Black Head

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Wigtownshire

Scotland

Black Head

Across Port Kale to Catebraid, near Portpatrick The inlet is the bottom of Dunskey Glen. The headland is near the start of the Southern Upland Way. — Across Port Kale to Catebraid, near Portpatrick Credit: David Hawgood

Black Head is a prominent coastal feature located in Wigtownshire, Scotland. It is a headland or point that extends into the Irish Sea, forming a distinctive shape that is easily recognizable. The headland is situated near the village of Port William, about 10 miles from the town of Newton Stewart.

The geography of Black Head is characterized by rugged cliffs that rise steeply from the sea, reaching heights of around 100 feet in some areas. The headland is composed of dark, sedimentary rocks, giving it its name. These rocks are primarily sandstone and shale, dating back millions of years. The cliffs are often weathered by the strong winds and waves that batter the coast, creating dramatic formations and sea caves.

The area around Black Head is known for its rich biodiversity. The cliffs provide nesting grounds for various seabirds, including kittiwakes, fulmars, and guillemots. Seals can often be spotted in the waters around the headland, basking on the rocky outcrops. The surrounding waters are also home to a diverse range of marine life, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.

Black Head is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The headland offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the Irish Sea, making it a perfect spot for photography and enjoying the beauty of the natural landscape. Visitors can explore the cliffs by following well-established coastal paths and take in the sights and sounds of this stunning coastal feature.

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Black Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.863696/-5.1470069 or Grid Reference NW9856. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Across Port Kale to Catebraid, near Portpatrick

The inlet is the bottom of Dunskey Glen. The headland is near the start of the Southern Upland Way.

David Hawgood

Dunskey Glen, near Portpatrick

David Hawgood

Lighthouse on Black Head, Wigtonshire

Seen from the cliff top path of the Southern Upland Way from Portpatrick heading North.

Uncredited

Killantringan Bay, Wigtonshire

Seen from the Southern Upland Way heading North from Portpatrick.

Uncredited

Killantringan Fell near Portpatrick

The small hill Killantringan Fell (464 feet) situated south of the Southern Upland Way road to Killantringan Lighthouse.

Colin McDonald

Killantringan Bay, Knock Bay and House of Knock, near Portpatrick

In the foreground you see Killantringan Bay. The large white house on the cliff top is House of Knock and below it is Knock Bay. Basically, it is all the same bay, but split into two halves and with different names.

Colin McDonald

Killantringan Lighthouse and foghorn, Black Head near Portpatrick

This photo is almost the same as the one already submitted, but taken on a stormy winter day. This photo also shows the foghorn. The bay in front of the lighthouse is called Portamaggie where a cargo ship named "Craiganlet" was grounded on rocks and shipwrecked in 1982. The remains can still be seen protruding from the sea.

Colin McDonald

Craig Anthony (90 metres) near Killantringan lighthouse.

A steep rocky crag named Craig Anthony near Killantringan lighthouse, South West Scotland.

Colin McDonald

Portavaddie Bay South of Killantringan Lighthouse

Portavaddie Bay, South of Killantringan lighthouse and passed by on the Southern Upland Way towards Portpatrick.

Colin McDonald

Port Kale and Port Mora Bays from Catebraid near Portpatrick

Port Kale (foreground) and Port Mora (known locally as Sandeel Bay) Bays near Portpatrick. This location covers three ordnance survey squares but I have chosen the furthest away for the location.

Colin McDonald

A waterfall over caves at the end of Sandeel Bay (Port Mora Bay) near Portpatrick.

Colin McDonald

Field at Knock and Maize

Oliver Dixon

Port Mora

Archie Cochrane

Port Kale

A headland separates Port Kale from Port Mora.

Ann Cook

Glen Cottage, Dunskey Estate

This cottage is at the end of a mile and a half track, down through Dunskey Glen. It sits on a grassy cliff between the bays of Port Kale and Port Mora.

Ann Cook

Killantringan Lighthouse, near Portpatrick

Fantastic views, especially over to Ireland and the Mountains of Mourne. The lightkeepers cottage is available as holiday cottage.

Ann Cook

Cliff path, Black Head

This is on a clifftop walk below Killantringan lighthouse, looking down into Portamaggie. The shipwreck is that of the Craigantlet who went aground on 26.2.1982. She was sailing from Belfast to Liverpool and managed to wreck herself NORTH of her starting point - -she should have sailed south! The wreck is still visible today, over 20 years later.

Ann Cook

Gravestones, Dunskey Estate

These graves stand on a prominent headland between Port Mora and Port Kale. They belong to the Orr-Ewing family and all served in the army or navy. One was a hero of Colditz. To see them, one must leave the path and climb the headland. It's easiest to take the track up the hill from Port Kale.

Ann Cook

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Black Head is located at Grid Ref: NW9856 (Lat: 54.863696, Lng: -5.1470069)

Unitary Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

Police Authority: Dumfries and Galloway