Herring Craig

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Caithness

Scotland

Herring Craig

Sarclet Main Street One of a few abandoned croft houses lining the street
Sarclet Main Street Credit: Glen Breaden

Herring Craig is a prominent coastal feature located in Caithness, Scotland. It is a headland that juts out into the North Sea, forming a distinctive point along the rugged coastline. The name "Herring Craig" is derived from the abundant presence of herring fish in the surrounding waters.

The headland is characterized by its steep cliffs, which provide a dramatic backdrop against the crashing waves of the sea. The cliffs are composed of sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone and shale, that have been shaped over millions of years by erosion from wind and water.

Herring Craig offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the vast expanse of the North Sea. The headland is a popular spot for sightseeing and photography, attracting both locals and tourists alike. Visitors often marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty and tranquility of the area.

The coastal area around Herring Craig is also rich in wildlife. Seabirds, such as puffins, gannets, and fulmars, can be spotted nesting on the cliffs. The surrounding waters are home to a diverse range of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and various species of fish.

Due to its exposed location, Herring Craig is also subject to harsh weather conditions, with strong winds and heavy storms being common occurrences. The headland serves as a natural barrier, protecting the inland areas from the full force of the elements.

Overall, Herring Craig is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the raw beauty and power of nature. Its rugged cliffs, stunning views, and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a glimpse of Scotland's coastal splendor.

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Herring Craig Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.369733/-3.1109887 or Grid Reference ND3542. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sarclet Main Street One of a few abandoned croft houses lining the street
Sarclet Main Street
One of a few abandoned croft houses lining the street
The Haven and the Stack
The Haven and the Stack
Cliffs south of Sarclet The photograph is taken from the cliffs by "Tilted Ledge" which is the southernmost point of the Sarclet climbing area.  Several climbs, such as <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2595758">ND3441 : Climbing at Sarclet</a> go up from near the high tide level through the clean flat cliff to the centre-left of the image.
Cliffs south of Sarclet
The photograph is taken from the cliffs by "Tilted Ledge" which is the southernmost point of the Sarclet climbing area. Several climbs, such as ND3441 : Climbing at Sarclet go up from near the high tide level through the clean flat cliff to the centre-left of the image.
Climbing at Sarclet The image shows the second ascent of this climb.  Later on this day a new route was put up to the right of this line.
Climbing at Sarclet
The image shows the second ascent of this climb. Later on this day a new route was put up to the right of this line.
Cliffs south of Tilted Ledge There are no climbs on these cliffs, although on the Tilted Ledge climbs are just around the corner from the right hand edge of the cliffs shown here.
Cliffs south of Tilted Ledge
There are no climbs on these cliffs, although on the Tilted Ledge climbs are just around the corner from the right hand edge of the cliffs shown here.
Sinclair Mausoleum at Mains of Ulbster
Sinclair Mausoleum at Mains of Ulbster
Sinclair Mausoleum and Ulbster Burial Ground The mausoleum is apparently built on the site of the earlier medieval St Martin's Chapel.  The mausoleum itself appears to be in a reasonable state of repair although the graveyard surrounding it is in a somewhat poorer state although it is gradually being tidied up.  The most recent burial, a Sinclair, appears to be 1974.

A sign on the entrance to the graveyard dated June 2010 says:

Ulbster Burial Ground:  The Tannach & District Community Council members are trying to make safer and improve access to the memorials in this burial ground.
As you can see we are at last making an impression on the grass and weeds.  Unfortunately this exposes the diggings of rabbits and bones are scattered widely as, due to the rocky nature of the ground, many of the graves are very shallow.  We hope that you understand that this will take some time to clear up and we are not being disrespectful by leaving it at present.  Several stones have been covered by undergrowth over the years and we hope to clear those and raise fallen stones where it is safe to do so.
Sinclair Mausoleum and Ulbster Burial Ground
The mausoleum is apparently built on the site of the earlier medieval St Martin's Chapel. The mausoleum itself appears to be in a reasonable state of repair although the graveyard surrounding it is in a somewhat poorer state although it is gradually being tidied up. The most recent burial, a Sinclair, appears to be 1974. A sign on the entrance to the graveyard dated June 2010 says: Ulbster Burial Ground: The Tannach & District Community Council members are trying to make safer and improve access to the memorials in this burial ground. As you can see we are at last making an impression on the grass and weeds. Unfortunately this exposes the diggings of rabbits and bones are scattered widely as, due to the rocky nature of the ground, many of the graves are very shallow. We hope that you understand that this will take some time to clear up and we are not being disrespectful by leaving it at present. Several stones have been covered by undergrowth over the years and we hope to clear those and raise fallen stones where it is safe to do so.
Sinclair Mausoleum and Ulbster Burial Ground The mausoleum is apparently built on the site of the earlier medieval St Martin's Chapel.  The mausoleum itself appears to be in a reasonable state of repair although the graveyard surrounding it is in a somewhat poorer state although it is gradually being tidied up.  The most recent burial, a Sinclair, appears to be 1974.

