Ardelve Point

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Ross-shire

Scotland

Ardelve Point

Thatched Cottage on Loch Duich Although I have stated that this cottage is on Loch Duich this bit of the pebble beach might actually be the beginning of the banks of Loch Alsh. The sea loch changes its name at some indeterminate point about here when its direction near enough follows a 90° bend. Loch Alsh is the bit nearest the sea.
A large proportion of the properties round here are either bed and breakfasts or self-catering. This one was obviously self-catering, and is part of a small collection of houses that make up Lower Ardelve.
The houses round here are a strange mix of older ones, which go from fairly dilapidated to very well-maintained, and newer ones, which sometimes blend in but at other times are obviously designed to make a status statement!
So it is quite common to see a showy newbuild next to a very functional home with a corrugated metal roof which could easily be mistaken for a scout hut.
The seaweed on the beech is a type of egg-wrack. Unlike most seaweeds it doesn&#039;t attach itself to pebbles on the beach or seabed. It just floats when the tide comes in. The big length of seaweed in the picture is actually formed from hundreds of individual plants, mostly around two feet long. This type of free-floating egg-wrack can be found at various locations on the West coast of Scotland but apparently right here is one of its hotspots, so to speak. — Thatched Cottage on Loch Duich Credit: Ian Dodds

Ardelve Point, located in Ross-shire, Scotland, is a picturesque coastal marshland characterized by its unique saltings. This natural landscape is situated where the River Croe meets the sea, offering a diverse ecosystem that is both visually stunning and ecologically important.

The coastal marsh of Ardelve Point is a wetland area dominated by tall grasses, reeds, and other water-loving plants. It is regularly influenced by the tides, creating a dynamic habitat that supports a variety of wildlife. The saltings, or salt marshes, are an integral part of this ecosystem, providing a transition zone between the land and the sea. They are characterized by their salty soil, which is inundated by saltwater during high tides.

The marshland of Ardelve Point is home to a wealth of plant and animal species. The dense vegetation and waterlogged conditions provide an ideal habitat for birds such as herons, curlews, and oystercatchers. These birds can be observed wading through the shallow waters, searching for food. The marshes also attract a variety of insects and small mammals, which in turn support larger predators such as foxes and otters.

Aside from its ecological significance, Ardelve Point is also appreciated for its natural beauty. The expansive marshland, with its interplay of vibrant greens and blues, offers a tranquil and serene setting for visitors. The area is well-suited for leisurely walks and birdwatching, allowing nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of this unique coastal ecosystem.

In conclusion, Ardelve Point in Ross-shire is a coastal marshland renowned for its saltings and diverse wildlife. Its wetland habitat supports a range of plant and animal species, making it an important ecological site. Additionally, its scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities make it a popular destination for nature lovers.

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Ardelve Point Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.276939/-5.5206234 or Grid Reference NG8726. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Thatched Cottage on Loch Duich

Although I have stated that this cottage is on Loch Duich this bit of the pebble beach might actually be the beginning of the banks of Loch Alsh. The sea loch changes its name at some indeterminate point about here when its direction near enough follows a 90° bend. Loch Alsh is the bit nearest the sea. A large proportion of the properties round here are either bed and breakfasts or self-catering. This one was obviously self-catering, and is part of a small collection of houses that make up Lower Ardelve. The houses round here are a strange mix of older ones, which go from fairly dilapidated to very well-maintained, and newer ones, which sometimes blend in but at other times are obviously designed to make a status statement! So it is quite common to see a showy newbuild next to a very functional home with a corrugated metal roof which could easily be mistaken for a scout hut. The seaweed on the beech is a type of egg-wrack. Unlike most seaweeds it doesn't attach itself to pebbles on the beach or seabed. It just floats when the tide comes in. The big length of seaweed in the picture is actually formed from hundreds of individual plants, mostly around two feet long. This type of free-floating egg-wrack can be found at various locations on the West coast of Scotland but apparently right here is one of its hotspots, so to speak.

