Balnabruaich

Settlement in Ross-shire

Scotland

Balnabruaich

Part of Nigg beach towards low Spring tide Sandbanks adjacent to Nigg Beach became more extensive as the tide fell.  At low water the OS map shows that the sand would have been continuous.
Part of Nigg beach towards low Spring tide Credit: Julian Paren

Balnabruaich is a small village located in the county of Ross-shire, Scotland. Situated on the scenic west coast of the Highlands, it lies on the eastern shore of Loch Broom, about 11 miles northwest of the town of Ullapool.

The village is known for its stunning natural beauty, with panoramic views of the loch and the surrounding mountains. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering numerous opportunities for activities such as hiking, fishing, and sailing. The nearby Ben Wyvis mountain range provides excellent hiking trails for both experienced climbers and casual walkers.

Despite its small size, Balnabruaich has a close-knit community and offers a range of amenities to its residents and visitors. These include a village shop, a post office, and a charming local pub serving traditional Scottish cuisine.

Historically, Balnabruaich was a thriving fishing village, with the sea providing a primary source of livelihood for its inhabitants. Today, fishing still plays a role in the local economy, but the village has also embraced tourism as an important industry.

The village has a rich cultural heritage, with several historical landmarks nearby. The ruins of Ardvreck Castle, a 16th-century structure, can be found just a short distance away. Visitors can explore the castle and learn about its intriguing history.

In summary, Balnabruaich is a picturesque village in Ross-shire, Scotland, offering breathtaking natural landscapes, outdoor activities, a strong community spirit, and a glimpse into the region's historical past.

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Balnabruaich Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.704492/-4.0258185 or Grid Reference NH7970. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Part of Nigg beach towards low Spring tide Sandbanks adjacent to Nigg Beach became more extensive as the tide fell.  At low water the OS map shows that the sand would have been continuous.
Part of Nigg beach towards low Spring tide
Sandbanks adjacent to Nigg Beach became more extensive as the tide fell. At low water the OS map shows that the sand would have been continuous.
Intertidal zone of Nigg Beach A sparkling afternoon with dazzling light reflected off the ripples of sand,  and Cromarty Queen - the four car ferry - plying its way from Nigg to Cromarty.
Intertidal zone of Nigg Beach
A sparkling afternoon with dazzling light reflected off the ripples of sand, and Cromarty Queen - the four car ferry - plying its way from Nigg to Cromarty.
Nigg Beach The eastern part of Nigg Beach with the guano-stained cliffs of North Sutor beyond.  The North Sutor cliffs support breeding razorbill, guillemot, shag, kittiwake, black guillemot and 4% of the breeding British cormorant population.
Nigg Beach
The eastern part of Nigg Beach with the guano-stained cliffs of North Sutor beyond. The North Sutor cliffs support breeding razorbill, guillemot, shag, kittiwake, black guillemot and 4% of the breeding British cormorant population.
North Sutor Coastline The nice sandy Beach on the North Sutor Coastline.
North Sutor Coastline
The nice sandy Beach on the North Sutor Coastline.
North Sutor Coastline A supplemental view of the good old British Seagull Outboard Engine, 199 pulls later and still not going.  I could feel the embarrassment from 100 yards away.
North Sutor Coastline
A supplemental view of the good old British Seagull Outboard Engine, 199 pulls later and still not going. I could feel the embarrassment from 100 yards away.
North Sutor Coastline The View from the North Sutors Beach.
North Sutor Coastline
The View from the North Sutors Beach.
Quarry access road, Nigg
Quarry access road, Nigg
The beach near Nigg, North Sutor in the distance
The beach near Nigg, North Sutor in the distance
Near Nigg Ferry, looking across towards Cromarty
Near Nigg Ferry, looking across towards Cromarty
Looking back towards Nigg Ferry
Looking back towards Nigg Ferry
On Nigg Hill The oil rig service yards can be seen in the distance.
On Nigg Hill
The oil rig service yards can be seen in the distance.
North Sutor from South Sutor Taken 15/03/2008 at 15:32 from footpath between Cromarty and South Sutor car park
North Sutor from South Sutor
Taken 15/03/2008 at 15:32 from footpath between Cromarty and South Sutor car park
North Sutor The headland which guards the northern side of the entrance to Cromarty Firth. Seen from the Cromarty to Nigg ferry.
North Sutor
The headland which guards the northern side of the entrance to Cromarty Firth. Seen from the Cromarty to Nigg ferry.
Nigg Hill This contrasts with the 1973 picture, where the oil rig construction yard was being built. It's now deserted.
Nigg Hill
This contrasts with the 1973 picture, where the oil rig construction yard was being built. It's now deserted.
North Sutor coastline The gulls following the fish shoals are a good indication of where you might see dolphins.
North Sutor coastline
The gulls following the fish shoals are a good indication of where you might see dolphins.
Road junction in Nigg
Road junction in Nigg
Road to Pitcalzean House
Road to Pitcalzean House
Nigg Old Church and churchyard The church receives a stream of visitors to see the Pictish Cross Slab now well conserved and shown off well within the church. It is the real stone - not a replica - that is displayed in the church.
Nigg Old Church and churchyard
The church receives a stream of visitors to see the Pictish Cross Slab now well conserved and shown off well within the church. It is the real stone - not a replica - that is displayed in the church.
Show me another place!

Balnabruaich is located at Grid Ref: NH7970 (Lat: 57.704492, Lng: -4.0258185)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///stubbed.ruins.muted. Near Invergordon, Highland

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.704492,-4.0258185
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Lat/Long: 57.707738/-4.0310052
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The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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