Carsaig Arches facts for kids
The Carsaig Arches are amazing natural rock formations found on the Isle of Mull in Scotland. Imagine huge stone bridges carved by nature! These arches are part of tall cliffs on the Ross of Mull, right by the sea. They are located below a spot called Malcolm's Point, at the bottom of the Rudha Fhaoilean cliffs. Nearby, to the east, you can find Carsaig Bay and the beautiful waterfall, Eas na Dabhaich.
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How Were the Carsaig Arches Formed?
These incredible cliff formations were created over a very long time. The sea waves slowly wore away (eroded) special rock layers. These rocks are called oolitic rocks, which are made of tiny round grains, like little pearls. This erosion happened mostly to the west of the entrance to Loch Bay, carving out the arches we see today.
Visiting the Carsaig Arches
Getting to the Carsaig Arches is an adventure! You start from Carsaig Pier and follow a track. This path is quite rugged, covered with volcanic rocks and boulders. It's about a 4-mile walk to reach the arches. It's best to plan your visit for when the tide is low. This makes it much easier and safer to get close to the arches and explore them.
Exploring the Arches
As you finish your walk and start to go down from the ridge, you'll see the first arch. It looks like a giant opening leading right into the sea! The second arch is a bit more hidden. People have said that the openings created by the waves look like cave entrances that "lead to another planet."
One of the arches is like a railway tunnel, described as "deep and dark." The other arch is very tall, with rocks above it that might be from an older arch that collapsed. One unique formation is a pyramid-shaped rock with a hole in the middle, known as the "keyhole." On top of it is a single tall pillar of basalt rock. Another arch, called the "tunnel," is huge. It has cool basalt columns that seem to hang from its top. This arch is about 20 meters (65 feet) high, 43 meters (141 feet) long, and 20 meters (65 feet) wide.
Wildlife at Carsaig Arches
The area around the Carsaig Arches is home to lots of interesting wildlife. You might spot wild goats climbing on the cliffs. Look up, and you might see magnificent golden eagles soaring in the sky. The cliffs are also a nesting place for seabirds like fulmars and kittiwakes, especially during their breeding season.
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