Geodhachan Bàna

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Ross-shire

Scotland

Geodhachan Bàna

Geodhachan Bàna is a prominent coastal feature located in Ross-shire, Scotland. It is classified as a headland or point due to its geographical characteristics. The name "Geodhachan Bàna" is derived from Scottish Gaelic, with "geodhachan" meaning small bay and "bàna" referring to the color white, which indicates the presence of white sand or cliffs in the area.

This headland is positioned along the coastline, jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and is known for its rugged beauty. Geodhachan Bàna is characterized by sheer cliffs, which soar above the crashing waves below. These cliffs are composed of sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone and limestone, which have been shaped by erosion over millions of years.

The headland is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The exposed cliffs provide nesting sites for various seabirds, including guillemots, kittiwakes, and puffins. It is not uncommon to spot seals basking on the rocks or dolphins and porpoises swimming in the nearby waters.

Geodhachan Bàna is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers. The dramatic coastal scenery and the opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat attract visitors from near and far. Additionally, the headland offers several walking trails that allow visitors to explore the area and enjoy the stunning views.

Overall, Geodhachan Bàna is a remarkable coastal feature that showcases the raw beauty of Scotland's coastline. Its rugged cliffs, diverse wildlife, and picturesque surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of Ross-shire.

Show me another place!

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

Geodhachan Bàna Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.864749/-5.6429311 or Grid Reference NG8491. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rubh' a' Choin

Mick Garratt

Sgeirean MÃ²ra

Mick Garratt

Remains of Jetty, Mellon Charles

I first visited Loch Ewe in 2013 and was amazed on discovering its role in World War II. An unassuming role modestly portrayed in a few information boards scattered around its coast. WW2 remains abound, anti aircraft gun emplacements, military buildings and foundations. Loch Ewe is a deep sea loch and during the war it was used to muster merchant shipping in relative safety before heading off with vital supplies to Murmansk in war torn Russia, in what has become known as the Arctic Convoys. The convoys, of up to 40 ships with Navy escorts, sailed close to the Arctic pack ice in an attempt to avoid German U Boats. Many were unsuccessful. To protect the ships while in Loch Ewe an anti submarine net or boom was laid across the loch at its narrowest point, about 3km. Barrage balloons and anti aircraft guns provided protection against airborne attack. During the war military personnel outnumbered the local population by 3:1. Mellon Charles was the Boom Defence Depot. The most visible remains is this concrete jetty forming an island that has been adopted by a colony of terns which took to divebombing us as we paddled past. The seas around Mellon Charles are particularly rich in marine life and have been designated by the Scottish Wildlife Trust as part of their Snorkel Trail. Yet in spite this accolade the beach was exceptionally quiet. Golden sands but marred only by a thick tide mark of drying kelp. Only one other car arrived, an ex-serviceman looking up old haunts. He was stationed here for two weeks in 1972 as part of the Royal Marines Arctic warfare section.

Mick Garratt

Mellon Charles Beach

Mick Garratt

The Perfume Studio at Mellon Charles

Elliott Simpson

Farm track north of the Perfume Studio

Elliott Simpson

Remains of World War II defences at Leacan Donna

Elliott Simpson

Rubha Mor peninsula above Mellon Charles

The fine view to the south from a small sandstone outcrop above the scattered houses of Mellon Charles on Loch Ewe.

Greg Fitchett

Hydrographic Survey Pillar, Ploc an t-Slagain

This survey pillar is situated on a small hill above Slaggan Bay at the eastern entrance to Loch Ewe. The turquoise water of Slaggan Bay is visible and the ruins of Slaggan village are situated on the low ground to the east of the bay, with Loch an t-Slaggain beyond and An Teallach on the skyline.

Greg Fitchett

Hydrographic Survey Pillar, Ploc an t-Slagain

The plate inscription reads:- 'Hydrographic Department Admiralty London S.W.1. Triangulation Station. H.M.S.Cook 1951'. HMS Cook was a Bay-class Frigate which was surveyed along the west coast of Scotland for 4 years between 1951-1954 before heading for the Pacific. See NG8393 : Hydrographic Survey Pillar, Ploc an t-Slagain for a view of the pillar.

Greg Fitchett

Rocks on Ploc an t-Slagain

This slab of rock shows signs of glacial striation, perhaps by the large boulders which rest on it.

Greg Fitchett

Perfume Studio Mellon Charles

At the end of the minor road from Aultbea, but well worth the trip for an excellent lunch in the cafe

Martin Dawes

Minor road to crofts

The fridge at the roadside says Hen, Duck and Quail eggs, I did not investigate

Martin Dawes

Road at Mellon Charles

Looking south-eastward.

Peter Wood

Track at Ploc Leacan Donna

Looking north-westward.

Peter Wood

Road between Mellon Charles and Ormiscaig

Looking south-eastward.

Peter Wood

Camus nan Gobhar

The picture looks south across this wee bay from just behind the Perfume Studio, on a day of sunshine between low clouds.

Alec MacKinnon

Looking south from Leacan Donna

The hut in the foreground is one of the buildings also seen in NG8392 : Remains of World War II defences at Leacan Donna, apparently dating from WWII. Another has disintegrated.

Alec MacKinnon

Show me another place!

Geodhachan Bàna is located at Grid Ref: NG8491 (Lat: 57.864749, Lng: -5.6429311)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands