Creag Streap

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Ross-shire

Scotland

Creag Streap

Creag Streap is a prominent coastal feature located in Ross-shire, Scotland. It is classified as a headland, also referred to as a point, which is a narrow piece of land that extends into the sea. Creag Streap stands proudly on the western coast of Scotland, overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean.

This imposing headland is known for its rugged cliffs, rising steeply from the water below. The cliffs are composed of ancient rocks, showcasing layers of sediment and geological formations that have been shaped by the forces of nature over millions of years. Due to its exposed location, Creag Streap experiences strong winds and crashing waves, adding to the dramatic beauty of the landscape.

The headland offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, with its unspoiled beaches, rocky outcrops, and distant islands dotting the horizon. It is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers who are drawn to its wild and untamed beauty.

Creag Streap is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including seabirds such as gannets, puffins, and guillemots, which nest on the cliffs. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, attracting seals, dolphins, and occasionally whales.

Visitors to Creag Streap can explore the area on foot, following designated hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints and hidden coves. The headland is part of a larger nature reserve, ensuring the preservation of its unique ecosystem and offering opportunities for research and study.

In summary, Creag Streap is a striking headland located in Ross-shire, Scotland. With its rugged cliffs, sweeping views, and abundant wildlife, it is a must-visit destination for those seeking the beauty of Scotland's coastal landscapes.

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Creag Streap Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.844333/-5.6407322 or Grid Reference NG8489. 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

Ship mooring point

An anchorage for ocean going ships.

Mick Garratt

Slipway at Ormiscaig

Recycling the concrete anchor points used to hold the submarine netting across Loch Ewe.

Mick Garratt

Track to crofts in Ormiscaig

The water beyond is Loch Ewe and the land beyond is the Isle of Ewe

Martin Dawes

Minor road passing through Ormiscaig

One of a number of crofting community's along this road

Martin Dawes

Road near Ormiscaig

Looking south-eastward.

Peter Wood

Road at Mellon Charles

Looking south-eastward.

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

Loch Ewe

In the foreground is the NATO refuelling base. In the middle distance is the linear settlement of Aultbea with the pier at Aird Point. In the background by the headland is the settlement of Mellon Charles.

Robert W Watt

Ormiscaig

Crofting community.

Jennifer Jones

Near Mellon Charles

Modern bungalows are replacing the old croft houses.

Jennifer Jones

Pool at Mellon Charles

Mellon Charles is a crofting area on a peninsula to the east of Loch Ewe. The house beyond the pool is named Pinecroft with the address '39 Mellon Charles'; the photographer rented the top floor as a holiday let many years ago. It's possible that the pool is an artificial creation.

Trevor Littlewood

Remains of Pier, Mellon Charles

Part of the main base for the WW2 defences of Loch Ewe. The far structure is concrete (in NG8490) but only wooden stumps remain of the connecting pier.

Mick Garratt

Concrete Holding Down Blocks

I guess these were weights laid on the loch floor to anchor the anti submarine nets that were strung across the loch at this point during World War II.

Mick Garratt

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Creag Streap is located at Grid Ref: NG8489 (Lat: 57.844333, Lng: -5.6407322)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands