A chasm’s roar. That’s the first thing you notice at The Gloup. The wind howls through this gaping hole in the earth. It’s a dramatic sight. A collapsed sea cave. The roof caved in creating a deep cleft. This leads to the sea making “Gloup” noises. Booming sounds echo too. The name comes from Old Norse “gluppa” meaning chasm or blow-hole.
The Gloup is more than just a pretty picture. It’s a powerful reminder of nature’s force. The sea relentlessly carves away at the sandstone cliffs. This creates geos and caves. The waves once crashed into the cave. They couldn’t surge further. The roof collapsed. Now The Gloup is an open chasm. It’s 70 meters long 40 meters wide and 30 meters deep. Seawater fills it. The sea still enters through a remaining arch. It’s about 80 meters wide.
Imagine kayakers paddling into The Gloup from the open sea. They’re delighted with their adventure. They wave to you. They even paddle under the waterfall. A waterfall isn’t always there. It depends on the rainfall. This waterfall shows how much rain had fallen recently.
The Gloup is part of the Mull Head Nature Reserve. It’s a beautiful area. There are over 200 acres of coastal grassland heath and sea cliffs. It’s great for walking bird-watching and studying nature.
There are wooden viewing platforms. They are fenced off. They allow safe photo taking. Still take care. The Gloup is unfenced. Great care is required. A stream tumbles down into the chasm. The Gloup is spectacular. It’s best viewed by boat or kayak in calm weather. There’s even a story from 1928. Famous novelist Dame Barbara Cartland’s boat sank there. Her party climbed up rock ledges to safety. These ledges have since broken off. The Gloup is a dramatic sight especially on a wild day. Waves enter from the east.
The Gloup is a place of wonder. It’s a place of power. It’s a place you’ll never forget.