Bell Craig

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Buteshire

Scotland

Bell Craig

Grazing land at Figgatoch Farm
Grazing land at Figgatoch Farm Credit: John Ferguson

Bell Craig is a prominent headland located in the region of Buteshire, Scotland. Situated on the western coast of the Isle of Bute, this coastal feature is characterized by its towering cliffs and rugged terrain. It is positioned at a latitude of 55.8545° N and a longitude of 5.1157° W.

The headland is composed of sedimentary rocks, primarily sandstone and shale, which have been shaped over thousands of years by the erosive forces of the North Atlantic Ocean. Bell Craig stands at an impressive height of approximately 100 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the vast expanse of the Atlantic.

The area's unique geography and exposure to the prevailing winds have resulted in the formation of several fascinating geological features within Bell Craig. These include sea caves, natural arches, and stacks, which add to the headland's allure and appeal to geologists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Bell Craig is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The headland's rocky cliffs provide nesting grounds for seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, and puffins. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, with seals and dolphins often spotted in the area.

In addition to its natural beauty, Bell Craig holds historical significance as it was once used as a lookout point during World War II. The remnants of a wartime observation post can still be found atop the headland, serving as a reminder of the area's past.

Overall, Bell Craig is a captivating coastal feature that combines stunning natural landscapes, geological wonders, and a rich history, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the Buteshire region.

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Bell Craig Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.775302/-4.9327085 or Grid Reference NS1657. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Grazing land at Figgatoch Farm
Grazing land at Figgatoch Farm
Trig pillar on Barbay Hill
Trig pillar on Barbay Hill
Gouklan Standing Stone - Isle of Cumbrae The Gouklan Stone stands in the southeast corner of Gouklan Wood.
Gouklan Standing Stone - Isle of Cumbrae
The Gouklan Stone stands in the southeast corner of Gouklan Wood.
Gouklan Standing Stone - Isle of Cumbrae The Gouklan Stone stands in the southeast corner of Gouklan Wood.
Gouklan Standing Stone - Isle of Cumbrae
The Gouklan Stone stands in the southeast corner of Gouklan Wood.
Minke Whale - Isle of Cumbrae The very sad sight of a Minke whale at Sheriff's Port on the Isle of Cumbrae.
Minke Whale - Isle of Cumbrae
The very sad sight of a Minke whale at Sheriff's Port on the Isle of Cumbrae.
The Gowk Stone - Isle of Cumbrae In folklore a gowk is a cuckoo or fool, the latter were thought to be fairy-touched.
Gowk’s Day was the old Scottish April Fool's Day, which was held on 13th April when the cuckoo begins to call.
The call of the cuckoo is believed to beckon the souls of the dead, and the cuckoo was thought to be able to travel back and forth between the worlds of the living and the dead.
The Gowk Stone - Isle of Cumbrae
In folklore a gowk is a cuckoo or fool, the latter were thought to be fairy-touched. Gowk’s Day was the old Scottish April Fool's Day, which was held on 13th April when the cuckoo begins to call. The call of the cuckoo is believed to beckon the souls of the dead, and the cuckoo was thought to be able to travel back and forth between the worlds of the living and the dead.
Millport Curling Club Bothy - Isle of Cumbrae Wee Minnemoer Bothy is the home of Millport Curling Club which was founded in 1838.

