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Ardtoe Island

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Ardtoe Island

The north coast of Ardnamurchan Inverockle House is in the bottom right corner.
The north coast of Ardnamurchan Credit: Alan Reid

Ardtoe Island, located in Argyllshire, Scotland, is a small uninhabited island situated off the west coast of the Scottish mainland. The island is part of the Ardtoe peninsula, which is known for its stunning natural beauty and rugged landscapes. Ardtoe Island is accessible by boat and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Measuring approximately 1.5 hectares, Ardtoe Island is characterized by its rocky coastline and diverse wildlife. The island is home to a variety of bird species, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, making it an important breeding ground and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Visitors to the island can observe these birds in their natural habitat, as well as enjoy the breathtaking coastal scenery.

In addition to its wildlife, Ardtoe Island offers visitors the opportunity to explore its rich history. Ruins of an ancient chapel, believed to date back to the 7th century, can be found on the island, providing a glimpse into its past. This historical significance adds to the island's charm and allure.

While there are no facilities or accommodations on Ardtoe Island, visitors can find nearby amenities on the mainland. The island’s remote location and unspoiled natural environment make it an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature.

Overall, Ardtoe Island in Argyllshire is a hidden gem in the Scottish Highlands, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the region’s captivating wildlife, rich history, and awe-inspiring landscapes.

