Aird Fhinn

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Argyllshire

Scotland

Aird Fhinn

End of the public road at Cnuic na Croise Glad the dogs are left at home — End of the public road at Cnuic na Croise Credit: thejackrustles

Aird Fhinn is a coastal marsh located in Argyllshire, Scotland. It is nestled along the western coast of the county, offering a picturesque landscape of marshes and saltings. The area is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural beauty.

Covering a considerable expanse, Aird Fhinn is characterized by its wetland ecosystem. It is home to a variety of plant and animal species, making it an important habitat for wildlife conservation. The marshes provide a haven for numerous bird species, including waders, waterfowl, and seabirds. Visitors can often spot herons, curlews, oystercatchers, and sandpipers, among others.

The saltings, which are areas of coastal salt marshes, add to the unique charm of Aird Fhinn. These tidal flats are formed by the deposition of saltwater and are an important part of the local ecosystem. They support a diverse range of plants and provide nesting grounds for birds.

In addition to its ecological significance, Aird Fhinn offers visitors a tranquil and scenic experience. The marshes and saltings provide stunning views of the surrounding coastline, with its jagged cliffs and rugged terrain. The area is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and photographers.

Access to Aird Fhinn is easy, with well-maintained footpaths and trails allowing visitors to explore the area. Interpretive signs are placed along the paths, providing information about the local flora and fauna. The marshes can be visited year-round, with each season offering a different experience, from the vibrant blooms of wildflowers in spring to the striking colors of autumn.

Overall, Aird Fhinn is a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and biodiversity of Argyllshire's coastal marshes and saltings.

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Aird Fhinn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.862366/-6.335779 or Grid Reference NR2871. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

End of the public road at Cnuic na Croise

Glad the dogs are left at home

thejackrustles

Track near Killinallan

thejackrustles

Oyster farming on Loch Gruinart

Pacific oysters growing in baskets on a remote Islay beach.

Patrick Mackie

Killinallan Point

The end of the dune system and the beach, viewed at low tide.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Wet Walking Conditions

The side of the track to Killinallan after much wet weather.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Grazing Land

Sheep on coastal grazing land by Loch Gruinart. Killinallan Point is visible in the far distance.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Road to Killinallan

View along the road from the public road end. A good starting point for trips into the wild lands of north Islay.

Richard Webb

Cnuic na Croise

Sand dunes beside Loch Gruinart

Richard Webb

Bracken covered shoreline on the east of Loch Gruinart

C Michael Hogan

End of the Killinallan Road, Islay

The gate is padlocked, but there is pedestrian access to Gortantoid about two miles further north-east. There used to be an information board on the big boulder, but it was removed when I arrived to take the photo.

Becky Williamson

Killinallan Point

The western side of the mouth of Loch Gruinart.

John Allan

The beach at Killinallan

Seemingly endless reaches of sand on the east of Loch Gruinart.

John Allan

Rusting frames

This is just part of a large collection of metal frames on the shore. They hold large hooks and show signs of standing in the sea. Presumably they were once used for NR3071 : Oyster farming on Loch Gruinart.

Rob Burke

Erosion on progress

The high tide has undermined the dune, causing the turf to fall on to the beach. The thin layer of topsoil is clearly visible. Note that the photographer's position (by GPS) is about 50m inland of the coastline shown on the OS map.

Rob Burke

Cnoc Gormadail, Islay

Dunes by the east shores of Loch Gruinart.

Becky Williamson

Track to Killinallan, Islay

Becky Williamson

Walking towards Killinallan Point, Islay

This beach stretches in total for about 3 miles from the 'car park' at the Killinallan locked gate to the Gortantoid River. It is an easy and beautiful walk covering several gridsquares.

Becky Williamson