Map Of Barra Outer Hebrides

Barra, the southernmost inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides (also known as the Western Isles) of Scotland, presents a unique and captivating landscape, beautifully captured on maps. These maps are essential tools for navigating the island’s varied terrain, from its stunning beaches to its rugged hills.

A standard map of Barra typically showcases a roughly rectangular shape, oriented with north at the top. The island’s coastline is deeply indented, creating numerous bays, inlets, and promontories. These coastal features are crucial for understanding Barra’s maritime heritage and its reliance on the sea for centuries. The map will highlight prominent bays such as Castlebay, the island’s main settlement and ferry port, and Tangasdale, known for its beautiful white sands.

Maps detail the island’s road network, which is relatively simple. A main road loops around the southern and eastern sides of the island, connecting the main settlements. Smaller roads and tracks branch off from this main route, providing access to more remote areas and crofting townships. The cartography will differentiate between road types, showing paved roads, single-track roads with passing places, and unpaved tracks, essential information for planning journeys, especially by car or bicycle.

Topographical maps of Barra reveal the island’s varying elevations. While not mountainous, Barra features a series of rolling hills and small peaks. Heaval, the highest point at 383 meters, is clearly marked, offering panoramic views across the island and surrounding sea. Contour lines illustrate the steepness of slopes and the undulating nature of the land, aiding in hiking and exploring the interior.

Water features are also meticulously represented. Lochs (lakes) dot the landscape, providing vital freshwater sources and habitats for wildlife. Rivers and streams, though generally short, are indicated, showing the drainage patterns of the island. Coastal waters are mapped with depth soundings, critical for navigation and understanding the tidal flows around the island.

Maps also denote human settlements, from Castlebay, with its ferry terminal, shops, and services, to smaller crofting communities like Borve and Northbay. These settlements are often clustered along the coast or in sheltered areas. Churches, schools, and other landmarks are typically marked, providing points of reference.

Uniquely, Barra Airport is world-renowned as the only airport where scheduled flights land on a beach. The map clearly indicates the location of this unusual airstrip on Traigh Mhor, the “Big Strand,” highlighting the tidal range and the operational periods when the beach is usable as a runway. This iconic feature makes Barra maps instantly recognizable.

Beyond practical navigation, maps of Barra offer a glimpse into the island’s rich history and culture. Historical maps often depict old settlements, abandoned crofts, and ancient sites, providing a fascinating insight into the island’s past. Modern maps often integrate information on archaeological sites, walking trails, and points of interest, encouraging visitors to explore Barra’s natural and cultural heritage responsibly.

In conclusion, a map of Barra is much more than just a navigational tool. It is a representation of the island’s unique geography, its history, and its enduring connection to the sea. It provides a framework for understanding and appreciating this beautiful and remote corner of the Outer Hebrides.