Sgeir Mhogalach

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Argyllshire

Scotland

Sgeir Mhogalach

Eilean Dubh Beag & Eilean Dubh Mòr from Easdale Taken from atop Easdale's hill the two Eilean Dubh islands rather merge with the smaller Eilean Dubh Beag in front of its bigger brother.
Eilean Dubh Beag & Eilean Dubh Mòr from Easdale Credit: Rob Farrow

Sgeir Mhogalach is a prominent coastal feature located in Argyllshire, Scotland. It is a headland or point that juts out into the surrounding sea, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

Situated on the western coast of Scotland, Sgeir Mhogalach is known for its rugged and picturesque beauty. The headland is characterized by steep cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea, creating a striking visual contrast against the deep blue waters. The cliffs are composed of ancient rock formations, adding to the area's geological significance.

The headland serves as a vital habitat for various marine and bird species. Seabirds such as gannets, puffins, and razorbills can often be spotted nesting on the cliffs, while seals and dolphins can be seen swimming in the surrounding waters. The area is also home to a diverse range of plant life, including hardy coastal grasses and wildflowers.

Visitors to Sgeir Mhogalach can enjoy a range of outdoor activities. The headland offers excellent opportunities for hiking and exploring, with several paths and trails that wind along the rugged coastline. The views from the top of the cliffs are particularly breathtaking, providing a panoramic vista of the surrounding sea and distant islands.

Overall, Sgeir Mhogalach is a captivating coastal feature in Argyllshire that showcases the raw beauty of Scotland's western coast. With its stunning cliffs, diverse wildlife, and scenic views, it is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

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Sgeir Mhogalach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.230651/-5.7114286 or Grid Reference NM7010. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Eilean Dubh Beag & Eilean Dubh Mòr from Easdale Taken from atop Easdale's hill the two Eilean Dubh islands rather merge with the smaller Eilean Dubh Beag in front of its bigger brother.
Eilean Dubh Beag & Eilean Dubh Mòr from Easdale
Taken from atop Easdale's hill the two Eilean Dubh islands rather merge with the smaller Eilean Dubh Beag in front of its bigger brother.
Eilean Dubh Mor and Garbh Eileach from Lunga Garbh Eileach is the largest of the Garvellachs, which stretch away to the left in the Firth of Lorn. The Isle of Mull is in the distance, with Ben More (a favourite 'Final Munro') almost in the exact centre.
Eilean Dubh Mor and Garbh Eileach from Lunga
Garbh Eileach is the largest of the Garvellachs, which stretch away to the left in the Firth of Lorn. The Isle of Mull is in the distance, with Ben More (a favourite 'Final Munro') almost in the exact centre.
The anchorage, Black Isles This anchorage lies tucked in between Eilean Dubh Mor (Big Black Isle) and Eilean Dubh Beag (Wee Black Isle).  It's only really tenable for an overnight stay in settled weather (which we had).
The anchorage, Black Isles
This anchorage lies tucked in between Eilean Dubh Mor (Big Black Isle) and Eilean Dubh Beag (Wee Black Isle). It's only really tenable for an overnight stay in settled weather (which we had).
The anchorage, Black Isles Eilean Dubh Mor to port, Eilean Dubh Beag to starboard.  Fishing boats are reputed to use the channel to the right of the skerry ahead, so an anchor light is recommended if overnighting in this delightful anchorage.
The anchorage, Black Isles
Eilean Dubh Mor to port, Eilean Dubh Beag to starboard. Fishing boats are reputed to use the channel to the right of the skerry ahead, so an anchor light is recommended if overnighting in this delightful anchorage.
The Anchorage, Eilean Dubh Mor/Beag Looking from Eilean Dubh Mor across the anchorage to Eilean Dubh Beag.  The bay looks deceptively small when entered from the north, and its size is only really appreciated from the islands.  The holding is good (sand), and we anchored there for two nights in a westerly F5, with a bit of six.  Although open to the sea in the west, there was very little swell, the reef between the islands sufficiently breaking up the waves.

