Cairn Hill

Hill, Mountain in Caithness

Scotland

Cairn Hill

Stroma island Kennedy mausoleum and cemetery on Stroma - photograph taken from ferry on the way past.
Stroma island Credit: J M Briscoe

Cairn Hill is a prominent landmark located in Caithness, a historic county in the northernmost part of mainland Scotland. Situated near the village of Halkirk, Cairn Hill is a hill/mountain that forms part of the Caithness Hills range. It stands at an elevation of approximately 529 meters (1,736 feet) above sea level, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The hill is predominantly composed of rugged moorland, with scattered patches of heather and grass covering its slopes. Its distinct shape and prominent position make it easily recognizable from a distance. Cairn Hill is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers, who are drawn to its serene and picturesque setting.

The ascent to the summit of Cairn Hill involves a moderately challenging hike, with a well-defined path leading up the hillside. As hikers make their way up, they are treated to breathtaking views of the rolling Caithness landscape, scattered lochs, and the distant coastline. On clear days, it is even possible to catch glimpses of the Orkney Islands to the northeast.

At the top of Cairn Hill, there is a small cairn (pile of stones) that marks the summit. This marks a popular spot for visitors to rest, take photographs, and soak in the awe-inspiring vistas. The hill's isolated location and unspoiled natural beauty make it a peaceful and tranquil destination, providing a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Overall, Cairn Hill in Caithness is a remarkable geological feature that offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands and enjoy the tranquility of its surroundings.

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Cairn Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.674437/-3.1125787 or Grid Reference ND3576. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Stroma island Kennedy mausoleum and cemetery on Stroma - photograph taken from ferry on the way past.
Stroma island
Kennedy mausoleum and cemetery on Stroma - photograph taken from ferry on the way past.
Stroma and the Pentland firth Viewed from the mainland near Huna
Stroma and the Pentland firth
Viewed from the mainland near Huna
Mell Head The Island of Stroma in the Pentland Firth is now deserted.  Lots of buildings to be seen on the island.
Mell Head
The Island of Stroma in the Pentland Firth is now deserted. Lots of buildings to be seen on the island.
Stroma from the sea Shortly after this the Pentland Firth tides started to run, we had to beat a retreat to John O'Groats
Stroma from the sea
Shortly after this the Pentland Firth tides started to run, we had to beat a retreat to John O'Groats
Geo of Nethertown Pier Abandoned Stroma, island in the stream, now inhabited by sheep.
Geo of Nethertown Pier
Abandoned Stroma, island in the stream, now inhabited by sheep.
Stroma cliffs and shipwreck The Danish coaster Bettina Danica shipwrecked in 1994 lies rusting against the cliffs of Stroma.
Stroma cliffs and shipwreck
The Danish coaster Bettina Danica shipwrecked in 1994 lies rusting against the cliffs of Stroma.
Collapsed Sea Cave Collapsed sea cave, creating a subterranean passage.  The photograph shows the cave opening and the land beyond.
Collapsed Sea Cave
Collapsed sea cave, creating a subterranean passage. The photograph shows the cave opening and the land beyond.
Coast of Stroma Abandoned house above rocky coastline of Stroma.
Coast of Stroma
Abandoned house above rocky coastline of Stroma.
Western cliffs of Stroma Looking north towards Orkney, the sea batters the cliffs and under cuts the cliffs creating caves/inlets.
Western cliffs of Stroma
Looking north towards Orkney, the sea batters the cliffs and under cuts the cliffs creating caves/inlets.
Beacon - Stroma Warning beacon to warn shipping of submerged rocks or 'Skerry' near Mell Head at the south of Stroma.
Beacon - Stroma
Warning beacon to warn shipping of submerged rocks or 'Skerry' near Mell Head at the south of Stroma.
Geo, with stack A 'geo' at the right hand side of the picture; with a stack (locally, also called a 'castle') (of, presumably) harder rock inside.  Even on this calm day you can see an impression of the forces produced by the sea
Geo, with stack
A 'geo' at the right hand side of the picture; with a stack (locally, also called a 'castle') (of, presumably) harder rock inside. Even on this calm day you can see an impression of the forces produced by the sea
Buoy/Beacon by Stroma, Pentland Firth Waves breaking on the rocks by Mell Head, looking towards Hoy, Orkney across the Pentland Firth.
Buoy/Beacon by Stroma, Pentland Firth
Waves breaking on the rocks by Mell Head, looking towards Hoy, Orkney across the Pentland Firth.
Geo, on west of Stroma Small geo on west of Stroma, with signs of water course across the grass and the tip of the War Memorial just visible on the horizon.
Geo, on west of Stroma
Small geo on west of Stroma, with signs of water course across the grass and the tip of the War Memorial just visible on the horizon.
Cottage on Stroma A view of a derelict cottage on the uninhabited island of Stroma, situated in the Pentland Firth.
Cottage on Stroma
A view of a derelict cottage on the uninhabited island of Stroma, situated in the Pentland Firth.
Uppertown, Island of Stroma Photograph taken from the Orkney ferry.
Uppertown, Island of Stroma
Photograph taken from the Orkney ferry.
Telephone box (disused), Stroma This telephone box dates from the 1960's when the last of the islanders left for pastures new. The track to the left of the telephone box goes down to the South Harbour.
Telephone box (disused), Stroma
This telephone box dates from the 1960's when the last of the islanders left for pastures new. The track to the left of the telephone box goes down to the South Harbour.
Stroma Abandoned houses on skyline Stroma.
Stroma
Abandoned houses on skyline Stroma.
Castle Mestag Stroma Remains of Castle Mestag on sea stack Stroma.
Castle Mestag Stroma
Remains of Castle Mestag on sea stack Stroma.
Show me another place!

Cairn Hill is located at Grid Ref: ND3576 (Lat: 58.674437, Lng: -3.1125787)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///pythons.giggled.intruding. Near John o' Groats, Highland

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.674437,-3.1125787
Uppertown
Alt Name: Overtown
Note: deserted village
Place: locality
Source: OS7
Lat/Long: 58.6722744/-3.1193316
Cairn Hill
Ele: 53
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 58.6745631/-3.1132827
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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