Bearraraig Bay

Bearraraig Bay might be reached by descending the very steep path leading from the car park at the Storr Lochs hydro power station. The geological timespans at Bearraraig are well represented in the cliffs above the bay and in the profusion of fossils in the bedrock below. Given its appeal, the Bearraraig site is particularly fragile in relation to specimen collection. It should be regarded with respect in more ways than one, since it is also a dangerous site to visit. Nevertheless, at low tide this is a very fascinating site. The upper part of the cliff at Bearraraig is composed of tertiary magma, and much of the shingle at the foot of the pathway is of volcanic age, having clearly fallen from the rocks immediately above. But when you head south of the pathway (at low tide), you get a much clearer view of the rock formations and the fossils within. No doubt previous generations must have been curious as to the origins of the fossil patterns on the bedrock. The ammonite patterns were once described as being like “solidified ram’s horns”. It isn't difficult to see why.