Rubha na h-Easgainne

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Rubha na h-Easgainne

Camp on the moor above Elgol Credit: Alan Reid

Rubha na h-Easgainne is a stunning coastal feature located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated on the west coast, it is a prominent headland that juts out into the sea, forming a point that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The name Rubha na h-Easgainne translates to "Headland of the Little Waterfall" in Scottish Gaelic, which is a fitting description given the presence of a small waterfall that cascades down the cliffs into the ocean below. This waterfall adds to the beauty and charm of the area, creating a picturesque scene that attracts visitors from far and wide.

The headland itself is characterized by its rugged and dramatic cliffs, which are made up of ancient rocks that have been shaped over centuries by the relentless power of the sea. The cliffs rise high above the water, providing a vantage point for visitors to admire the expansive views of the coastline and the nearby islands.

Rubha na h-Easgainne is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The surrounding waters are home to a diverse range of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and various species of seabirds. Birdwatchers can spot colonies of nesting seabirds on the cliffs, such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills.

Access to Rubha na h-Easgainne is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath that leads visitors to the headland. There are also designated viewing points and benches along the way, allowing for moments of rest and contemplation while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Overall, Rubha na h-Easgainne is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the natural beauty and diversity of the Inverness-shire coastline. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Scotland's rugged and untamed coastal landscape, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

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Rubha na h-Easgainne Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.126609/-6.0836601 or Grid Reference NG5211. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Camp on the moor above Elgol

Alan Reid

Plastic washed up west of Rubha na h-Easgainne

This seems a fairly typical scene on weather-facing beaches in Skye - a few bits of wood (with nails) which might be useful for a campfire, but mostly plastic which one really shouldn't burn on an open fire, but how to get rid of it ? Behind the storm beach, plastic rubbish is incorporated in the soil and will be almost impossible to remove, though perhaps less likely to end up as micro-plastic continuing to degrade and pollute. There seems to be less rope and fishing net than there used to be, but more pipe and other fish-farm hardware, along with lubricant containers and fish boxes.

Andy Waddington

The geo leading to Spar Cave

The geo, and the cave beyond, have joint and dyke-controlled walls (intrusive basalt of Palaeogene age) in the Druim an Fhuarain Sandstone Member of the Bearreraig Sandstone Formation of Aalenian to Bajocian stages (oldest Middle Jurassic). Although this is called a sandstone, the geological map key describes it as sandstone, cross-bedded and sandy limestone, massive or thinly bedded with fragments of crinoid ossicles, bivalve, bryozoans, belemnite and brachiopod fragments. The member is up to 485m thick, and quite variable. The particular strata lying above the cave are clearly quite rich in lime, as percolation water passing through them has created a large volume of calcite deposits inside the cave (which is still impressive despite the depredations of Victorian collectors). Apparently the cave can be reached on foot at low tide, but our visit was by sea kayak, so the state of the tide was of little consequence - the geo rises above the high tide mark, so boats could be left in safety whilst the cave was explored.

Andy Waddington

Paddling along the Strathaird coast

The whole of the eastern side of the Strathaird peninsula is bounded by low cliffs of the Druim an Fhuarain Sandstone Member of the Bearreraig Sandstone Formation of Aalenian to Bajocian stages (oldest Middle Jurassic). Although this is called a sandstone, the geological map key describes it as sandstone, cross-bedded and sandy limestone, massive or thinly bedded with fragments of crinoid ossicles, bivalve, bryozoans, belemnite and brachiopod fragments. The member is up to 485m thick, and quite variable. The soluble nature of the cement between sand grains means that the rock is easily eroded by solution, but being on the sheltered side of this bit of land, has not been washed away by wave action. The cross-bedding is thus shown up by deep etching of the surface of the cliff. Much more recently than the deposition of the sandstone, during the split that opened up the Atlantic Ocean, much igneous activity took place in parts of Western Scotland, and that is reflected here by the intrusion of basalt of Palaeogene age, most noticeably as NW-SE trending dykes (at right angles to the coast) which give rise to numerous geos, beloved of sea kayakers for poking into.

Andy Waddington

Paddling along the Strathaird coast

The journey from Kilmarie to Elgol around the coast of the Strathaird peninsula is a short paddle allowing plenty of time to explore the geos, caves and other gunk-holes formed in the almost continuous line of sandstone cliffs. The scenery gets gradually more exciting as the headland of Rubha na h-Easgainne and the island of Eilean na h-Àirde are approached. The only disadvantage of doing the trip in this direction is that the sun is in one's eyes most of the way down the southeastern coast of the peninsula.

Andy Waddington

Road to Glasnakille

The brown moorland heather and grass will soon be turning green with fresh growth. The road connects the remote Glasnakille community with that of the slightly less remote Elgol.

Richard Dorrell

Communications mast above Elgol

A necessary evil these days, no matter how remote the location.

Richard Dorrell

Fence above Glasnakille

The broken down fence contains an area of moorland surrounding a communications mast. The view is north, with craggy Ben Meabost on the right.

Richard Dorrell

Ruin in Glasnakille

This remote community faces east over the sea towards the Sleat peninsula of Skye.

Richard Dorrell

End of the road

The public road south from Glasnakille ends here, though there are at least two further dwellings down the track.

Richard Dorrell

Perforated headland below Glasnakille

A remarkable feature on a remarkable section of coastline. Just south of Spar Cave, right below Dun Grugaig, is this beautifully eroded headland of Jurassic sandstone.

John Allan

The beach on Eilean na h-Ãirde

The north end of the sandy beach on Eilean na h-Àirde, with a view towards Suidhe Biorach and the Cuillin.

John Allan

Reef south of Eilean na h-Ãirde

One of several small skerries in the shallow water south of Eilean na h-Àirde. In the centre of the background view is Gars-bheinn at the south end of the Cuillin Ridge.

John Allan

Jurassic sandstone cliffs below Glasnakille

John Allan

The entrance to the Spar Cave

Looking out of the canyon-like entrance to the Spar Cave, to the sea beyond. The cave itself lies behind the photographer.

Nigel Brown

Cave east of Suidhe Biorach

A through cave with a narrow exit at the far end. See NG5112 : Inside the through cave It is said by some guides to be Prince Charles's Cave - but that is a little further west.

John Allan