There are two caves on Eilean Dubh Mor.  We found one of them, a "room and kitchen" with comfortable well sheltered sleeping accommodation.
The Anchorage, Eilean Dubh Mor/Beag
Looking from Eilean Dubh Mor across the anchorage to Eilean Dubh Beag. The bay looks deceptively small when entered from the north, and its size is only really appreciated from the islands. The holding is good (sand), and we anchored there for two nights in a westerly F5, with a bit of six. Although open to the sea in the west, there was very little swell, the reef between the islands sufficiently breaking up the waves. There are two caves on Eilean Dubh Mor. We found one of them, a "room and kitchen" with comfortable well sheltered sleeping accommodation.
The Anchorage, Eilean Dubh Mòr/Beag Although it has the reputation for being an "occasional" anchorage, it is regularly used overnight, very often by boats waiting for a favourable tide for the Sound of Luing, or the Corryvreckan.  It is well sheltered from, clockwise, the SE to NW.  We found the holding to be good.
The Anchorage, Eilean Dubh Mòr/Beag
Although it has the reputation for being an "occasional" anchorage, it is regularly used overnight, very often by boats waiting for a favourable tide for the Sound of Luing, or the Corryvreckan. It is well sheltered from, clockwise, the SE to NW. We found the holding to be good.
Cottage on Lunga On the east coast of this Slate Island, in the Sound of Luing. There is also a larger house <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6932677">NM7108 : House on the Slate Island of Lunga</a>, obscured by the rock behind the cottage.
Cottage on Lunga
On the east coast of this Slate Island, in the Sound of Luing. There is also a larger house NM7108 : House on the Slate Island of Lunga, obscured by the rock behind the cottage.
House on the Slate Island of Lunga Seen from the Sound of Luing.
House on the Slate Island of Lunga
Seen from the Sound of Luing.
Seals on Eilean nan Ceann Both Atlantic Grey seals and Common seals were hauled out.
Seals on Eilean nan Ceann
Both Atlantic Grey seals and Common seals were hauled out.
Barr Sligeig, on Lunga At 49 m, one of the higher points of Lunga; Bidein na h-Iolaire, at 100 m, is the highest. The rock would appear to be relatively soft - note the undercut at what would be the high tide mark?
Barr Sligeig, on Lunga
At 49 m, one of the higher points of Lunga; Bidein na h-Iolaire, at 100 m, is the highest. The rock would appear to be relatively soft - note the undercut at what would be the high tide mark?
Looking north from Lunga island summit In the foreground are two separate, but tidal islands, Eilean Iosal and Rubha Fiola. Further away can be seen Inch Island in the Firth of Lorn, and Seil to its right.
Looking north from Lunga island summit
In the foreground are two separate, but tidal islands, Eilean Iosal and Rubha Fiola. Further away can be seen Inch Island in the Firth of Lorn, and Seil to its right.
Liath Sgeir A skerry lying off the Black Isles.
Liath Sgeir
A skerry lying off the Black Isles.
Liath Sgeir A skerry lying off the Black Isles.
Liath Sgeir
A skerry lying off the Black Isles.
Little beach on Eilean Dubh Beag "Wee Black Isle" and one of "The Black Isles";  the other is Eilean Dubh Mor - "Big Black Isle".
Little beach on Eilean Dubh Beag
"Wee Black Isle" and one of "The Black Isles"; the other is Eilean Dubh Mor - "Big Black Isle".
Rock formations on Eilean Dubh Beag "Wee Black Isle" and one of "The Black Isles"; the other is Eilean Dubh Mor - "Big Black Isle".  Note the post in the centre - purpose unknown.
Rock formations on Eilean Dubh Beag
"Wee Black Isle" and one of "The Black Isles"; the other is Eilean Dubh Mor - "Big Black Isle". Note the post in the centre - purpose unknown.
Ketch Traigh Iar at anchor in the Black Isles The gap between the two islands makes a good anchorage in settled conditions and is named Port Ailean.
Ketch Traigh Iar at anchor in the Black Isles
The gap between the two islands makes a good anchorage in settled conditions and is named Port Ailean.
Eilean Dubh Beag The Gaelic name translates as Little Dark Island, which seems to fit the bill quite well. The more distant higher land is on the Isle of Scarba.
Eilean Dubh Beag
The Gaelic name translates as Little Dark Island, which seems to fit the bill quite well. The more distant higher land is on the Isle of Scarba.
Eilean Dubh Mòr Dropped off by Farsain Cruises from Craobh Haven, then Eilean Dubh Mòr before Dun a'Ghaill on a sunny day.
Name: Eilean Dubh Mòr
Hill number: 11529
Height: 54m / 177ft
Parent (Ma/M): none
Section: 20A: Jura, Scarba and Colonsay
County/UA: Argyll and Bute (UA)
Maritime Area: Scarba, Slate Islands & Firth of Lorn
Class: Tump (0-99m), SIB
Grid ref: NM695104 (est)
Drop: 54m
Col: Sea
Eilean Dubh Mòr
Dropped off by Farsain Cruises from Craobh Haven, then Eilean Dubh Mòr before Dun a'Ghaill on a sunny day. Name: Eilean Dubh Mòr Hill number: 11529 Height: 54m / 177ft Parent (Ma/M): none Section: 20A: Jura, Scarba and Colonsay County/UA: Argyll and Bute (UA) Maritime Area: Scarba, Slate Islands & Firth of Lorn Class: Tump (0-99m), SIB Grid ref: NM695104 (est) Drop: 54m Col: Sea
Show me another place!

Sgeir Mhogalach is located at Grid Ref: NM7010 (Lat: 56.230651, Lng: -5.7114286)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///polite.paints.pocketed. Near Lochbuie, Argyll & Bute

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