Wingland

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Caithness

Scotland

Wingland

Entrance to an old ice-house, Swiney
Entrance to an old ice-house, Swiney Credit: sylvia duckworth

Wingland is a prominent headland located in Caithness, a county in the northernmost part of mainland Scotland. Situated on the east coast, this coastal feature is known for its stunning views and unique geological formations.

Rising majestically from the surrounding rugged landscape, Wingland offers a commanding vantage point overlooking the North Sea. Its strategic location provides an ideal spot for observing marine life and birdwatching, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. The headland is particularly renowned for its abundant seabird colonies, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, which find sanctuary in the steep cliffs and rocky outcrops.

The geological makeup of Wingland is diverse and fascinating. The headland is primarily composed of sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone and limestone, which have been shaped over millennia by the relentless pounding of the sea. Erosion has sculpted the cliffs into dramatic formations, characterized by deep crevices, sea caves, and towering stacks. These geological features not only add to the visual appeal of Wingland but also serve as a testament to the power of natural forces.

Access to Wingland is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading from a nearby parking area. Visitors can take leisurely walks along the coastal path, immersing themselves in the breathtaking scenery and enjoying the fresh sea breeze. The headland also offers opportunities for rock climbing and fishing, attracting adventure seekers and angling enthusiasts alike.

Overall, Wingland is a captivating coastal feature in Caithness. Its spectacular cliffs, diverse wildlife, and geological wonders make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and geology enthusiasts seeking an authentic Scottish coastal experience.

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Wingland Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.287279/-3.3161783 or Grid Reference ND2233. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Entrance to an old ice-house, Swiney
Entrance to an old ice-house, Swiney
Caithness Oil drilling rig
Caithness Oil drilling rig
Harbour View Lybster Harbour from the picnic spot on Shore Road, Lybster.
Harbour View
Lybster Harbour from the picnic spot on Shore Road, Lybster.
Lybster Harbour The inner harbour was completed as recently as 1950. The harbour is still used mainly for fishing, but the number of working boats is down to twenty or so.
Lybster Harbour
The inner harbour was completed as recently as 1950. The harbour is still used mainly for fishing, but the number of working boats is down to twenty or so.
Peak of the cliff Facing westwards back towards land with the sheer cliff behind and on either side, I was definitely not tempted to take a step back to get a better view!
This is the northernmost of the two fingers pointing from Achastle-shore.
Peak of the cliff
Facing westwards back towards land with the sheer cliff behind and on either side, I was definitely not tempted to take a step back to get a better view! This is the northernmost of the two fingers pointing from Achastle-shore.
Ruins at Achastle-shore Not sure what the history of this property is.  There is a track leading to the main road although it is quite overgrown.
Ruins at Achastle-shore
Not sure what the history of this property is. There is a track leading to the main road although it is quite overgrown.
Remains of Swiney Castle This may appear to be a few mounds in the grass, but it is probably the remains of Swiney Castle <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/8651/details/swiney+castle/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/8651/details/swiney+castle/">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>.  To my back, left and right are some precipituous cliffs leading down to the sea.  An ideal location for a defensive position.
Remains of Swiney Castle
This may appear to be a few mounds in the grass, but it is probably the remains of Swiney Castle LinkExternal link. To my back, left and right are some precipituous cliffs leading down to the sea. An ideal location for a defensive position.
North of Swiney Castle Strata and cliffs marking the northern edge of the ruins of Swiney Castle. <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/8651/details/swiney+castle/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/8651/details/swiney+castle/">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>
North of Swiney Castle
Strata and cliffs marking the northern edge of the ruins of Swiney Castle. LinkExternal link
South of Swiney Castle Inlet and promontory to the south of the ancient monument known as Swiney Castle <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/8651/details/swiney+castle/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/8651/details/swiney+castle/">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>.
South of Swiney Castle
Inlet and promontory to the south of the ancient monument known as Swiney Castle LinkExternal link.
East of Swiney Castle Nowhere else to go apart from down  The grounds of Swiney Castle <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/8651/details/swiney+castle/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/8651/details/swiney+castle/">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> come to an abrupt end at Creag an Eich.
East of Swiney Castle
Nowhere else to go apart from down The grounds of Swiney Castle LinkExternal link come to an abrupt end at Creag an Eich.
Remains of an old herring fishing station at Achastle-shore
Remains of an old herring fishing station at Achastle-shore
Headland of Creag an Eich
Headland of Creag an Eich
Headland of Creag an Eich
Headland of Creag an Eich
Lybster Harbour
Lybster Harbour
Entrance to Lybster Harbour
Entrance to Lybster Harbour
Small waterfall in the Reisgill Burn at Lybster
Small waterfall in the Reisgill Burn at Lybster
Buckets and Lighthouse at Lybster
Buckets and Lighthouse at Lybster
Digger, boat and container on Lybster Pier
Digger, boat and container on Lybster Pier
Show me another place!

Wingland is located at Grid Ref: ND2233 (Lat: 58.287279, Lng: -3.3161783)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///dine.touches.spruced. Near Dunbeath, Highland

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.287279,-3.3161783
Historic: ruins
Lat/Long: 58.2879673/-3.3131955
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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