Blackneuk Craigs

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Blackneuk Craigs

Reed bed Not the most popular part of this wonderful bay, by virtue of the sticky, muddy substrate which is sufficiently rarely covered by the tide to support a significant bed of reeds which are just coming into flower. — Reed bed Credit: Jonathan Wilkins

Blackneuk Craigs is a prominent coastal feature located in the picturesque area of Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. Situated along the rugged coastline, it is a captivating headland that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Characterized by its towering cliffs and rocky terrain, Blackneuk Craigs is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The headland is known for its dramatic coastal scenery, with jagged cliffs that plunge into the sea below. These cliffs are formed by layers of sedimentary rocks, showcasing a rich geological history.

The headland also boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife. Visitors may spot various seabirds, such as gannets, guillemots, and puffins, nesting on the cliffs. Dolphins and seals can sometimes be seen swimming in the waters surrounding the headland, adding to its allure.

Access to Blackneuk Craigs is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading visitors to the headland. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the coastline and may even encounter other coastal features, such as sea caves and natural arches.

With its rugged beauty and captivating views, Blackneuk Craigs is a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in Scotland's coastal wonders. Whether it's for a leisurely walk, birdwatching, or simply taking in the awe-inspiring scenery, this headland offers an unforgettable experience for all who venture there.

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Blackneuk Craigs Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.8635/-3.7430803 or Grid Reference NX8853. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Reed bed

Not the most popular part of this wonderful bay, by virtue of the sticky, muddy substrate which is sufficiently rarely covered by the tide to support a significant bed of reeds which are just coming into flower.

Jonathan Wilkins

Barnhourie Burn outlet

The wide, shallow outlet of the burn at low tide.

Jonathan Wilkins

Erratic boulder shore

The strip above the normal tide level is strewn with very pleasing, rounded glacial erratic boulders. Their concentration at the two extremities of the shore at Sandyhills Bay is surprising.

Jonathan Wilkins

Red granite vein

Grey rocks which are sedimentary in origin are intruded here by a wide vein of reddened granite. The contrast is very pleasing.

Jonathan Wilkins

Piper's Cove

A fabulous cove, in which one wall shows how red granite intrusion has followed the structure of the folded rocks which it has forced its way into.

Jonathan Wilkins

Sea-washed rocks

Rock outcrop on the upper shore comprising red-coloured granite amid grey coloured sedimentary strata. Salt-making was apparently practised on the shore until the 18th century.

Jonathan Wilkins

Tilted strata

Strata belonging to the Ross Formation (Silurian, Wenlock) are standing almost vertical on the cliffs here.

Jonathan Wilkins

Sea stacks at Brandy Cove

Fabulous sea-stacks and rugged coast which is well on the way to producing more!

Jonathan Wilkins

Needle's Eye

A fabulous natural arch formed by failure of the rocks and erosion at sea level. What is particularly satisfying is that the fault responsible for the failure is clearly visible, running slightly obliquely up the cliff above the crown of the arch.

Jonathan Wilkins

Fault failure

Erosion of the cliff is proceeding where the presence of a fault plane has created weakness in the rocks. A nice cave is developing at the tide mark.

Jonathan Wilkins

Ripples and mirage

Quite by accident I succeeded in capturing a classic mirage by kneeling for this shot of the rippled sand running out from the coast, apparently without end. The distant promontory of Southerness appears to float above the horizon. My assistant Tegid is the other feature on the horizon, stretching his legs at a gallop.

Jonathan Wilkins

Carboniferous strata

Rocks on the shore to the south of Portling are much younger than those forming the adjacent cliffs which run along the coast. It is immediately obvious that they are not steeply inclined, and in fact they are unconformable with the immediately adjacent Silurian strata (see NX8954 : Tilted strata for a good contrasting example) and post-date the continental collision responsible for the deformation of the older rocks. Sadly, it is not possible to see the older and younger rocks anywhere in contact, and generally here a steeply-inclined fault separates them. See also NX8853 : Carboniferous strata 2 for another view of the Carboniferous rocks.

Jonathan Wilkins

Carboniferous strata 2

The rocks here, of Carboniferous (Arundian to Holkerian) age are the Rascarrel Member of the Fell Sandstone Formation. The beds are of sandstone and conglomerate, which include angular clasts of granite and other igneous material eroded from the exposed granite pluton nearby, indicating rapid uplift on the faults which run along its margin to form a faulted unconformity on the norther margin of the Upper Palaeozoic Solway Basin. See also NX8853 : Carboniferous strata.

Jonathan Wilkins