Castle Point

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Banffshire

Scotland

Castle Point

Castle Point is a prominent coastal feature located in the region of Banffshire, Scotland. Situated on the eastern coast of the country, it is a headland that juts out into the North Sea. The point is named after the nearby Castle Point Castle, a historic structure that adds to the area's allure.

This headland is characterized by its rugged and dramatic landscape, featuring steep cliffs that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding sea. The cliffs are composed of sedimentary rocks, displaying layers of different geological formations that provide valuable insights into the region's geological history.

Castle Point is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers due to its picturesque scenery and diverse wildlife. The area is home to a wide variety of seabirds, including puffins, gannets, and razorbills, making it a haven for birdwatching. Additionally, seals can often be spotted lounging on the rocks near the shoreline, adding to the rich biodiversity of the region.

Visitors to Castle Point can explore the headland by following several walking trails that meander through the coastal landscape, allowing for an up-close experience with the natural beauty of the area. It also offers opportunities for rock climbing and fishing, attracting outdoor enthusiasts seeking a more challenging experience.

The location of Castle Point, along with its stunning vistas and natural wonders, make it a must-visit destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Scotland's coastal beauty and rich history.

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Castle Point Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.68546/-2.2723236 or Grid Reference NJ8366. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Castle Point and Pennan from Lion's Head

Alan Reid

Pennan Harbour

Alan Reid

Cullykhan Bay

Pennan Head beyond.

Alan Reid

Wheatear on Whins

There were several of these perching on the fence posts and whins. Strictly speaking they are Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe), and the Oxford English Dictionary confirms that name was originally derived from 'white arse' from the conspicuous white rump that is seen when the bird is in flight. However the OED does not confirm the story that the name was bowdlerised by prudish Victorians; as early as 1653 one J Taylor noted that "The name of Wheat ears, on them is ycleap'd, Because they come when wheat is yearly reap'd."

Anne Burgess

Yellowhammer (Emberiza citronella)

Quite a common bird of fields and rough ground, sometimes also venturing into gardens. Its song is very distinctive, said to sound like 'A little bit of bread and no CHEESE'.

Anne Burgess

St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci)?

Apparently they tend to emerge around 25 April, which is St Mark's Day. There were large numbers of them, all clinging to grass and other vegetation, perhaps because it was too cold for them to be flying. Thanks to Richard Sutcliffe for confirming the ID and telling me that's it's a male because it has large eyes.

Anne Burgess

Sea Camption (Silene uniflora)

One of many clumps of Sea Camption on the top of the cliffs.

Anne Burgess

Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)

Formerly known as Sula bassana, the Solan Goose. Taken with a zoom lens from far enough away not to disturb the bird.

Anne Burgess

Nesting Gannets

Gannets first nested at Troup Head in 1988, and since then the colony has grown to over 2000 pairs. I note with interest that the RSPB no longer says it is the only mainland Gannet colony in Scotland - it is now, it seems, the largest Gannet colony in Scotland.

Anne Burgess

Gannet Wars

We watched for several minutes while the two upper Gannets squabbled, pecking at one another and occasionally locking beaks in a tussle, presumably over whose nest site this is. The third bird looked on but took no part in the action.

Anne Burgess

Nesting gannet, Troup Head

The nature of the cliff top means that it is possible to get remarkably close to the birds without either putting oneself in danger or upsetting the birds.

Alan Murray-Rust

Portrait of a gannet, Troup Head

The nature of the cliff top means that it is possible to get remarkably close to the birds without either putting oneself in danger or upsetting the birds.

Alan Murray-Rust

Rainwashed cobbles and shingle, Pennan

Displaying a remarkable variety of colours and rock types. Of interest are the small number of unrounded rocks in amongst them.

Alan Murray-Rust

Ravels Den

A deep-cut dene leading down to Downie Bay, probably the result of meltwater erosion at the end of the Ice Age.

Alan Murray-Rust

Wheatears on a fence

Alongside the footpath to Troup Head.

Alan Murray-Rust

Wheatears on whin

Alongside the footpath to Troup Head. (I would call this gorse, but whin is the native word!)

Alan Murray-Rust

Landslip in Ravels Den

A deep-cut dene leading down to Downie Bay, probably the result of meltwater erosion at the end of the Ice Age. The slip shows the friable rock forming the upper stratum at this point.

Alan Murray-Rust