Ian Dodds

Castle Donnan

Matthew Chadwick

A87 near Ardelve

Steven Brown

Minor road to Ardelve

Steven Brown

Eilean Donan

Eilean Donan (Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Donnain) is a small tidal island situated at the confluence of three sea lochs (Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh). It is connected to the mainland by a footbridge that was installed early in the 20th century and is dominated by the picturesque Castle Donan; one of the most photographed monuments in Scotland (Link

National Geographic; archived from the original on 25 March 2013). The island's original castle was built in the thirteenth century; it became a stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie. Government ships destroyed the castle in 1719 in response to the Mackenzies' involvement in the Jacobite rebellions. The present-day castle is a 20th-century reconstruction of the old castle; it was built between 1912 and 1932 incorporating some remains of the keep and enclosing walls. It is a Category A listed building (LB 7209 Link

Historic Environment Scotland) and a scheduled monument (SM7575).

David Dixon

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan (Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Donnain) is a small tidal island situated at the confluence of three sea lochs (Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh). It is connected to the mainland by a footbridge that was installed early in the 20th century and is dominated by the picturesque Castle Donnan; one of the most photographed monuments in Scotland (Link

National Geographic; archived from the original on 25 March 2013). The island's original castle was built in the thirteenth century; it became a stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie. Government ships destroyed the castle in 1719 in response to the Mackenzies' involvement in the Jacobite rebellions. The present-day castle is a 20th-century reconstruction of the old castle that was built between 1912 and 1932 incorporating some remains of the keep and enclosing walls. It is a Category A listed building (LB 7209 Link

Historic Environment Scotland) and a scheduled monument (SM7575).

David Dixon

Castle Donan

Eilean Donan (Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Donnain) is a small tidal island situated at the confluence of three sea lochs (Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh). It is connected to the mainland by a footbridge that was installed early in the 20th century and is dominated by the picturesque Castle Donnan; one of the most photographed monuments in Scotland (Link

National Geographic; archived from the original on 25 March 2013). The island's original castle was built in the thirteenth century; it became a stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie. Government ships destroyed the castle in 1719 in response to the Mackenzies' involvement in the Jacobite rebellions. The present-day castle is a 20th-century reconstruction of the old castle that was built between 1912 and 1932 incorporating some remains of the keep and enclosing walls. It is a Category A listed building (LB 7209 Link

Historic Environment Scotland) and a scheduled monument (SM7575).

David Dixon

Loch Duich, Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan (Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Donnain) is a small tidal island situated at the confluence of three sea lochs (Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh). It is connected to the mainland by a footbridge that was installed early in the 20th century and is dominated by the picturesque Castle Donnan; one of the most photographed monuments in Scotland (Link

National Geographic; archived from the original on 25 March 2013). The island's original castle was built in the thirteenth century; it became a stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie. Government ships destroyed the castle in 1719 in response to the Mackenzies' involvement in the Jacobite rebellions. The present-day castle is a 20th-century reconstruction of the old castle that was built between 1912 and 1932 incorporating some remains of the keep and enclosing walls. It is a Category A listed building (LB 7209 Link

Historic Environment Scotland) and a scheduled monument (SM7575).

David Dixon

Loch Long Bridge (Dornie New Bridge)

The current bridge carrying the A87 across Loch Long between Dornie and Ardelve was opened in 1990, providing a two-way road in place of the narrower old structure a little upstream. It consists of ten spans across the river, supported by pairs of concrete piers under the deck. The old bridge was a single-track concrete structure, which spanned from the middle of Dornie Village to immediately north of the new bridge on the Ardelve side. Nothing now remains of the old bridge, as it was removed soon after the new bridge opened. The new road, bypassing Carr Brae, had been built some years earlier.

David Dixon

Loch Long Shore near Dornie

Looking across Loch Long towards Ardelve Point.

David Dixon

Natural Harbour at Conchra

It has just started to clear out after a wet day in the west highlands. This is the view from near Conchra and its natural harbour. The tiny settlement of Bundalloch can be seen across Loch Long and beyond the hills either side of River Glennan.

Adam Ward

Approaching Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan (Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Donnain) is a small tidal island situated at the confluence of three sea lochs (Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh). It is connected to the mainland by a footbridge that was installed early in the 20th century and is dominated by the picturesque Castle Donnan; one of the most photographed monuments in Scotland (Link

National Geographic; archived from the original on 25 March 2013). The island's original castle was built in the thirteenth century; it became a stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie. Government ships destroyed the castle in 1719 in response to the Mackenzies' involvement in the Jacobite rebellions. The present-day castle is a 20th-century reconstruction of the old castle that was built between 1912 and 1932 incorporating some remains of the keep and enclosing walls. It is a Category A listed building (LB 7209 Link

Historic Environment Scotland) and a scheduled monument (SM7575).

David Dixon