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Ardtoe Island Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.767704/-6.0498858 or Grid Reference NM5271. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The north coast of Ardnamurchan Inverockle House is in the bottom right corner.
The north coast of Ardnamurchan
Inverockle House is in the bottom right corner.
Grazing land at Kilmory It is likely that land such as this would once have been used for to grow crops.
Grazing land at Kilmory
It is likely that land such as this would once have been used for to grow crops.
Rocks, sand and sea at Kilmory Bay
Rocks, sand and sea at Kilmory Bay
Track towards Kilmory
Track towards Kilmory
On the road to Fascadale View from the road to Fascally on the Ardnmurchan Estate. In the distance the island of Eigg is visible off shore
On the road to Fascadale
View from the road to Fascally on the Ardnmurchan Estate. In the distance the island of Eigg is visible off shore
Coldstream Cottage, Kilmory, Ardnamurchan A delightful self-catering cottage.
Coldstream Cottage, Kilmory, Ardnamurchan
A delightful self-catering cottage.
Columba's Cave, Kilmory This cave took some finding. Without a GPS we'd never have done it. It's another one of Saint Columba's supposed haunts and is dotted with various tokens of tribute to the saint. It's very difficult to access. For a view from the cave, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3311021">NM5371 : View from Columba's Cave, Kilmory</a>
Columba's Cave, Kilmory
This cave took some finding. Without a GPS we'd never have done it. It's another one of Saint Columba's supposed haunts and is dotted with various tokens of tribute to the saint. It's very difficult to access. For a view from the cave, see NM5371 : View from Columba's Cave, Kilmory
View from Columba's Cave, Kilmory This cave took some finding. Without a GPS we'd never have done it. It's another one of Saint Columba's supposed haunts and is dotted with various tokens of tribute to the saint. It's very difficult to access. Muck and Eigg can be seen from the cave's entrance. For a view of the entrance to the cave, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3311017">NM5371 : Columba's Cave, Kilmory</a>
View from Columba's Cave, Kilmory
This cave took some finding. Without a GPS we'd never have done it. It's another one of Saint Columba's supposed haunts and is dotted with various tokens of tribute to the saint. It's very difficult to access. Muck and Eigg can be seen from the cave's entrance. For a view of the entrance to the cave, see NM5371 : Columba's Cave, Kilmory
Saltmarsh near Achateny Cushions of saltmarsh, bright green in low sunshine, at the shoreline. One of the cottages at Achateny is just visible in the distance, and the hills behind it, in the shadow of the clouds, are part of the 'great eucrite'.
Saltmarsh near Achateny
Cushions of saltmarsh, bright green in low sunshine, at the shoreline. One of the cottages at Achateny is just visible in the distance, and the hills behind it, in the shadow of the clouds, are part of the 'great eucrite'.
Old Cottage at Kilmory This looks like a very old building, with rounded corners and tiny windows, but it would originally have had a roof of turf or heather thatch with a rather steeper pitch thanit now has.
Old Cottage at Kilmory
This looks like a very old building, with rounded corners and tiny windows, but it would originally have had a roof of turf or heather thatch with a rather steeper pitch thanit now has.
Rock Stack A tall stack beside the path at Kilmory beach.
Rock Stack
A tall stack beside the path at Kilmory beach.
Megablock from the east A megablock is a very large chunk of rock which has been displaced by a high energy debris flows from a higher level, and dumped with vast amounts of other rock to produce a jumbled mass of distorted and displaced rock fragments. This block measures about 25 metres by 35 metres, and is made up of beds of calcareous sandstone tipped up on end so that the beds are vertical instead of horizontal. Just imagine the forces involved in moving something this size from its original location! The shadows are those of admiring geologists, but it won't be long before there will need to be a work party to strip off the seaweed so that the corduroy-like texture of the block can continue to be admired. For the reciprocal view see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3658374">NM5270 : Megablock from the west</a>
Megablock from the east
A megablock is a very large chunk of rock which has been displaced by a high energy debris flows from a higher level, and dumped with vast amounts of other rock to produce a jumbled mass of distorted and displaced rock fragments. This block measures about 25 metres by 35 metres, and is made up of beds of calcareous sandstone tipped up on end so that the beds are vertical instead of horizontal. Just imagine the forces involved in moving something this size from its original location! The shadows are those of admiring geologists, but it won't be long before there will need to be a work party to strip off the seaweed so that the corduroy-like texture of the block can continue to be admired. For the reciprocal view see NM5270 : Megablock from the west
Shore near Achateny Saltmarsh above high tide mark, and rocks colonised by channel wrack just below high tide mark. The hills are part of the exterior of the 'great eucrite'.
Shore near Achateny
Saltmarsh above high tide mark, and rocks colonised by channel wrack just below high tide mark. The hills are part of the exterior of the 'great eucrite'.
Rising Tide The tide is making its way into the embayments on the rocky shore near Achateny. In the distance is the Isle of Eigg, with the Isle of Rùm beyond it.
Rising Tide
The tide is making its way into the embayments on the rocky shore near Achateny. In the distance is the Isle of Eigg, with the Isle of Rùm beyond it.
Megablock from the west A megablock is a very large chunk of rock which has been displaced by a high energy debris flows from a higher level, and dumped with vast amounts of other rock to produce a jumbled mass of distorted and displaced rock fragments. This block measures about 25 metres by 35 metres, and is made up of beds of calcareous sandstone tipped up on end so that the beds are vertical instead of horizontal. Just imagine the forces involved in moving something this size from its original location! The sunlight glinting through the seaweed makes it easier to see the vertical beds than in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3658346">NM5270 : Megablock from the east</a>.
Megablock from the west
A megablock is a very large chunk of rock which has been displaced by a high energy debris flows from a higher level, and dumped with vast amounts of other rock to produce a jumbled mass of distorted and displaced rock fragments. This block measures about 25 metres by 35 metres, and is made up of beds of calcareous sandstone tipped up on end so that the beds are vertical instead of horizontal. Just imagine the forces involved in moving something this size from its original location! The sunlight glinting through the seaweed makes it easier to see the vertical beds than in NM5270 : Megablock from the east.
Rocky Foreshore at Port Bàn Port Bàn means 'white port' or 'pale port' and presumably takes its name from pale sand. It is protected from the north-east by this wave-cut platform of rocks of the Achateny Breccia. In the background are hills which are part of the outer 'great eucrite'.
Rocky Foreshore at Port Bàn
Port Bàn means 'white port' or 'pale port' and presumably takes its name from pale sand. It is protected from the north-east by this wave-cut platform of rocks of the Achateny Breccia. In the background are hills which are part of the outer 'great eucrite'.
Rocky Foreshore The only land in this square is a few tens of square metres of mostly intertidal rocks. They are part of the interesting-looking Achateny Breccia, but no matter how interesting, a rising tide is not the time to examine them!
Rocky Foreshore
The only land in this square is a few tens of square metres of mostly intertidal rocks. They are part of the interesting-looking Achateny Breccia, but no matter how interesting, a rising tide is not the time to examine them!
Intertidal Rocks This corner of the square contains just a small area of rocks which are mostly below water at high tide. They belong to the Achateny Breccia, and a quick glance suggested that there might be interesting things to see. The tide, however, was rising, so a hasty retreat was called for as soon as this photograph was in the bag.
Intertidal Rocks
This corner of the square contains just a small area of rocks which are mostly below water at high tide. They belong to the Achateny Breccia, and a quick glance suggested that there might be interesting things to see. The tide, however, was rising, so a hasty retreat was called for as soon as this photograph was in the bag.
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Ardtoe Island is located at Grid Ref: NM5271 (Lat: 56.767704, Lng: -6.0498858)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///moods.firewall.verbs. Near Kilchoan, Highland

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Ardtoe Island

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