Geodh' Grada

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Caithness

Scotland

Geodh' Grada

Port Mor and Sandside Bay Credit: sylvia duckworth

Geodh' Grada, also known as Castlehill Point, is a prominent coastal feature located in Caithness, Scotland. This headland is situated on the country's northeastern coast, approximately 3 miles northwest of the town of Thurso.

Geodh' Grada is characterized by its rocky cliffs, which rise dramatically from the North Sea. The cliffs are composed of rugged sandstone and shale, displaying layers of sedimentary rocks that have been shaped by years of erosion. The headland offers a stunning view of the surrounding coastal landscape, providing visitors with a picturesque panorama of the sea and the nearby Duncansby Head.

The area surrounding Geodh' Grada is rich in biodiversity, with various species of seabirds nesting on the cliffs. Visitors to the site can often spot birds such as fulmars, kittiwakes, and guillemots, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

In addition to its natural beauty, Geodh' Grada holds historical significance. The remains of a medieval castle, known as Castlehill, can be found on top of the headland. This castle was once a stronghold of the Sinclair family, who ruled the area during the Middle Ages. Although now in ruins, the castle serves as a reminder of Caithness' fascinating past.

Geodh' Grada is easily accessible, with a footpath leading from the nearby village of Castletown. It offers visitors an opportunity to experience the raw beauty of Scotland's rugged coastline and immerse themselves in the history and natural wonders of Caithness.

Show me another place!

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

Geodh' Grada Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.572905/-3.7993196 or Grid Reference NC9566. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Port Mor and Sandside Bay

sylvia duckworth

Reay cemetery

Peter Moore

Reay: postbox № KW14 61

A Victorian postbox set into the wall of what looks like a former school, now a village hall.

Chris Downer

Sandside Harbour and slipway

Sandside Harbour and the associated fishing store and cottages were built in 1830 by Major William Innes of Sandside. The harbour faces east and is sheltered to the west by higher ground. Dounreay nuclear facility is clearly visible from the harbour.

Bob Jones

Sandside Harbour

Bob Jones

Sandside Harbour

The harbour's in sunshine but another snow shower is on its way from the east during what was a prolonged spell of cold easterlies. The Kittiwake seems fairly well secured though.

AlastairG

Edward's Geo by Fresgoe near Dounreay

These geos are a feature of this northern coastline sadly this one had been used as a dumping ground for various bits of farming paraphernalia.

AlastairG

Geo by Fresgoe near Dounreay

This geo has been cut into beds of Caithness sandstone. The blurring of the image wasn't a feature of the camera lens but rather was a function of the 40mph winds being experienced by much of Scotland in mid March

AlastairG

Sandstone flag roof, Caithness

This cottage has retained its flagstone roof. This type of roof would once have been seen everywhere in the area given the readily available raw materials. The other side of the cottage can be seen in NC9566 : Fresgoe harbour which gives a rather different view of the property.

AlastairG

Fresgoe harbour

The odd spacing of the upper windows relative to those on the ground floor of the sandstone building can be explained by referring to NC9566 : Sandstone flag roof, Caithness which shows the other side of the building. The sea side is two storey while the landward side is single storey.

AlastairG