Grey Rock

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Buteshire

Scotland

Grey Rock

Wee Cumbrae from Millport Wee Cumbrae (or as the maps would have it, Little Cumbrae) lies less than half a mile (c. 1 km) off the southern tip of Great Cumbrae. The large dark building on the left as viewed is the castle (at NS 152 513) and the smaller 'pimple' at the highest point of the island is its original lighthouse, a cylindrical tower at NS 143 514
Wee Cumbrae from Millport Credit: Rob Farrow

Grey Rock is a prominent coastal feature located in Buteshire, a county in western Scotland. It is a picturesque headland jutting out into the sea, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This natural formation is commonly referred to as a point due to its narrow, elongated shape and its position extending into the water.

The headland is characterized by its distinctive grey-colored rock formations, which give it its name. The rocks are primarily composed of sandstone and limestone, displaying intricate patterns and textures shaped by years of erosion from the relentless waves. The dramatic cliffs that line the edge of Grey Rock provide a natural boundary between the land and the sea, creating a striking visual contrast.

The area surrounding Grey Rock is rich in biodiversity, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The headland serves as a nesting site for various seabirds, including gulls, puffins, and cormorants. The rugged terrain also harbors a diverse range of plant species, adapted to the harsh coastal conditions.

Visitors to Grey Rock can enjoy a variety of activities, such as hiking along the cliff paths, exploring the rock pools at low tide, or simply taking in the panoramic vistas. The headland is easily accessible by foot, with well-maintained trails leading from nearby coastal villages. It is also a favored spot for photographers, who are drawn to the dramatic landscapes and the interplay of light and shadow.

Overall, Grey Rock is a stunning coastal feature that showcases the raw beauty of Scotland's rugged coastline. Its unique geology, rich wildlife, and captivating views make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape by the sea.

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Grey Rock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.721715/-4.9425441 or Grid Reference NS1551. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Wee Cumbrae from Millport Wee Cumbrae (or as the maps would have it, Little Cumbrae) lies less than half a mile (c. 1 km) off the southern tip of Great Cumbrae. The large dark building on the left as viewed is the castle (at NS 152 513) and the smaller 'pimple' at the highest point of the island is its original lighthouse, a cylindrical tower at NS 143 514
Wee Cumbrae from Millport
Wee Cumbrae (or as the maps would have it, Little Cumbrae) lies less than half a mile (c. 1 km) off the southern tip of Great Cumbrae. The large dark building on the left as viewed is the castle (at NS 152 513) and the smaller 'pimple' at the highest point of the island is its original lighthouse, a cylindrical tower at NS 143 514
Little Cumbrae "New" Lighthouse Little Cumbrae (Scottish Gaelic: Cumaradh Beag) is an island in the Firth of Clyde, known locally as Wee Cumbrae.

The traditional Cumbrae Lighthouse was designed and built in 1793 by Thomas Smith and Robert Stevenson on the island's western shore looking out into the Firth. The unpainted stone tower is 36 feet high and originally contained 32 oil lamps and silvered glass reflectors (mirrors, rather than lenses). The original oil lamps were replaced by Argand lamps in 1826. The tower was restored in 1956 and a solar-powered light was installed in 1974. The lighthouse remained active until 1997 when it was decommissioned and replaced by a beacon (<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7296514">NS1351 : Little Cumbrae "Lighthouse"</a>) on a 36-foot hexagonal/cylindrical tower adjacent to the old generator house (<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.secretscotland.org.uk/index.php/Secrets/LittleCumbrae" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.secretscotland.org.uk/index.php/Secrets/LittleCumbrae">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> Secret Scotland).

The lighthouse is a Category B listed building (LB852 <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB852" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB852">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> Historic Environment Scotland)
Little Cumbrae "New" Lighthouse
Little Cumbrae (Scottish Gaelic: Cumaradh Beag) is an island in the Firth of Clyde, known locally as Wee Cumbrae. The traditional Cumbrae Lighthouse was designed and built in 1793 by Thomas Smith and Robert Stevenson on the island's western shore looking out into the Firth. The unpainted stone tower is 36 feet high and originally contained 32 oil lamps and silvered glass reflectors (mirrors, rather than lenses). The original oil lamps were replaced by Argand lamps in 1826. The tower was restored in 1956 and a solar-powered light was installed in 1974. The lighthouse remained active until 1997 when it was decommissioned and replaced by a beacon (NS1351 : Little Cumbrae "Lighthouse") on a 36-foot hexagonal/cylindrical tower adjacent to the old generator house (LinkExternal link Secret Scotland). The lighthouse is a Category B listed building (LB852 LinkExternal link Historic Environment Scotland)
Little Cumbrae "Lighthouse" Little Cumbrae (Scottish Gaelic: Cumaradh Beag) is an island in the Firth of Clyde, known locally as Wee Cumbrae.

