A' Chlach Thuill

Island in Sutherland

Scotland

A' Chlach Thuill

Clachtoll Clachtoll shop and postbox
Clachtoll Credit: Malcolm Jones

A' Chlach Thuill is a small uninhabited island located off the northwest coast of Sutherland, Scotland. It is part of the Summer Isles archipelago and lies about 1.5 kilometers west of Tanera Mòr, the main island of the group. With an area of approximately 10 hectares, A' Chlach Thuill is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain.

The island is known for its distinctive shape, resembling a horseshoe from above. Its coastline is heavily indented with numerous sea caves and stacks, formed by the relentless pounding of the Atlantic Ocean. The highest point on the island reaches around 25 meters above sea level, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding seascape.

A' Chlach Thuill is a haven for seabirds, with large colonies of guillemots, razorbills, and puffins nesting along its cliffs. The waters surrounding the island are also rich in marine life, making it a popular spot for divers and snorkelers who can explore the underwater world teeming with colorful fish, kelp forests, and even the occasional seal or dolphin.

Access to A' Chlach Thuill is mainly by private boat or chartered tours from nearby Ullapool. The island offers a tranquil and untouched natural environment, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking solitude and a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. As an uninhabited island, there are no facilities or accommodation available, making it a perfect spot for day trips or camping adventures.

