Am Baisteir

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Am Baisteir

Tinkers Hole anchorage Erraid Credit: sue middleton

Am Baisteir is a small island located in Argyllshire, on the west coast of Scotland. It is part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful getaway.

Covering an area of approximately 5 square kilometers, Am Baisteir is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and boasts breathtaking coastal landscapes. The island's terrain is characterized by rocky cliffs and rolling hills, providing ample opportunities for hiking and exploration. Its highest peak, Carn Mor, stands at an impressive 358 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The island is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors may encounter various bird species, including puffins and eagles, as well as seals and dolphins in the surrounding waters. The rocky shores and hidden coves are ideal for beachcombing and discovering marine life.

Am Baisteir has a rich history, with evidence of human occupation dating back thousands of years. Ruins of ancient settlements and burial sites can be found throughout the island, providing a glimpse into its past. There are also remnants of a medieval castle, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the island.

Despite its remote location, Am Baisteir offers some basic amenities for visitors, including accommodation options and a few small shops. However, it is important for visitors to come prepared, as the island is largely untouched and retains its natural charm.

Overall, Am Baisteir is a hidden gem in Argyllshire, offering a unique and tranquil escape surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and rich history.

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Am Baisteir Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.281705/-6.3596314 or Grid Reference NM3018. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Tinkers Hole anchorage Erraid

sue middleton

Heading for Traigh Gheal past Rubha Calachain

Rounding the southern end of Erraid on an evening paddle, heading for Traigh Gheal - a fantastic beach with almost no plastic debris despite facing south into the weather. The jointed Ross of Mull granite, of Devonian age, intruded towards the end of the Caledonian orogeny, offers easy rock-hopping opportunities in the very minimal swell we experienced on this trip and weathers to a clean white sand in the shallower inlets like this one. Sea kayak is by far the best way to visit these isolated beaches, as crossing the island involves bog, midges and a certain amount of fighting with willow scrub, as we found when we tried to cross the area to the left of this photo to get to the top of an impressive geo we'd found from below.

Andy Waddington

TrÃ igh Gheal (Balfour's Bay)

Following in the footsteps of David Balfour, the hero of Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped, as he makes his way back to Edinburgh to confront his wicked uncle. Stage 1, June 2016 from Erraid to Fishnish on the Isle of Mull. See Link

Mick Garratt

Crossing Erraid

Mick Garratt

Rankin's Rocks

Most skerries in this part of the world seem to have gaelic names, so this pair are unusual (although there are also Livingston's Rocks a couple of kilometres further east). Perhaps the name commemorates an unfortunate incident involving a sassenach mariner ? At high tide they are the only land in this grid square, so rather than a hazard to be kept well away from, they were an obvious target for a visit. I'd love to have paddled the gap between them, but there seemed to be a reef with big breaking waves on the far side, so perhaps discretion being the better part of valour was the right choice today.

Andy Waddington

Unnamed skerry south of Erraid

With a metre or so of swell, the waves were breaking well over the south side of this skerry as we approached. So much so that on our side, water was pouring down through a gap like a waterfall. We reckoned a plastic river boat would be the only way to paddle that, and it would require a degree of foolhardiness well in excess of that available in our group. Even landing on such a rock in a fibreglass boat would be a bit more adventure than we'd care to undertake...

Andy Waddington

Wet Plain on Erraid

A boggy flat section between hills to the east of Balfour's Bay.

Andrew Wood

Deep gorge cutting into Erraid

A view of the deep gorge clearly visible on the OS map.

Martin

Tinker's Hole, Ross of Mull (Erraid)

Popular west coast anchorage on the western edge of Erraid. Feels like a flooded quarry and surrounded by pink granite. Iona visible to the north

Fin'n'Liz

Traigh Gheal On Erraid

Possibly the finest beach on the planet; pink granite, white sand and turquoise water.

Tony Page

Four Kayakers entering Tinker's Hole

Tony Page

Traigh Gheal On Erraid

An "occasional" or "settled weather" anchorage, Traigh Gheal is a beautiful spot and an alternative to Tinker's (Fiddler's) Hole. Traigh Gheal is also known as David Balfour's Bay, from the shipwreck story in Robert Louis Stevenson's "Kidnapped". Stevenson's family, being designers and builders of lighthouses, had a strong association with Erraid. At the back of the bay there is a granite wall that gives reasonable bouldering and short climbs of around HS/VS standard.

Donald MacDonald

Tinker's (Fiddler's) Hole, Erraid, looking NE

Donald MacDonald

Tinker's (Fiddler's) Hole, Erraid, looking SW

Donald MacDonald

Traigh Gheall

Beautiful white beach on Erraid

colin hamilton

Knockvologan

Low winter sunshine on an outcrop of typical pink granite by the beach opposite the Isle of Erraid. NM3019 : Ross of Mull Granite is a more detailed view of part of the same outcrop.

Anne Burgess

View from hill at Knockvologan

The foreground is Mull, the sea inlet off to the right is the channel between Mull and Erraid.

Alan Stewart

Retired hay baling machine

In a typical farming way, the old baling machine/contraption at Knockvologan farm is left to age rather ungracefully. It is also used as a storage point for old and new fencing material.

Alan Stewart

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Am Baisteir is located at Grid Ref: NM3018 (Lat: 56.281705, Lng: -6.3596314)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire