and there are several interesting ruins to explore.
Glen Tolsta
The valley leading into the sea here is Glen Tolsta. The house is one of the few houses in the village of Glen Tolsta, although several new houses are being built there at the moment. The small beach is very pleasant and there are several interesting ruins to explore.
Track into Druim Mor, Griais, Lewis
Track into Druim Mor, Griais, Lewis
Sialabhig Mor From Seaward
Sialabhig Mor
From Seaward
Port Bun a' Ghlinne Glen Tolsta from seaward
Port Bun a' Ghlinne
Glen Tolsta from seaward
Three Caves This coast has numerous caves, but it is unusual to see three side by side in this location near to Creag Fhraoich. (Heather Crag)
Three Caves
This coast has numerous caves, but it is unusual to see three side by side in this location near to Creag Fhraoich. (Heather Crag)
Gleann Tholastaidh (Glen Tolsta) Sited at the end of a side road, Gleann Tholastaidh is the site of several ruined houses. The construction of the nearest one looks like beach pebbles in a cement matrix.
Gleann Tholastaidh (Glen Tolsta)
Sited at the end of a side road, Gleann Tholastaidh is the site of several ruined houses. The construction of the nearest one looks like beach pebbles in a cement matrix.
Port Bun a'Ghlinne Gleann Tholastaidh ends here in a small shingly cove. "Bun" (pronounced 'boon') means the bottom, and "a'ghlinne" is the genitive of "an gleann" so the whole name simply means "the foot of the glen".
Port Bun a'Ghlinne
Gleann Tholastaidh ends here in a small shingly cove. "Bun" (pronounced 'boon') means the bottom, and "a'ghlinne" is the genitive of "an gleann" so the whole name simply means "the foot of the glen".
Bun a'Ghlinne Looking up from the beach of Port Bun a'Ghlinne past the ruined houses to the ones further uphill which are still inhabited.
Bun a'Ghlinne
Looking up from the beach of Port Bun a'Ghlinne past the ruined houses to the ones further uphill which are still inhabited.
Port Bun a'Ghlinne The shingle beach at the foot of Gleann Tholastaidh.
Port Bun a'Ghlinne
The shingle beach at the foot of Gleann Tholastaidh.
Port Bun a'Ghlinne Just north of the shingle cove at Bun a'Ghlinne is a rocky geo.
Port Bun a'Ghlinne
Just north of the shingle cove at Bun a'Ghlinne is a rocky geo.
Show me another place!

Alla Tolan is located at Grid Ref: NB5142 (Lat: 58.304561, Lng: -6.2377146)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///afterglow.printers.fled. Near North Tolsta, Na h-Eileanan Siar

Related Wikis

Gress

Gress (Scottish Gaelic: Griais), a hamlet on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, is adjacent to the larger village of Back. Gress is within the parish of Stornoway...

Back, Lewis

Back (Scottish Gaelic: Am Bac) is a district and a village on the east coast of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, situated on a coastal...

North Tolsta

North Tolsta (Scottish Gaelic: Tolastadh bho Thuath) is a village in the Scottish Outer Hebrides, on the east side of the Isle of Lewis. North Tolsta is...

Breivig

Breivig (Scottish Gaelic: Brèibhig) is a village on Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Breivig is within the parish of Stornoway.According to Magne...

New Tolsta

New Tolsta (Scottish Gaelic: Baile Ùr Tholastaidh) is a village on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. New Tolsta is within the parish of...

Coll, Lewis

Coll (Scottish Gaelic: Col) is a farming settlement near Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Coll is situated on the B895...

Broad Bay, Lewis

Broad Bay (Scottish Gaelic: Loch a Tuath, meaning "north loch") is a bay which is situated on the coast of Isle of Lewis, and separates Back and Point...

Portnaguran

Portnaguran (Scottish Gaelic: Port nan Giùran) is a settlement situated within Point, on the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Portnaguran...

Have you been to Alla Tolan?

Leave your review of Alla Tolan below (or comments, questions and feedback).