The traditional lighthouse on Little Cumbrae (<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7296498">NS1351 : Little Cumbrae "New" Lighthouse</a>) was decommissioned in 1997 and replaced by a light on a 36-foot hexagonal/cylindrical tower adjacent to the old generator house (<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.secretscotland.org.uk/index.php/Secrets/LittleCumbrae" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.secretscotland.org.uk/index.php/Secrets/LittleCumbrae">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> Secret Scotland).
Little Cumbrae "Lighthouse"
Little Cumbrae (Scottish Gaelic: Cumaradh Beag) is an island in the Firth of Clyde, known locally as Wee Cumbrae. The traditional lighthouse on Little Cumbrae (NS1351 : Little Cumbrae "New" Lighthouse) was decommissioned in 1997 and replaced by a light on a 36-foot hexagonal/cylindrical tower adjacent to the old generator house (LinkExternal link Secret Scotland).
The Old Lighthouse Tower, Little Cumbrae Little Cumbrae (Scottish Gaelic: Cumaradh Beag) is an island in the Firth of Clyde, known locally as Wee Cumbrae.

The original Little Cumbrae lighthouse was the second lighthouse in to be constructed in Scotland (<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.secretscotland.org.uk/index.php/Secrets/LittleCumbrae" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.secretscotland.org.uk/index.php/Secrets/LittleCumbrae">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> Secret Scotland). It was built in 1757 by James Ewing on what is now known as Lighthouse Hill.  An open coal fire was lit at the top of a 28-foot circular stone tower. Remains of this old structure can still be seen and are designated a scheduled monument (SM418 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM418" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM418">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> Historic Environment Scotland).It was superseded by a later lighthouse in 1793 (<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7296498">NS1351 : Little Cumbrae "New" Lighthouse</a>).
The Old Lighthouse Tower, Little Cumbrae
Little Cumbrae (Scottish Gaelic: Cumaradh Beag) is an island in the Firth of Clyde, known locally as Wee Cumbrae. The original Little Cumbrae lighthouse was the second lighthouse in to be constructed in Scotland (LinkExternal link Secret Scotland). It was built in 1757 by James Ewing on what is now known as Lighthouse Hill. An open coal fire was lit at the top of a 28-foot circular stone tower. Remains of this old structure can still be seen and are designated a scheduled monument (SM418 LinkExternal link Historic Environment Scotland).It was superseded by a later lighthouse in 1793 (NS1351 : Little Cumbrae "New" Lighthouse).
Little Cumbrae Seen from just south of Portencross. The basaltic lava flows of the Clyde Plateau Volcanic Formation stand out clearly.
Little Cumbrae
Seen from just south of Portencross. The basaltic lava flows of the Clyde Plateau Volcanic Formation stand out clearly.
Little Cumbrae from Great Cumbrae The north side of Little Cumbrae, viewed from Portachur Point on the southern tip of Great Cumbrae.
Little Cumbrae from Great Cumbrae
The north side of Little Cumbrae, viewed from Portachur Point on the southern tip of Great Cumbrae.
Approaching Little Cumbrae Approach to little Cumbrae from sea by kayak, at the Southern tip of Trail island.
Approaching Little Cumbrae
Approach to little Cumbrae from sea by kayak, at the Southern tip of Trail island.
Gull Point, Little Cumbrae Southern tip of Little Cumbrae with Bute in the background.
Gull Point, Little Cumbrae
Southern tip of Little Cumbrae with Bute in the background.
Steadholm Bay from Waterloo point, Little Cumbrae.
Steadholm Bay from Waterloo point, Little Cumbrae.
Lighthouse, Little Cumbrae The owner doesn't like visitors unless they are wildlife. However, if you have a spare £3,000,000 he would be willing to sell the island to you.
Lighthouse, Little Cumbrae
The owner doesn't like visitors unless they are wildlife. However, if you have a spare £3,000,000 he would be willing to sell the island to you.
Lighthouse hill from Craig-Nabbin Taken from water.
Lighthouse hill from Craig-Nabbin
Taken from water.
Lighthouse Hill Lighthouse Hill, taken from northwest corner of square, on land.
Lighthouse Hill
Lighthouse Hill, taken from northwest corner of square, on land.
Northwest coast of Little Cumbrae
Northwest coast of Little Cumbrae
The North West Coast of Little Cumbrae, from Kayak.
The North West Coast of Little Cumbrae, from Kayak.
Long Bay, Little Cumbrae
Long Bay, Little Cumbrae
Hunterston nuclear power station from the northern tip of Little Cumbrae
Hunterston nuclear power station from the northern tip of Little Cumbrae
Little Cumbrae Castle Little Cumbrae Castle, Taken from the Broad Islands
Little Cumbrae Castle
Little Cumbrae Castle, Taken from the Broad Islands
Cumbrae Castle Cumbrae Castle from Broad Island
Cumbrae Castle
Cumbrae Castle from Broad Island
Show me another place!

Grey Rock is located at Grid Ref: NS1551 (Lat: 55.721715, Lng: -4.9425441)

Unitary Authority: North Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire

What 3 Words

///rescue.airliners.glider. Near Millport, North Ayrshire

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Wee Cumbrae Castle
Alt Name: Little Cumbrae Castle
Castle Type: defensive
Historic: castle
Name De: Little Cumbrae Castle
Name Nn: Little Cumbrae Castle
Name Pt: Castelo de Little Cumbrae
Tourism: attraction
Wikidata: Q9288134
Wikipedia: en:Little Cumbrae Castle
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Power: pole
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Boyd's Port
Natural: bay
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The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.