The first President was John Wishart from a report of a meeting held in the Kelburne Arms. The bothy was built by William Wishart about 1845. In these early years curling on Cumbrae was run less formally but from 1925 the Curling Club has flourished and more recently ladies were admitted to the club as members. The Club has been and remains active in many competitions organised by the Argyll Province and the Royal Club.
Millport Curling Club Bothy - Isle of Cumbrae
Wee Minnemoer Bothy is the home of Millport Curling Club which was founded in 1838. The first President was John Wishart from a report of a meeting held in the Kelburne Arms. The bothy was built by William Wishart about 1845. In these early years curling on Cumbrae was run less formally but from 1925 the Curling Club has flourished and more recently ladies were admitted to the club as members. The Club has been and remains active in many competitions organised by the Argyll Province and the Royal Club.
Ballochmartin, Great Cumbrae Island The island is more generally known as "The Big Cumbrae" or just "Millport" after its main town.
Ballochmartin, Great Cumbrae Island
The island is more generally known as "The Big Cumbrae" or just "Millport" after its main town.
Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Trig point This Trig Point (or triangulation pillar) is on the highest point of Great Cumbrae island at 417' (127m). The views can be stunning from here  apparently - unfortunately this was not the case at the time of our visit as low cloud and rain obscured any such views.
Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Trig point
This Trig Point (or triangulation pillar) is on the highest point of Great Cumbrae island at 417' (127m). The views can be stunning from here apparently - unfortunately this was not the case at the time of our visit as low cloud and rain obscured any such views.
Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - The Glaid Stone The Glaid Stone is a glacial erratic deposited on top of Barbay Hill on Great Cumbrae in the last Ice Age. It is c. 12' (3.6m) long with a cross section of c. 4' x 4' (1.2m x 1.2m)
Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - The Glaid Stone
The Glaid Stone is a glacial erratic deposited on top of Barbay Hill on Great Cumbrae in the last Ice Age. It is c. 12' (3.6m) long with a cross section of c. 4' x 4' (1.2m x 1.2m)
Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Track to the Trig point This track with rough steps leads from a car pull-in on the minor road which climbs up Barbay Hill to the highest point on Great Cumbrae marked by <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7219286">NS1657 : Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Trig point</a>.
Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Track to the Trig point
This track with rough steps leads from a car pull-in on the minor road which climbs up Barbay Hill to the highest point on Great Cumbrae marked by NS1657 : Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Trig point.
Great Cumbrae - View to Minnemoer Minnemoer is a small loch on the slopes of Barbay Hill. It is seen here from <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7219837">NS1657 : Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Track to the Trig point</a>
Great Cumbrae - View to Minnemoer
Minnemoer is a small loch on the slopes of Barbay Hill. It is seen here from NS1657 : Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Track to the Trig point
Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Rock of Ages? This boulder, near to both <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7219286">NS1657 : Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Trig point</a> and <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7219294">NS1657 : Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - The Glaid Stone</a> has a little plaque attached to it with the heading "Great are the works of the Lord" (a quotation from Psalm 111).
Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Rock of Ages?
This boulder, near to both NS1657 : Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - Trig point and NS1657 : Great Cumbrae - Barbay Hill - The Glaid Stone has a little plaque attached to it with the heading "Great are the works of the Lord" (a quotation from Psalm 111).
Barbay Hill trig point Barbay Hill trig point.
Barbay Hill trig point
Barbay Hill trig point.
Firth Of Clyde : King Of The Hill
Firth Of Clyde : King Of The Hill
Firth Of Clyde : Barbay Hill, Isle of Cumbrae
Firth Of Clyde : Barbay Hill, Isle of Cumbrae
Rocks on beach: Bells Bay Looking to Kilchattan Bay on Bute with the Arran hills behind
Rocks on beach: Bells Bay
Looking to Kilchattan Bay on Bute with the Arran hills behind
Brambles and Marram Grass: Bells Bay With the Toward Point lighthouse in the far distance
Brambles and Marram Grass: Bells Bay
With the Toward Point lighthouse in the far distance
Show me another place!

Bell Craig is located at Grid Ref: NS1657 (Lat: 55.775302, Lng: -4.9327085)

Unitary Authority: North Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire

What 3 Words

///passions.sculpting.case. Near Millport, North Ayrshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.775302,-4.9327085
Bench
Backrest: yes
Colour: green
Material: wood
Source: survey
Lat/Long: 55.7777031/-4.9307625
Source: survey
Tourism: picnic_site
Lat/Long: 55.7793403/-4.9311681
Bell Bay
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 55.7774457/-4.9329528
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.7711233/-4.9350901
Indian Rock
Alt Name: Indian's Face
Artwork Type: mural
Description: A natural rock formation painted to represent an Indian's face (Native American).
Tourism: artwork
Lat/Long: 55.7769328/-4.9288757
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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