A' Chorr-sgeir

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

A' Chorr-sgeir

Iona Golf Course On the western side of the island. — Iona Golf Course Credit: Andrew Abbott

A' Chorr-sgeir is a small island located in Argyllshire, Scotland. It is situated in the Inner Hebrides, specifically in the Sound of Islay, between the islands of Islay and Jura. The island stretches for approximately 1.5 kilometers in length and covers an area of about 0.5 square kilometers.

A' Chorr-sgeir is known for its rugged and rocky terrain, with steep cliffs and jagged coastlines. The island is uninhabited and lacks any significant vegetation, making it a haven for various seabird species. It is particularly renowned for being a nesting site for large colonies of seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. These bird colonies create a lively atmosphere, with the constant sounds of their calls and the sight of their aerial acrobatics.

Due to its remote location and challenging access, A' Chorr-sgeir is not commonly visited by tourists. However, it can be observed from neighboring islands or during boat tours that explore the surrounding area. Its wild and untouched beauty, coupled with the abundance of birdlife, makes it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

In addition to its natural beauty, A' Chorr-sgeir also holds historical significance. It is believed that the island was used as a hunting ground for Vikings during the early medieval period. Archaeological remains, such as stone structures and artefacts, have been discovered on the island, providing insight into its past.

Overall, A' Chorr-sgeir offers a unique and remote experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of Scotland's Inner Hebrides.

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A' Chorr-sgeir Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.338967/-6.4286145 or Grid Reference NM2625. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Iona Golf Course

On the western side of the island.

Andrew Abbott

Towards Iona Golf Course

From Skerryvore.

Andrew Abbott

Gateway by Skerryvore

Leading to Iona Golf Course.

Andrew Abbott

Machair house

On Iona

Andrew Abbott

Clachancorrach House

On Iona.

Andrew Abbott

From cairn to trig point on Dun I

Dun I is a relatively easy ascent from the road north of the Abbey, but approaching from the interior, one feels as though one has climbed a much bigger and rougher hill than the 101m summit seen here. The cairn sits a little higher than the trig point to the NE and offers a super view over the tip of Iona to Staffa, the Treshnish Isles and the Wilderness coast of Mull.

Andy Waddington

Cross country on the north of Iona

The one fully land-locked grid square on Iona is rough terrain with various prehistoric defensible remains and lots of good viewpoints perched on rocky tors. Compared with the coast, it seems little frequented (and very boggy underfoot with various fences deflecting one from the obvious directions of travel). Frequent it we must, however, as this was my final square to complete coverage of my first inhabited island for geograph.

Andy Waddington

Dun I, the summit of Iona

Looking just east of south across Iona to Mull. Fionnphort (from where the ferries depart) is hidden by the large cairn, and the Abbey is just to its right. Further away the west end of the Ross of Mull is seen, with Erraid the fairly large island on the right and Eilean nam Muc NM2819 the smaller one near the edge of the photo.

Michael Earnshaw

Iona coastline

The north-west coastline of Iona, with rock of the Lewisian Gneiss type evident. This is one of Britain's oldest rocks, and was formed approximately 2,000 million years ago.

William Starkey

North-west Iona

The north-western area of Iona, viewed towards Dun I, the highest point on the island.

William Starkey

Iona coastline

The western coastline of Iona near Camas Cuil an t-Saimh, with Eilean Didil visible in the distance.

William Starkey

Sheep-worrying, Iona

Despite its small size, this canine fiend caused considerable distress to sheep on western Iona.

William Starkey

Trig Point Dun I Iona

The Trig point at the top of Dun I, looking across the sound towards the Island of Mull.

Steve Houldsworth

Cairn Dun I Iona

This is a close up view of the summit Cairn on Dun I Iona looking out towards Staffa and the Island of Mull.

Steve Houldsworth

Dun I

At a height of 101 metres Dun I is the highest point on the island of Iona. It is an easy climb and from the summit affords a spectacular view in all directions.

ronnie leask

Walking on Iona

Visitors are not permitted to take their cars on to the Island, so the only way to get around is to walk or cycle. This is the route from the pier to the beaches on the west coast of the island.

Anne Burgess

Cnoc nam Bradain

If I believe the Gaelic dictionary, the name of this place means 'salmon knoll'. It is a typical Hebridean house, standing on the machair by the track across the island.

Anne Burgess

Camas CÃ¹il an t-Saimh

This is the main beach on the west coast of Iona, and an easy one to get to. Its name apparently means either 'sorrel back beach' or 'bad smell back beach', according to the Gaelic dictionary, but there was no evidence for the latter today.

Anne Burgess

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A' Chorr-sgeir is located at Grid Ref: NM2625 (Lat: 56.338967, Lng: -6.4286145)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire