Auchmithie

Settlement in Angus

Scotland

Auchmithie

Cliffs in Carlingheugh Bay The cleft in the cliff is a fault which has been exploited by the sea to form the Dark Cave, one of two caves that extend right through the headland to the next bay. The other one, the Light Cave, is further to the right. When you enter the Light cave, you can see the light at the other end, but the Dark Cave is, as its name suggests, completely dark. Bring a torch if you&#039;re going to explore it, and mind your head inside. The slightly wavy almost vertical feature next to the cave entrance is a vein of baryte (Barium sulphate, BaSO4, also known as barite and barytes). This has leached out of the sandstone and there are several such veins in the vicinity. Baryte is very dense (about 4½ tonnes per cubic metre, compared with sandstone which has a density of about 2¼ tonnes per cubic metre) and is used to make drilling mud to seal oil wells, and it is the most important ore of barium, which has many uses in medicine, engineering and other fields. See <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baryte" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baryte">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>. — Cliffs in Carlingheugh Bay Credit: Anne Burgess

Auchmithie is a small coastal village located in the county of Angus, in the eastern part of Scotland. Situated approximately 10 miles northeast of the town of Arbroath, Auchmithie is nestled on a rugged cliffside overlooking the North Sea.

With a population of around 200 inhabitants, Auchmithie is a picturesque and tranquil village that exudes a sense of history and charm. Its origins can be traced back to the 14th century, and it was primarily a fishing community throughout the centuries. Although the fishing industry has declined in recent years, Auchmithie still retains its maritime character, and remnants of its fishing heritage can be seen in the village's architecture and landmarks.

One of Auchmithie's most notable attractions is the Arbroath Smokie, a traditional smoked haddock dish that has become renowned throughout Scotland. The village is known for its smokeries, where the fish are prepared and smoked using traditional methods, creating a distinctive and delicious flavor.

Beyond its culinary fame, Auchmithie offers stunning natural beauty, with its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and dramatic coastal scenery. The area is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to a variety of seabirds and marine life.

Visitors to Auchmithie can enjoy leisurely walks along the cliffside paths, exploring the village's historic buildings, or simply relaxing on the beach. The village also has a friendly and welcoming community, with a small pub offering a warm atmosphere and a chance to sample the local hospitality.

Overall, Auchmithie is a hidden gem on the Angus coastline, offering a glimpse into Scotland's fishing heritage and providing a tranquil escape for those seeking natural beauty and a taste of traditional Scottish cuisine.

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Auchmithie Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.588623/-2.526319 or Grid Reference NO6744. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cliffs in Carlingheugh Bay

The cleft in the cliff is a fault which has been exploited by the sea to form the Dark Cave, one of two caves that extend right through the headland to the next bay. The other one, the Light Cave, is further to the right. When you enter the Light cave, you can see the light at the other end, but the Dark Cave is, as its name suggests, completely dark. Bring a torch if you're going to explore it, and mind your head inside. The slightly wavy almost vertical feature next to the cave entrance is a vein of baryte (Barium sulphate, BaSO4, also known as barite and barytes). This has leached out of the sandstone and there are several such veins in the vicinity. Baryte is very dense (about 4½ tonnes per cubic metre, compared with sandstone which has a density of about 2¼ tonnes per cubic metre) and is used to make drilling mud to seal oil wells, and it is the most important ore of barium, which has many uses in medicine, engineering and other fields. See Link

Anne Burgess

Barite Crystals

The white dendritic shapes are crystals of Barium sulphate, BaSO4, also known as barite and baryte, which have leached out from igneous fluids permeating the sandstone. Baryte is very dense (about 4½ tonnes per cubic metre, compared with sandstone which has a density of about 2¼ tonnes per cubic metre) and is used to make drilling mud to seal oil wells, and it is the most important ore of barium, which has many uses in medicine, engineering and other fields. See Link

Anne Burgess

West Woods of Ethie

Diffuse light on the understorey of ferns below the beeches in the West Woods.

Anne Burgess

Kinaldie Holdings

The map shows a block of woodland obscuring this view, where there is now a cultivated field.

Anne Burgess

But n Ben restaurant, Auchmithie

Restaurant in a traditional cottage style building at the start of the old part of the clifftop village.

Gordon Hatton

St Peter's Church, Auchmithie

Scottish Episcopal Church situated at the western end of the village.

Gordon Hatton

Across Castlesea Bay

Looking south across the bay to the promontory of Lud Castle, which is an iron age fort.

Gordon Hatton

Harvested field south of Auchmithie

A view from the coast path looking inland across a recently cropped field towards Auchmithie church.

Gordon Hatton

Walking the coast path towards Carlingheugh Bay

Not sure if this is one bay or two as the small rocky promontory centre left appears to form a sort of break.

Gordon Hatton

Devonian sandstone meets the North Sea

The red cliffs of Angus are made from Devonian period sandstone - a sedimentary rock.

Gordon Hatton

Beach at the northern end of Carlingheugh Bay

An ideal lunch spot on a walk from Auchmithie to Arbroath. Sand gives way to pebbles and then a wave cut platform festooned with seaweed. The Dark Cave is prominent in the centre of the picture, formed on a minor fault line.

Gordon Hatton

Lobster fishing off Carlingheugh Bay

Small fishing boat close to shore checking out lobster pots.

Gordon Hatton

Carlingheugh Bay

Looking north along the bay and showing the mix of sand, pebble and rocky ribs extending out into the sea.

Gordon Hatton

Watcher on the Beach

A figure cleverly constructed from beach debris.

Anne Burgess

Skulls on a Post

These look like sheep skulls, but they ought not to be from the Soay sheep that graze the cliffs further north because there are fences to prevent them getting to this point.

Anne Burgess

Beach north of Rumness

Looking away from Rumness towards the apparently unnamed cliffs.

Anne Burgess

Rock Samphire (Crithmum maritimum)

This is one of only two places on the east coast of Scotland where this plant is known to grow. It is quite common on the coasts of Ayshire and Galloway, and all round the west, south and south-east coasts of England and Wales and of Ireland.

Anne Burgess