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Wild About Lochaber

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Cul na Croise

  • The beach at Cul na Croise
  • The ridge of one of the impressive sand dunes at Cul na Croise
  • Lichen covered oaks at the rear of the dune system at Cul na Croise
  • The beach at Cul na Croise
  • The beach and dune system at Cul na Croise
  • Cul na Croise can be reached from The Walk to The Singing Sands
  • The beach at Cul na Croise
  • Looking out to The Small Isles from the top of the dunes at Cul na Croise
  • Cul na Croise is notable for its excellent mobile dune system
  • Cul na Croise - a river through the dunes
  • Cormorants on the rocks looking out to Eigg and Rum
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Summary from the 1998 SNH Sand Dune Vegetation Survey indicating the high conservation status of Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan
  • Cul na Croise, Ardnamurchan

Details

Cul na Croise is a stunning beach and a fine example of a rare acidic dune system. It consists of mobile dunes, dune grassland, dry coastal heath and wet heath and is notable for its transition into semi-natural oak-birch woodland. The nature conservation interest of the site is high, being an entirely acidic dune system and one in which the dune system abuts semi-natural woodland, both of which are rare in Scotland (SNH Sand Dune Survey 1998). The variety of habitats within the dune system support a rich assemblage of species. This is a great place for botanising and wildlife watching. Look out for the tracks and signs of otter, red deer, badger and pine marten. Scan the waters for cormorants and divers.

Cul na Croise and the nearby Camus na Lighe have also been identified in another SNH commissioned report on the beaches of the Highlands and Islands (reprinted in 2005) as two beaches where the remoteness and wilderness quality should be preserved; they are the only two beaches on the Highland mainland of Scotland given this designation in the report.

The site is also of archaeological interest. Mesolithic and Bronze age flintwork, microliths, arrowheads, small pointed blades, scrapers and beads have been found in the sand dunes behind Cul na Croise. The bays between Gortenfern and Sgeir a Chaolais are also believed to be the sites of two major battles, one involving the Vikings, and the other between the forces of Edward I and islanders under Roderick of Bute and Lachlan of Garmoran in 1297 . Clinch nails and rivets from a Viking ship burial at the site are deposited in the West Highland Museum at Fort William. The 13th century artefacts include spears, daggers, a bronze brooch and an Edward I silver penny. A coin of Charles II and musket balls have also been found in the vicinity. Fragments of "all-over corded" beaker and later pottery from the dunes can be found in museums in Cambridge and Glasgow.

This stunning beach is within the National Scenic Area of Morar, Moidart and Ardnamurchan and affords some excellent views of Small Isles (Eigg and Rum). It is a great place to immerse yourself in the wilds of the Ardnamurchan and Lochaber.

A real gem notable for its wildlife interest, archaeological value, remoteness and wilderness quality.

Cul na Croise can be reached from the popular walk to The Singing Sands at Gortenfern. The walk to The Singing Sands can be extended to explore the sandy bays to the north east of Camas an Lighe including the lovely beach at Cul na Croise.  The bays are best visited at low tide.  They are accessible via several small undefined paths generally running along the fence line by the edge of the forest plantation.  Please note, the route is boggy and uneven and should not be attempted without a map and suitable footware.

Location

Links to useful information

  • Cul na Croise Beach
  • Kentra Bay and The Singing Sands Walk
  • Ockle to The Singing Sands Walk
  • CANMORE - Cul Na Criose
  • Viking battle site in Gorten Bay
  • SNH Sand Dune Vegataton Survey Report
  • SNH Commissioned Report No 048 - The beaches of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland
  • Highland Historic Environmental Record- Battle site and Stone Working Site
  • Ardnamurchan Day Trips - Ardtoe, The Singing Sands and Eden Too

OS Map

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Things To Do

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Wildlife

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Willdife Experiences

  • Crannog Cruise on Loch Linnhe
  • Isle of Eigg
  • Isle of Mull Sea Eagle Adventure
  • Isle of Rum
  • Loch Shiel Wildlife Cruise
  • Loch Sunart Wildlife Ferry to Tobermory
  • Mull Eagle Watch
  • RSPB Glenborrodale Wildlife Walk
  • Scottish Sea Life Santuary
  • Ski Lift to Creag Dbubh
  • Treshnish Isles and Fingal's Cave
  • Whale and Dolphin Wildlife Cruise from Mallaig

Willdife Sites

  • Achnaha Community Woodland
  • Allt Mhuic Nature Reserve
  • Aonach Mor
  • Ardnamurchan Point
  • Ardtornish Wildlife Hide
  • Ariundle Oakwood
  • Camusdarach Beaches
  • Claish Moss
  • Creag Meagaidh NNR
  • Cuil Bay
  • Cul na Croise
  • Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide
  • Glasdrum National Nature Reserve
  • Glen Beasdale SAC
  • Glencripesdale
  • Inchree Red Squirrel Hotspot
  • Isle of Eigg
  • Isle of Rum
  • Kentra Moss
  • Rahoy Hills
  • RSPB Glenborrodale
  • Sanna Bay
  • Shian Wood SWT Reserve
  • Treshnish Isles

Glencoe

Discover Glencoe

Glencoe and Loch Leven

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Walking

Walking

Take a Walk on The Wild Side...

with over 100 wildlife focused walks across Lochaber, you'll be spoilt for choice

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Fort William

Fort William

Fort William, The Outdoor Capital

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Wildlife

wildlife

Wildlife

Home to Scotland's Big Five, red deer, golden eagle, otter, red squirrel, seals and so much more. A Wildlife Adventure Awaits.

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Ardnamurchan

West Highland Peninsulas

Ardnamurchan and The West Highland Peninsulas

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Activities

Activities

Activities

kayaking, wildlife watching, cruising, cycling, golfing, climbing, skiing, slow adventures and many more things to do

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Road to The Isles

The Road to The Isles

The Road to The Isles

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Day Trips

Day trips

Day Trps

Take off for the day to see the puffins on The Treshnish Isles, A Day trip to Mull, Skye, The Small Isles, The Most westerly point on the mainland and many more local ideas for a day out

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