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A' Chlach Thuill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.185639/-5.3395748 or Grid Reference NC0326. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Clachtoll Clachtoll shop and postbox
Clachtoll
Clachtoll shop and postbox
Stoer Communications Local Telephone Box and Postbox with a view
Stoer Communications
Local Telephone Box and Postbox with a view
Beach at Clachtoll
Beach at Clachtoll
Maiden Loch
Maiden Loch
Path above Clachtoll
Path above Clachtoll
Bay of Stoer A lone sheep contentedly grazes on the sloping grassland to the bay.
Bay of Stoer
A lone sheep contentedly grazes on the sloping grassland to the bay.
Ruined kirk at Stoer
Ruined kirk at Stoer
Loch an Aigeil Shallow, reed fringed loch just behind the beach and grassland of Stoer Bay. A distinct line here between the knobbly Lewisian Gneiss left of picture and a smooth slope of Torridon series sandstones to the right.
Loch an Aigeil
Shallow, reed fringed loch just behind the beach and grassland of Stoer Bay. A distinct line here between the knobbly Lewisian Gneiss left of picture and a smooth slope of Torridon series sandstones to the right.
Low tide at Stoer The beautiful beach below the settlement of Stoer.
Low tide at Stoer
The beautiful beach below the settlement of Stoer.
Rocks and sand at Stoer The Bay of Stoer has a superb sandy beach backed by a ramp of pebbles, which are always interesting to sort through due to the variety of rock types and colours displayed. On the hillside is the small village of Stoer, whilst to the right of the photo there are outcrops of Lewisian Gneiss. Below and to the left of the houses the contours become smoother as the underlying rocks are sandstones and mudstones of the Torridon period.
Rocks and sand at Stoer
The Bay of Stoer has a superb sandy beach backed by a ramp of pebbles, which are always interesting to sort through due to the variety of rock types and colours displayed. On the hillside is the small village of Stoer, whilst to the right of the photo there are outcrops of Lewisian Gneiss. Below and to the left of the houses the contours become smoother as the underlying rocks are sandstones and mudstones of the Torridon period.
An Dun broch interior Since my last visit in 2009, much has changed here. A team of archaeologists have been at work clearing out the rubble. The dun is now much more accessible and one can better appreciate its dimensions and layout. One curious item is the dark grey-green stone seen right of centre which has a hollow bowl carved into it. The type of stone is a mystery to me, but one would assume that it had a use in grinding or mixing food.
An Dun broch interior
Since my last visit in 2009, much has changed here. A team of archaeologists have been at work clearing out the rubble. The dun is now much more accessible and one can better appreciate its dimensions and layout. One curious item is the dark grey-green stone seen right of centre which has a hollow bowl carved into it. The type of stone is a mystery to me, but one would assume that it had a use in grinding or mixing food.
An Dun entrance Hard to remember, but I believe that on my last visit in 2009 this entrance would have been blocked by fallen stones. Thanks to the work of archaeologists it now makes a fine way into the broch. This is from the interior looking out.
An Dun entrance
Hard to remember, but I believe that on my last visit in 2009 this entrance would have been blocked by fallen stones. Thanks to the work of archaeologists it now makes a fine way into the broch. This is from the interior looking out.
Bay of Clachtoll A view southwards across the bay towards the famous 'split rock'. In the distance are the mountains of [L-R] Cul Beag, Stac Polly and the Ben Mor Coigach range.
Bay of Clachtoll
A view southwards across the bay towards the famous 'split rock'. In the distance are the mountains of [L-R] Cul Beag, Stac Polly and the Ben Mor Coigach range.
Beach at Clachtoll One of the smaller beaches of Clachtoll Bay. The Torridon series of rocks here all dip in a uniform manner of about 25 degrees to the WNW.
Beach at Clachtoll
One of the smaller beaches of Clachtoll Bay. The Torridon series of rocks here all dip in a uniform manner of about 25 degrees to the WNW.
Fine beaches on a fine day When the NW Highlands are blessed with fine weather, there's no better place in Britain. On this late April day there were people sitting in the sun and a few brave souls paddling. The view is across the inner section of the Bay of Clachtoll.
Fine beaches on a fine day
When the NW Highlands are blessed with fine weather, there's no better place in Britain. On this late April day there were people sitting in the sun and a few brave souls paddling. The view is across the inner section of the Bay of Clachtoll.
Grazing with a view This highland cow is far more interested in fresh grass than the fine view over Clachtoll beach.
Grazing with a view
This highland cow is far more interested in fresh grass than the fine view over Clachtoll beach.
Grazing on the headland Pale coloured highland beast grazing on the headland at Clachtoll. The view is towards the peaks of Cul Beag and Stac Pollaidh.
Grazing on the headland
Pale coloured highland beast grazing on the headland at Clachtoll. The view is towards the peaks of Cul Beag and Stac Pollaidh.
A' Chlach Thuill From this angle the 'split rock' is probably less photogenic than from the other side of the bay. The rock gives the impression that it has slid down the bedding plane, but geology books say that it was once the outer end of a natural arch that eventually collapsed.
A' Chlach Thuill
From this angle the 'split rock' is probably less photogenic than from the other side of the bay. The rock gives the impression that it has slid down the bedding plane, but geology books say that it was once the outer end of a natural arch that eventually collapsed.
Show me another place!

A' Chlach Thuill is located at Grid Ref: NC0326 (Lat: 58.185639, Lng: -5.3395748)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///smoking.clef.explores. Near Clachtoll, Highland

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.185639,-5.3395748
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 58.1897415/-5.3412604
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Lat/Long: 58.1892453/-5.337942
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Lat/Long: 58.1891477/-5.3376342
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Lat/Long: 58.1892333/-5.3368841
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Lat/Long: 58.1860371/-5.3389167
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Lat/Long: 58.1856138/-5.3383449
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Lat/Long: 58.18501/-5.337957
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Lat/Long: 58.1850889/-5.3372891
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 58.1850179/-5.3357598
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 58.1847614/-5.3351943
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Lat/Long: 58.185345/-5.3343067
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Lat/Long: 58.1849379/-5.3338103
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 58.1847976/-5.3337757
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 58.1845527/-5.3330253
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 58.1844777/-5.3323391
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Lat/Long: 58.1842951/-5.3321903
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 58.1840893/-5.3321461
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 58.1838864/-5.3322317
Bay of Clachtoll
Natural: bay
Source: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 58.1880199/-5.338857
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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