Eilean na Corach

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Eilean na Corach

Rubh' Eilean an t-Santachaidh from the west, evening Taken during a paddle from Bunessan round to Fidden Farm on the Ross of Mull, the evening sun made for sore eyes paddling west, but provided great lighting looking back. The Ross of Mull Granite is here part of the RM1 zone of equigranular biotite monzogranite, well outside the zone with diorite xenoliths seen so well to the SW (eg. in Erraid). Reference: BGS Scotland Sheet 43S, &quot;Ross of Mull&quot;, provisional series 1:50000, 1999. The lovely pink feldspars catch the rays of the setting sun, but the quartz crystals provide a rough time for any rock-hopping sea kayaker who gets a bit too close. There was very little swell here this evening, but further west as we approached the Sound of Iona, conditions got more exciting. — Rubh' Eilean an t-Santachaidh from the west, evening Credit: Andy Waddington

Eilean na Corach is a small island located in the Argyllshire region of Scotland. Situated in the Inner Hebrides, this island is part of a group known as the Slate Islands, which also includes Easdale, Luing, and Seil.

Covering an area of approximately 1.5 hectares, Eilean na Corach is known for its rugged and rocky terrain. The island is predominantly composed of slate, which has been quarried for centuries. The slate from Eilean na Corach was highly prized for its quality and durability, and was used in the construction of many buildings throughout the region.

The island is uninhabited and lacks any permanent structures, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking solitude. It offers stunning views of the surrounding sea and neighboring islands, and is a popular spot for birdwatching.

Access to Eilean na Corach is possible by boat from the nearby islands of Easdale or Luing. Visitors can explore the island on foot, taking in the picturesque landscapes and unique flora and fauna. However, it is important to respect the fragile ecosystem and wildlife on the island, as it is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Overall, Eilean na Corach is a hidden gem in the Argyllshire region, offering visitors a chance to experience the untouched beauty of the Scottish Isles.

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Eilean na Corach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.344272/-6.3208158 or Grid Reference NM3325. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rubh' Eilean an t-Santachaidh from the west, evening

Taken during a paddle from Bunessan round to Fidden Farm on the Ross of Mull, the evening sun made for sore eyes paddling west, but provided great lighting looking back. The Ross of Mull Granite is here part of the RM1 zone of equigranular biotite monzogranite, well outside the zone with diorite xenoliths seen so well to the SW (eg. in Erraid). Reference: BGS Scotland Sheet 43S, "Ross of Mull", provisional series 1:50000, 1999. The lovely pink feldspars catch the rays of the setting sun, but the quartz crystals provide a rough time for any rock-hopping sea kayaker who gets a bit too close. There was very little swell here this evening, but further west as we approached the Sound of Iona, conditions got more exciting.

Andy Waddington

Passing Rubha na Reing, seen from the entrance of Garbh Phort

Taken during a paddle from Bunessan round to Fidden Farm on the Ross of Mull, the evening sun made for sore eyes paddling west, but provided great lighting looking back. The Ross of Mull Granite is here part of the RM1 zone of equigranular biotite monzogranite, well outside the zone with diorite xenoliths seen so well to the SW (eg. in Erraid). Reference: BGS Scotland Sheet 43S, "Ross of Mull", provisional series 1:50000, 1999. The lovely pink feldspars catch the rays of the setting sun, but the quartz crystals provide a rough time for any rock-hopping sea kayaker who gets a bit too close. There had been little swell to the east, protected by this small headland, but as we pass to its west, the conditions are getting a bit more interesting and we would meet some quite big waves as we headed for the Sound of Iona.

Andy Waddington

Rock-hopping towards Rubh na Cearc, Ross of Mull

Like most sea kayaking trips, we'd chosen our time of day to get the tides working for us - soon after this shot was taken, the ebb tide was whisking us south down the Sound of Iona with very little effort on our part. That meant that we were passing Rubha na Cearc close to the top of the tide (and getting towards evening). These skerries look a lot bigger on the map and on aerial photos which are mostly shot near low tide. Even with this much water covering them, the small swell was causing the occasional breaking wave, one of which had just knocked Pete somewhat off-course, needing a swift reactive steering stroke to avoid the biggest barnacle-encrusted bit of granite.

Andy Waddington

Traigh Eilean an t-Santachaidh

View along the beach called Traigh Eilean an t-Santachaidh

Alisdair MacDonald

Traigh Eilean an t-Santachaidh

View of Traigh Eilean an t-Santachaidh and the rocky promontory that separates it from Traigh na Margaidh

Alisdair MacDonald

Cnoc Rubha nan Cearc

Granite outcrops on the northern side of the Ross of Mull, interspersed with wet boggy land.

M J Richardson

Moorland and granite outcrops near Kintra

A large area of wet and rough going near the northern end of the Ross of Mull.

M J Richardson

Moorland and granite near Cnoc Gart an Fhithrich

With Bac Mor or the Dutchman's Cap 16km northwest.

M J Richardson

Port Gart an Fhithrich

Looking across to Ardmenach.

M J Richardson

Cnoc-na-Ciste

A striking granite outcrop at Kintra.

M J Richardson

Houses at Kintra

A small settlement of houses by the small harbour.

M J Richardson

Boats at Kintra

M J Richardson

House by the shore at Kintra

Overlooking Kintra Harbour and the northern end of the Sound of Iona.

M J Richardson

Houses at Kintra

With Dun I, the highest point of Iona, beyond on the left.

M J Richardson

Schizophyllum commune

A close up of an interesting fungus erupting from a plastic-wrapped hay bale at Kintra. The fungus grows mainly on dead wood, but is increasingly being found on bales like this; it has also been found causing mouth ulcers and toe nail infections in humans. For a general view see NM3125 : Fungus on plastic-wrapped bale.

M J Richardson

Fungus on plastic-wrapped bale

This is Schizophyllum commune (a split-gill), which usually grows on wood, but is also found on bales of hay or straw. It can be pathogenic to humans, having caused mouth ulcers and toe-nail infections. For detail see NM3125 : Schizophyllum commune.

M J Richardson