Old Man of Fleet

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Old Man of Fleet

Inlet, Knockbrex Bay Rock outcrops, almost covered by turf, at the side of an inlet on Knockbrex Bay. Knockbrex House can be seen over the coastal fields. — Inlet, Knockbrex Bay Credit: Jonathan Wilkins

The Old Man of Fleet is a prominent coastal feature located in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. It is a striking headland that juts out into the Irish Sea, forming a distinctive point along the coastline.

This headland is characterized by its rugged and imposing cliffs, which rise steeply from the sea, providing a dramatic backdrop to the surrounding landscape. The cliffs are composed of sedimentary rocks, showcasing layers of different colors and textures that have been shaped by the elements over time.

At the top of the headland, there is a flat plateau that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding coastal scenery. This vantage point provides visitors with an excellent opportunity to appreciate the sheer beauty and grandeur of the area.

The Old Man of Fleet derives its name from a rock formation located on the headland. This formation closely resembles a human face, hence the name "Old Man." It has become an iconic landmark and a popular subject for photographers and artists.

The headland is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with various seabirds nesting on the cliffs and seals often spotted in the waters below. The coastal path that runs along the headland offers a great opportunity for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the rich biodiversity of the area.

Overall, the Old Man of Fleet is a captivating coastal feature, combining natural beauty, geological interest, and abundant wildlife. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and awe-inspiring experience along the Scottish coastline.

Show me another place!

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

Old Man of Fleet Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.821974/-4.226235 or Grid Reference NX5749. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Inlet, Knockbrex Bay

Rock outcrops, almost covered by turf, at the side of an inlet on Knockbrex Bay. Knockbrex House can be seen over the coastal fields.

Jonathan Wilkins

Folded strata

Rock outcrops on the shore are bedded greywackes belonging to the Kirkmaiden Formation, of Silurian (Llandovery) age. Their hardness and resistance to erosion is due to their state of metamorphism through deep burial during continental collision. The folding demonstrated here was caused by differential movement along faults separating adjacent slices of sediments as they were scraped off a descending oceanic plate (an "accretionary prism").

Jonathan Wilkins

Upright strata

Large areas of the foreshore here comprise vertically disposed beds of Silurian greywacke which show only gentle folding. See also NX5749 : Folded strata for an interpretation of the disposition and nature of the rocks here.

Jonathan Wilkins

Coastal pasture, Knockbrex

Richard Webb

Murray's Isle South

Taken far out from Carrick Bay, at the turn of a Spring Low Tide, late on a September evening 2023. The predicted tide height for low water was 1.8m. It was possible to walk further out to the isle although slightly deeper than my wellingtons would allow.

Steve Houldsworth

Low tide near Ardwall Isle

Two men on the east side of Ardwall Isle were taking advantage of an evening low tide to collect some whelks.

Walter Baxter

Unused gate

Unused gate on the Knockbrex Estate.

Chris McAuley

Ardwall Isle

This is at the southwest corner of the small tidal island in Wigtown Bay looking over to Murray’s Isles.

Walter Baxter

Navigation pillars at Knockbrex Bay

Three pillars in the bay act as navigation markers for a small harbour at Knockbrex. This was viewed at low tide.

Walter Baxter

A cairn on Ardwall Isle

The cairn at 34m marks the high spot of this small tidal island in Wigtown Bay.

Walter Baxter

Ardwall Isle

This is at the southwest edge of this small tidal island in Wigtown Bay at low tide.

Walter Baxter

A navigation pillar at Knockbrex Bay

This is one of three pillars that act as navigation markers for a small harbour at Knockbrex. For a view of all three pillars, see NX5849 : Navigation pillars at Knockbrex Bay.

Walter Baxter

A navigation pillar at Knockbrex Bay

This is one of three pillars that act as navigation markers for a small harbour at Knockbrex. The harbour is just out of shot to the right. For a view of all three pillars, see NX5849 : Navigation pillars at Knockbrex Bay.

Walter Baxter