Bear Craig

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Buteshire

Scotland

Bear Craig

Colintraive, Kyles of Bute Viewed from the shore near Rhubodach Farm on Bute. — Colintraive, Kyles of Bute Credit: Thomas Nugent

Bear Craig is a coastal marsh located in Buteshire, Scotland. It is known for its picturesque beauty and unique ecosystem. Situated along the coastline, it encompasses a vast expanse of salt marshes and saltings.

The marsh is characterized by its rich biodiversity, with a variety of plant and animal species thriving in this unique habitat. The salt marshes are dominated by salt-tolerant plants such as samphire, sea lavender, and cordgrass. These plants play a crucial role in stabilizing the soil and preventing erosion, while also providing food and shelter for numerous species.

The marsh is also an important feeding and nesting ground for several bird species, including wading birds like curlews, oystercatchers, and redshanks. These birds can often be spotted probing the muddy flats for food or flying gracefully over the marsh.

Bear Craig offers a tranquil environment for nature enthusiasts and provides opportunities for recreational activities such as birdwatching and hiking. The marsh is also of scientific interest, as it serves as a natural laboratory for studying the effects of saltwater intrusion and the dynamics of coastal ecosystems.

Visitors to Bear Craig can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding coastal landscape, with the waves crashing against the rocky cliffs and the salty air filling the atmosphere. The marsh is easily accessible, with footpaths and observation points allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the beauty of this coastal gem.

Overall, Bear Craig is a remarkable coastal marsh that offers a unique and diverse ecosystem, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat by the sea.

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Bear Craig Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.92529/-5.1777811 or Grid Reference NS0174. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Colintraive, Kyles of Bute

Viewed from the shore near Rhubodach Farm on Bute.

Thomas Nugent

Way-marked route at Rhubodach Cottage

Balnakailly Loop, leading to the West Island Way. See also NS0373 : Fingerpost route sign.

Thomas Nugent

Fingerpost route sign

Balnakailly Loop, leading to the West Island Way. See also NS0373 : Way-marked route at Rhubodach Cottage.

Thomas Nugent

Bute Cycle Network sign

Showing cycling time from Rhubodach ferry terminal (as opposed to distance) to various points around the island. Distances would be helpful too.

Thomas Nugent

Rhubodach ferry terminal

At the north end of the A886 road on the isle of Bute. The same road continues from Colintraive on the other side of the Kyles of Bute.

Thomas Nugent

Balnakailly Forest Walk signs

Near the ferry terminal at Rhubodach.

Thomas Nugent

Rhubha a Bhodaich

A small headland just north of the Rhubodach ferry.

Thomas Nugent

Rhubodach ferry terminal

The ferry can be seen at Colintraive on the opposite bank.

Thomas Nugent

Yacht in the Kyles of Bute

Coming close to the ferry which is about to leave Rhubodach for Colintraive.

Thomas Nugent

Ferry at Colintraive

A Black of Dunoon lorry leaving the ferry Loch Dunvegan, having just made the crossing from Rhubodach in under five minutes.

Thomas Nugent

The Kyles of Bute

Looking towards the Isle of Bute and the Rhubodach ferry slipway from the B866 road at Glachavoil.

Thomas Nugent

The Burnt Islands

In the Kyles of Bute near Colintraive. Viewed from the B866 road at Glachavoil.

Thomas Nugent

Kyles of Bute

The Isle of Bute ferry crossing the Kyles of Bute, seen from the viewpoint above Loch Riddon.

Anne Burgess

Houses at Colintraive

From the ferry terminal

Andrew Abbott

Ferry terminal at Rhubodach

For services to Colintraive.

Andrew Abbott

Caledonian MacBrayne and Claas

CalMac are much-maligned by one thing or another at the moment, at least in this view there is some Claas! The MV Loch Alainn brings a Claas self-propelled forage harvester across the Kyles of Bute from Colintraive to Rhubodach. The MV Loch Alainn usually operates on the Barra to Eriskay route. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21.

James T M Towill

Rhubodach

A roadside view of Rhubodach, the former home of the legendary film actor and director Richard Attenborough. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21.

James T M Towill

Inside Balnakailly 'Operation Starfish' decoy control bunker

Light pouring in and illuminating the rungs providing escape from the bunker operations room. The Bute At War site Link

notes: 'At the north end of the Isle of Bute a decoy village was constructed and maintained by the Royal Navy. Wooden frames about 7' long by about 5 or 6' high with windows were erected between the field at the Bull Loch and round to Balnakailly Burn. Six or seven Navy personnel based at Rhubodach House operated the electric generators. The 'village' was illuminated at night in an attempt to confuse enemy bombers, and hopefully to draw them away from Greenock or Clydebank. No bombs fell on Rhubodach, although a German plane returning from the Greenock blitz jettisoned two bombs near the Greenan Loch.' This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21.