Barton Scar

Island in Yorkshire Scarborough

England

Barton Scar

Runswick Bay Beach The sand runs out towards the south-eastern end of the beach, giving way to flat rocks as the coastline heads round towards Kettle Ness. — Runswick Bay Beach Credit: Stephen McKay

Barton Scar is a small but remarkable island located off the coast of Yorkshire, England. Situated in the North Sea, it is part of the expansive Flamborough Headland and is known for its rugged beauty and diverse wildlife.

Covering an area of approximately 2.5 hectares, Barton Scar is characterized by its towering chalk cliffs that rise up to 50 meters above sea level. These dramatic cliffs provide a nesting habitat for numerous seabird species, including puffins, kittiwakes, and gannets. The island is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its importance as a breeding ground for these birds.

Access to Barton Scar is limited, as it is only accessible during low tide when a natural causeway is exposed. This adds to its exclusivity and sense of adventure for those who wish to visit. However, it is essential to take caution and check tide times to avoid being stranded on the island.

The island's isolation and unique geography make it a haven for diverse marine life. Common seals can often be spotted basking on the rocks, while the surrounding waters are home to a variety of fish species. This has led to Barton Scar being designated as a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ), ensuring its protection for future generations.

Overall, Barton Scar is a stunning and ecologically significant island that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich natural heritage of the Yorkshire coast. Whether it's exploring the towering cliffs, observing seabird colonies, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the surrounding sea, this island provides a unique and unforgettable experience.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Barton Scar Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.534456/-0.71236674 or Grid Reference NZ8316. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Runswick Bay Beach

The sand runs out towards the south-eastern end of the beach, giving way to flat rocks as the coastline heads round towards Kettle Ness.

Stephen McKay

Runswick Bay seen from The Cleveland Way

The Cleveland Way runs 110 miles (177 km) between Helmsley and the Brigg at Filey, skirting the North York Moors National Park. Its highest point is at Urra Moor, 1,489 ft (454 m).

habiloid

Near Kettleness

Looking towards the old quarries.

T Eyre

Kettleness view

Looking towards Runswick Bay.

T Eyre

Runswick Bay

Looking North

Paul Allison

Kettleness

Dave Eagle

Hill Stones, Kettleness, Barnby

This is a view from the western slopes of Kettle Ness, looking east over Kettleness Sand and past the waterfall to Hill Stones, with Runswick Bay in the distance.

Humphrey Bolton

Kettle Ness, Barnby

The promontory is the 'ness' of Kettleness, seen here from the west. To the right of it are the scars of alum mining.

Humphrey Bolton

Wade's Stone

To quote from English Heritage's website: "A Bronze Age standing stone, originally one of two, the other no longer survives. It is roughly cut into rectangular shape which tapers slightly towards the top and leans a little to the north west. It is 1.5 metres high and 0.7 by 0.5 metres in section. On the south face the letters JS and ES have been inscribed. The monument is scheduled. There is another possible "Wades Stone" at NZ 81 SW 2." I believe this latter reference means NZ830130.

Mick Garratt

Cleveland Way, Kettleness

View east along the Cleveland Way towards Kettleness Farm with Kettleness village behind.

Mick Garratt

Goldsborough

Mick Garratt

View from the Cliffs North of Kettleness

Looking west towards Runswick Bay.

Mick Garratt

Alum Works Remains

This piece of our industrial heritage hangs precariously close to the cliff. It only a matter of time before the sea claims it.

Mick Garratt

Fields East of Goldsborough

View east from the road bend towards the cliffs along which runs the Cleveland Way footpath.

Mick Garratt

Goldsborough Roman Signal Station

Taken looking north west from the site of the Goldsborough Roman Signal Station. This was one of a series of stations built along the coast to provide early warning of Scottish or Saxon invaders. It is supposed that the next signal station would have been on the Boultby cliffs (far left) but it is supposed that any remains have been destroyed by the alum workings.

Mick Garratt

Former Kettleness Railway Station

Now used by East Cleveland Scouts. The building suggests Kettleness once had a more substantial community than at present. Unless of course the railway had to build such an elaborate station on condition of laying the track through the village. I wouldn't have thought the nearby alum mines would have warranted it alone. The railway was opened in December 1883.

Mick Garratt