Cove of the Head

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Angus

Scotland

Cove of the Head

Second Knowes The beach at the Second Knowes is covered with large boulders. On the left is a sea stack of volcanic rock. — Second Knowes Credit: Anne Burgess

Cove of the Head is a picturesque coastal feature located in Angus, Scotland. Nestled between Arbroath and Montrose, this stunning area is known for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. It is a combination of a sea inlet, an estuary, and a creek, making it a unique and multifaceted destination.

The cove is surrounded by rugged cliffs, providing a dramatic backdrop to the crystal-clear waters that gently lap against the shore. The rocky coastline is home to a variety of marine life, and the area is popular among anglers who come to fish for a wide range of species.

The estuary, formed by the convergence of several rivers, adds another dimension to the cove. It is a haven for many bird species, including herons, oystercatchers, and gulls. Birdwatchers flock to Cove of the Head to observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

A small creek meanders through the landscape, adding to the charm of the area. The creek provides a sheltered spot for wildlife, and its tranquil waters are often used by kayakers and paddleboarders who enjoy exploring its hidden corners.

Cove of the Head is also a popular destination for walkers and hikers, with numerous trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. The coastal path allows visitors to appreciate the rugged cliffs and the ever-changing sea, while inland trails lead through lush vegetation and offer glimpses of wildlife.

Overall, Cove of the Head is a natural wonder that showcases the beauty and diversity of Angus' coastal landscape. Whether it's exploring the sea, estuary, or creek, visitors will find themselves immersed in a stunning environment that showcases the best of Scotland's natural beauty.

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Cove of the Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.617029/-2.4860803 or Grid Reference NO7047. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Second Knowes

The beach at the Second Knowes is covered with large boulders. On the left is a sea stack of volcanic rock.

Anne Burgess

Second Knowes

The west end of the beach is made up of pebbles and cobbles, and supports a variety of plants including Sea Mayweed (Tripleurospermum maritimum).

Anne Burgess

The Knowes at Sunset

The setting sun has tinged the red volcanic rocks with pink.

Anne Burgess

Interesting Clouds

Wispy Cirrus clouds being blown about above the Knowes, with a contrail through the middle of the view.

Anne Burgess

Second Knowes

Or, to be more precise, the boulder beach beside the Second Knowes. Oddly, it never seems to become covered with seaweed, even in the lowest part of the intertidal zone.

Anne Burgess

Rocky Shore

The all the rocks here are volcanic and red in colour. The pale creamy colour of the ones in the middle is a thick crust of millions of barnacles, and the furthest ones are covered in dark seaweeds.

Anne Burgess

Ancient Lava

These rocks are part of the Ethie Lavas, which belong to the Montrose Volcanics, and were erupted about 400 million years ago.

Anne Burgess

Sea Lion Rock

With the eye of imagination, the pillar on the right looks like a sea lion propping itself up on its front flippers. In the background is the north end of the beach at Lunan Bay.

Anne Burgess

Sitka Spruce (Picea abies)

Young cones developing.

Anne Burgess

The View from Red Head

The neat headland, with the sloping island rock at its foot, is East Comb. You can get a kayak through the narrow gap when the tide is high enough. The next island rock is Marshall's Craig, and the peninsula beyond it is Auld Mains, a popular spot for fishing. On the far side of Lunan Bay is Scurdie Ness and, the Kincardineshire coast between St Cyrus and Inverbervie is in the far distance.

Anne Burgess

Red Head Triangulation Pillar

The trig point is 81 metres above sea level. A path goes along the margin of the field. This was part of the waymarked Angus coastal path, but concerns for safety led to the waymarked route being diverted away from the cliffs altogether. Long before the development of the waymarked path, the actual path used to go along the cliffs outside the cultivated land altogether, but this probably wasn't very safe as the cliff edge is crumbling, and the old path is now overgrown and pretty much unusuable.

Anne Burgess

Remains of a Dyke

The drystane dyke between the cliff edge and the arable fields has fallen to form what looks like a series of unstable pillars.

Anne Burgess

Soay Sheep

A flock of Soay sheep grazes the cliff top and slopes between Lang Craig and Prail Castle. They are pretty wild and always flee when anyone approaches.

Anne Burgess

Irrigation

The eastern coastal fringe of Scotland has an average annual rainfall similar to that of parts of Kent and East Anglia, but most of the rain falls in the autumn and winter, so irrigation has long been a feature of farming here. This installation is providing water for a crop of potatoes.

Anne Burgess

Irrigation

Anne Burgess

Red Head, Marshall's Craig and Auld Mains, Angus

The foreground of the photo shows the promontory of Red Head where archaeological fieldwork in 1961 revealed the site of what is thought to be an Iron Age fort. Using a direct line of sight over the seaward extremity of Red Head, the small east-northeast trending Marshall's Island can be seen. In the distance, beyond Marshall's Island, lies the peninsula of Auld Mains. According to Scotland's Places, Auld Mains is the "name applied to the furthest projecting point of Rock Skelly. It is very remarkable from the sea."

Adrian Diack

Farm track serving as a coastal path at Red Head, Angus

Although the rocky coast and associated sea birds in this area make spectacular viewing, there is no formal coastal path which permits easy access. While good access and paths designed for walking can be desirable, it is also true that too many visitors to an area can spoil the elemental assets, like solitude, which is, in fact, the thing they have come to experience.

Adrian Diack

Southward view of Red Head and fringing islands, Angus

This photo was taken from the clifftop near East Comb and it looks south to Red Head and to a number of small islands which lie on the seaward side of it in the Cove of the Head. The islands, which have been eroded from the mainland, and caves undermining the headland, both show that active erosion is taking place at Red Head.

Adrian Diack

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Cove of the Head is located at Grid Ref: NO7047 (Lat: 56.617029, Lng: -2.4860803)

Unitary Authority: Angus

Police Authority: Tayside