Thursday, October 29, 2009

The superlative beaches of Colonsay


The beaches of SE Colonsay, like this one at Rubha Dubh, are simply stunning.


This is Traigh an Eacaill (Cable Bay).


We then found Port a' Chapuill...


...and decided we had to explore some of its many coves.


I went for a swim at this one but the water was not exactly warm.


In 1977, Scottish Natural Heritage commissioned a survey of the beaches in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The whole area is noted for the beauty of its beaches. Over 250 beaches were assessed for scenic quality on a scale of 1 to 3 for the beach itself, its setting, the view into the beach and, finally, the view out from the beach. Only 20 beaches scored 12 or 11.

Four out of these 20 superlative beaches are to be found on Colonsay and Oronsay...


Ritchie, W. and Mather. A.S. (1977). The beaches of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
Commissioned by the Countryside Commission for Scotland 1977. Reprinted 2005 by
Scottish Natural Heritage as Commissioned Report No. 048.