Cairn Pool

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Caithness

Scotland

Cairn Pool

Pylon by the Thurso
Pylon by the Thurso Credit: Peter Moore

Cairn Pool is a freshwater marsh located in the county of Caithness, in the northernmost part of mainland Scotland. It is situated near the small village of Cairn, hence its name. The pool is a natural feature formed by the accumulation of rainwater and runoff in a depression in the landscape.

The pool covers a moderate area, approximately 4 hectares in size, and is surrounded by a diverse range of vegetation, including reeds, sedges, and rushes. These plants thrive in the shallow waters and provide a habitat for various aquatic species. The marshy ecosystem supports a rich biodiversity, attracting a wide range of birds and other wildlife.

The pool is particularly renowned for its birdlife, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. It serves as a breeding ground and sanctuary for several species, including waterfowl like mallards, teal, and wigeons. In addition, the pool attracts migratory birds during certain times of the year, such as sandpipers and curlews.

The area around Cairn Pool is also frequented by local anglers, who take advantage of the calm waters to fish for trout and other freshwater species. The pool is known for its healthy fish population, making it a desirable spot for fishing enthusiasts.

Overall, Cairn Pool in Caithness is a picturesque and ecologically significant freshwater marsh, offering a tranquil setting for wildlife observation and recreational activities. Its diverse flora and fauna make it an important site for conservation and a treasured natural asset in the region.

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Cairn Pool Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.549468/-3.5038489 or Grid Reference ND1263. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pylon by the Thurso
Pylon by the Thurso
The River Thurso Viewed from the train returning from Thurso to Inverness, a line which uses a most interesting and scenic route.
The River Thurso
Viewed from the train returning from Thurso to Inverness, a line which uses a most interesting and scenic route.
Pylon from a train Hence the ghost image centre left....
Pylon from a train
Hence the ghost image centre left....
River Thurso A quick glimpse of the river and adjacent grazing land from a train on the way to Thurso, viewed in late October.
River Thurso
A quick glimpse of the river and adjacent grazing land from a train on the way to Thurso, viewed in late October.
Thurso River Islands Looking downstream from the railway line in late-October sunshine.
Thurso River Islands
Looking downstream from the railway line in late-October sunshine.
Towards Carsgoe Carsgoe Farm, viewed from a train on the way to Wick on a bright late-October day.
Towards Carsgoe
Carsgoe Farm, viewed from a train on the way to Wick on a bright late-October day.
Farmland beside the River Thurso In the distance, in the centre of the photo, is a line of pylons (actually in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/ND1265">ND1265</a>). Pylons are not always the most beautiful of things, but I thought that the arch shape here (as if there were a bridge) was quite attractive.
Farmland beside the River Thurso
In the distance, in the centre of the photo, is a line of pylons (actually in ND1265). Pylons are not always the most beautiful of things, but I thought that the arch shape here (as if there were a bridge) was quite attractive.
South Weydale Traditional Croft buildings and gorse hedges.
South Weydale
Traditional Croft buildings and gorse hedges.
Bulliemore Farm Bulliemore farm is still worked but the farmhouse is no longer lived in.
Bulliemore Farm
Bulliemore farm is still worked but the farmhouse is no longer lived in.
Skinnet
Skinnet
Bend in road
Bend in road
Mist on Buckies Hill Track to Buckies
Mist on Buckies Hill
Track to Buckies
Burn with primroses Adjacent to the A9 southbound
Burn with primroses
Adjacent to the A9 southbound
View south from the A9 Todholes farm in the distance
View south from the A9
Todholes farm in the distance
A9 near Bulliemore Looking northwest
A9 near Bulliemore
Looking northwest
Farm near Sordale Just visible against the snow is a flock of geese disturbed by the train.
Farm near Sordale
Just visible against the snow is a flock of geese disturbed by the train.
Gorse at Geise Looking across the valley of the Thurso River from Geise Farm.
Gorse at Geise
Looking across the valley of the Thurso River from Geise Farm.
Thurso River at Geiselittle Fragments of native woodland survive alongside the Thurso River.
Thurso River at Geiselittle
Fragments of native woodland survive alongside the Thurso River.
Show me another place!

Cairn Pool is located at Grid Ref: ND1263 (Lat: 58.549468, Lng: -3.5038489)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///unzipped.laughs.carrots. Near Halkirk, Highland

Related Wikis

Shalmstry

Shalmstry is a small settlement in Caithness, Scotland. It is just under 3 miles (5 kilometres) south of Thurso. It is located off the A9 and is remote...

Weydale

Weydale (Scottish Gaelic: valley of the way) is a remote scattered crofting settlement, lying 3 miles southeast of Thurso, Caithness, Scottish Highlands...

Sordale

Sordale is a small linear village, located 1.5 miles (2.4 km) northeast in Halkirk, in Caithness, Scottish Highlands and is in the Scottish council area...

Braal Castle

Braal Castle is located by the River Thurso north of the village of Halkirk, in Caithness, northern Scotland. The ruined castle, which dates back to the...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.549468,-3.5038489
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 58.5504189/-3.4963943
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 58.5526446/-3.4990809
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 58.5456396/-3.500838
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 58.5479139/-3.5034558
Todholes Private Crossing 2
Railway: level_crossing
Lat/Long: 58.5538394/-3.505629
Todholes Private Crossing 3
Railway: level_crossing
Lat/Long: 58.5527074/-3.5016211
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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