South Castle Haven

Bay in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

South Castle Haven

A90 at Stirling Hill The A90 as it passes between Stirling and Boddam villages. The houses in the foreground have been built along the route of the former Ellon to Boddam railway line, near to its terminus at Boddam, which was located in what was itself the domestic site for RAF Buchan.

Other landmarks to be seen are; the old Doctor&#039;s house off left centred, the now partially restored Buchan Ness Lodge (former residence of Lord Aberdeen) right centred, and of course the lighthouse on Buchan Ness itself. — A90 at Stirling Hill Credit: Iain Smith

South Castle Haven is a picturesque bay located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Nestled along the stunning North Sea coastline, this idyllic bay offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The bay is characterized by its pristine sandy beach, which stretches for approximately half a mile. The fine golden sand is perfect for leisurely walks, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. The crystal-clear waters of the North Sea are also inviting for a refreshing swim or a paddle.

Surrounded by rolling green hills and dramatic cliffs, South Castle Haven provides breathtaking views of the rugged Scottish coastline. The bay is a haven for nature lovers, with a diverse range of wildlife to be spotted, including seals, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds.

South Castle Haven is also steeped in history, with the ruins of Dunnottar Castle perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the bay. This medieval fortress adds a touch of intrigue and charm to the area, attracting history enthusiasts from near and far.

Facilities at South Castle Haven include a car park, public toilets, and a small café offering refreshments. The bay is easily accessible by road, with ample parking available. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the beach, explore the nearby cliffs, or simply relax and take in the stunning natural beauty of this hidden gem on the Aberdeenshire coastline.

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South Castle Haven Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.460622/-1.7838578 or Grid Reference NK1341. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A90 at Stirling Hill

The A90 as it passes between Stirling and Boddam villages. The houses in the foreground have been built along the route of the former Ellon to Boddam railway line, near to its terminus at Boddam, which was located in what was itself the domestic site for RAF Buchan. Other landmarks to be seen are; the old Doctor's house off left centred, the now partially restored Buchan Ness Lodge (former residence of Lord Aberdeen) right centred, and of course the lighthouse on Buchan Ness itself.

Iain Smith

Rocky coastline near Little Dumeath

The photograph was taken from an A90 parking area. Notice the beautiful clouds.

Astrid H

Buchan Ness

Buchan Ness lighthouse, Boddam.

Colin Kinnear

Buchan Ness lighthouse

Roger Davies

Long Night Exposure of Rocks in Boddam

A 25 second exposure at dusk of cliff edge and rocks just off Earls Court in Boddam, Aberdeenshire.

Iain Smith

Peterhead Power Station at Night

Peterhead's oil and gas fired power station, situated between Peterhead and Boddam. The shot is taken from a scenic viewpoint, unfortunately on the wrong side of the grid square, making this a supplementary entry.

Iain Smith

Stirling Village at Night

The junction between Boddam's Station Road and the A90 as it runs through Stirling Village.

Iain Smith

Peterhead power station

Seen from the sea.

James Allan

Den Dam

Den Dam, famous in the area for the traditional sailing of model yachts, is located in the area of the Buchan Gravel Ridge, an important source of flint which was quarried by early farmers The water from the dam fed the watercourse that provided power for the granite works of Sandford Mill near Peterhead.

Iain Smith

Peterhead Power Station

Roger Cornfoot

Unknown Ruins on Murdoch Head

I'd originally come here to fill in a blank square, so I was a little surprised to find these remains on the very edge of the cliff at Murdoch Head. I was aware of there being the footings of an old smithy nearby, but I have no idea what this building once was, or how old it is. Although the type of mortar used would suggest 18th century or earlier. As always, if anyone has any information, I would be most grateful.

Iain Smith

Looking down at the Meaths

This named coastal rock is surrounded by water. According to Celtic Place-names in Aberdeenshire by John Milne: "Meaths is a Scotch word which means marks and objects by which a person recognises a place. The Meaths apparently means marks by which fishermen found their way into a boat haven on a rocky coast."

Bill Harrison

Granite stack at North Glash inlet

According to Celtic Place-names in Aberdeenshire by John Milne, a 'glash' is a bay with a narrow mouth.

Bill Harrison

Looking past Long Haven towards Boddam

Bill Harrison

Guillemots on Little Dumeath

Hundreds of guillemots (I think...) roosting on Little Dumeath stack. 'Dumeath' means 'hill of the cattle fold' according to Celtic Place-names in Aberdeenshire by John Milne.

Bill Harrison

Inlet near Meackie Point

John Milne in his Celtic Place-names in Aberdeenshire has this to say about the name 'Meackie Point;: cape on the coast of Cruden where there is a fleshy-rooted plant, perhaps Ligusticum Scoticum (lovage Link

) is meant. It was eaten.

Bill Harrison

Waste from Stirling Hill Quarry

Bill Harrison

Highland cows with lighthouse

Highland cows graze near Boddam with Buchan Ness lighthouse in the background. The light was dire and a lot of 'fill light' had to be applied to get a barely presentable photograph.

Bill Harrison

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South Castle Haven is located at Grid Ref: NK1341 (Lat: 57.460622, Lng: -1.7838578)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East