A sign on the entrance to the graveyard dated June 2010 says:

Ulbster Burial Ground:  The Tannach & District Community Council members are trying to make safer and improve access to the memorials in this burial ground.
As you can see we are at last making an impression on the grass and weeds.  Unfortunately this exposes the diggings of rabbits and bones are scattered widely as, due to the rocky nature of the ground, many of the graves are very shallow.  We hope that you understand that this will take some time to clear up and we are not being disrespectful by leaving it at present.  Several stones have been covered by undergrowth over the years and we hope to clear those and raise fallen stones where it is safe to do so.
Sinclair Mausoleum and Ulbster Burial Ground
The mausoleum is apparently built on the site of the earlier medieval St Martin's Chapel. The mausoleum itself appears to be in a reasonable state of repair although the graveyard surrounding it is in a somewhat poorer state although it is gradually being tidied up. The most recent burial, a Sinclair, appears to be 1974. A sign on the entrance to the graveyard dated June 2010 says: Ulbster Burial Ground: The Tannach & District Community Council members are trying to make safer and improve access to the memorials in this burial ground. As you can see we are at last making an impression on the grass and weeds. Unfortunately this exposes the diggings of rabbits and bones are scattered widely as, due to the rocky nature of the ground, many of the graves are very shallow. We hope that you understand that this will take some time to clear up and we are not being disrespectful by leaving it at present. Several stones have been covered by undergrowth over the years and we hope to clear those and raise fallen stones where it is safe to do so.
Abandoned house at the Mains Of Ulbster This appears to have been the last inhabited building, the main farmhouse, in the Mains of Ulbster.
Abandoned house at the Mains Of Ulbster
This appears to have been the last inhabited building, the main farmhouse, in the Mains of Ulbster.
Derelict Farm Buildings at Mains of Ulbster
Derelict Farm Buildings at Mains of Ulbster
Mains of Ulbster The image shows the abandoned and derelict farm buildings at Mains of Ulbster.  a stream runs to this side of the buildings.  A broken dam can be observed crossing the stream which then runs past a building, presumably a mill, before running to the cliff <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2595658">ND3341 : Coastal Waterfall near Mains of Ulbster</a>.

The land around the buildings is still farmed although the building themselves are no longer used.
Mains of Ulbster
The image shows the abandoned and derelict farm buildings at Mains of Ulbster. a stream runs to this side of the buildings. A broken dam can be observed crossing the stream which then runs past a building, presumably a mill, before running to the cliff ND3341 : Coastal Waterfall near Mains of Ulbster. The land around the buildings is still farmed although the building themselves are no longer used.
Sarclet Haven Once a busy herring fishing harbour
Sarclet Haven
Once a busy herring fishing harbour
Old Capstan The old capstan at Sarclet haven. Once used for hauling fishing boats ashore.
Old Capstan
The old capstan at Sarclet haven. Once used for hauling fishing boats ashore.
The Stack The Sea Stack at Sarclet Haven (Caladh Sharcleit)
The Stack
The Sea Stack at Sarclet Haven (Caladh Sharcleit)
Looking up from the bottom of Sarclet
Looking up from the bottom of Sarclet
Road at Mains of Ulbster
Road at Mains of Ulbster
Sinclair Mausoleum
Sinclair Mausoleum
The street in Sarclet
The street in Sarclet
Show me another place!

Herring Craig is located at Grid Ref: ND3542 (Lat: 58.369733, Lng: -3.1109887)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///videos.profiled.forensic. Near Wick, Highland

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Herring Craig

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.369733,-3.1109887
Sarclet Head
Lat/Long: 58.3716113/-3.1092758
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 58.367175/-3.11731
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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