Cleavedhead Cove

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Banffshire

Scotland

Cleavedhead Cove

Mouse-ear Hawkweed Hawkweeds, Hawksbeards and Hawkbits all have dandelion-like flowers and are notoriously difficult to tell apart. This is the exception, instantly recognisable because its flowers are lemon-yellow, while all the others are more canary-yellow. — Mouse-ear Hawkweed Credit: Anne Burgess

Cleavedhead Cove is a picturesque coastal location situated in Banffshire, Scotland. Nestled along the North Sea, this enchanting cove is a captivating blend of sea, estuary, and creek. The Cove's unique geological features make it an appealing destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility.

The main attraction of Cleavedhead Cove is undoubtedly the pristine sea with its azure waters. The Cove offers stunning vistas of the North Sea, with waves crashing against the rugged cliffs that surround the area. The sea is a haven for a variety of marine life, including seals, seabirds, and occasional sightings of dolphins and porpoises.

Adjacent to the sea, the Cove also features an estuary where a small river meets the sea. This estuary is a haven for birdwatchers, as it attracts a diverse range of avian species, including herons, gulls, and waders. The estuary is characterized by its mudflats and salt marshes, which are home to various species of plants and wildlife.

A meandering creek adds to the charm of Cleavedhead Cove. This gentle waterway winds its way through the surrounding countryside before reaching the sea. The creek is fringed by lush vegetation, creating a serene and idyllic setting for visitors to explore.

Overall, Cleavedhead Cove in Banffshire offers a captivating blend of sea, estuary, and creek, making it a haven for nature lovers and a perfect destination for those seeking solace in the midst of Scotland's stunning coastal scenery.

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Cleavedhead Cove Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.672523/-2.4666134 or Grid Reference NJ7264. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mouse-ear Hawkweed

Hawkweeds, Hawksbeards and Hawkbits all have dandelion-like flowers and are notoriously difficult to tell apart. This is the exception, instantly recognisable because its flowers are lemon-yellow, while all the others are more canary-yellow.

Anne Burgess

Loch Craig

In the foreground is the sea wall of the Tarlair open-air swimming pool. Loch craig is the sea inlet offshore. The ship is Petronordic, port of registry Nassau, which is a shuttle tanker, gross tonnage 54865.

Anne Burgess

House Martin (Delichon urbica)

There are half a dozen nests under the roof of the pavilion at the Tarlair swimming pool. Note the bird sitting in this nest, presumably incubating eggs.

Anne Burgess

Tarlair Lido, 2022

The monochrome emphasises the current state of disrepair of the pavilion, but that is set to change, as funding has been secured and listed building consent given for its refurbishment starting in 2022. The Friends of Tarlair Link

are working towards making this a vibrant leisure destination once again. The Category A Listed facility deserves nothing less.

Alan Murray-Rust

Natural sloping slabs at Tarlair

At the entrance to the lido.

Alan Murray-Rust

The road to Tarlair

Looking towards Macduff. The building to the right of the road is the Well of Tarlair. It dates from c.1800. The chalybeate waters enjoyed considerable popularity for their medicinal and health giving properties in the NE during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Alan Murray-Rust

Threading the needle

View through the naatural arch known locally as the Needle's Eye

Alan Murray-Rust

Tarlair Lido - the swimming pool

The lowest of the three pools. The terraces were restored in 2014, and restoration of the pavilion is due to commence in 2022.

Alan Murray-Rust

Tarlair Lido, the three pools

Nearest, surrounded by the narrow wall was a paddling pool, the next area being a boating pool with the main swimming pool furthest away. The surrounds of the pools were restored in 2014. The complex Listed Category A.

Alan Murray-Rust

Tarlair Lido, view from the east

Compare with this view of the lido in its heyday Link

Restoration of the pavilion is due to start in 2022. Listed Category A.

Alan Murray-Rust

Rock fall at near Tarlair

Hobs

Macduff: a view over the harbour

Looking over the harbour from the grassy hilltop to the south, where an anchor is ... anchored, by the NJ7064 : Macduff: parish church.

Chris Downer

Macduff war memorial

An unusual and striking war memorial tower erected in 1920 and B-listed (LB37681): Link

Bill Harrison

View of Macduff harbour from Church Street

Bill Harrison

Macduff town hall, 17 Shore Street

The Scottish baronial town hall facing the harbour was designed by Aberdeen architects Pirie and Clyne in 1884 and is B-listed (LB37634): Link

. Next door is the former Clydesdale Bank and agent's house, also B-listed (LB37635): Link

Bill Harrison

Macduff harbour

The harbour at Macduff, with its ocean-going trawlers, has a totally different feel to the gentrified Banff marina on the other side of the River Deveron estuary. Here we see the smartly turned out Shekinah (registered to INV = Inverness) and the Reliance II (BF = Banff) sandwiching a rather rusty visitor from afar; the Glen Alvah from BM = Brixham (Devon).

Bill Harrison