Kettle Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Caithness

Scotland

Kettle Geo

Foundation Remains All that remains of the foundations of a very large tourist information board in a layby on the A99.
The picture shows Nothfield Farm in the distance on the left and Wick is straight ahead on the horizon. — Foundation Remains Credit: John MacKenzie

Kettle Geo is a prominent coastal feature located in Caithness, Scotland. It is a headland that extends into the North Sea, forming a distinctive point along the rugged coastline. The name "Kettle Geo" is derived from the Old Norse word "geiri," which means a triangular piece of land.

This headland is characterized by its steep cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The cliffs are composed of sedimentary rocks, which exhibit layers of different colors, ranging from reddish-brown to gray. These rocks are believed to have been formed millions of years ago through processes such as erosion and deposition.

Kettle Geo is renowned for its rich biodiversity, as it provides a unique habitat for various species of seabirds. Visitors can often witness colonies of puffins, guillemots, and razorbills nesting on the cliffs during the breeding season. The headland also serves as a feeding ground for seals, which can be spotted lounging on the rocky shores.

Due to its striking beauty and ecological significance, Kettle Geo attracts both nature enthusiasts and geology enthusiasts alike. The area is accessible via a well-maintained footpath, allowing visitors to explore the headland and enjoy panoramic views of the North Sea. However, caution is advised, as the cliffs can be dangerous, and proper safety measures should be taken when visiting.

Kettle Geo is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the raw power of nature and offers a glimpse into the geological history of the region. Its stunning cliffs, diverse wildlife, and scenic vistas make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Caithness coastline.

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Kettle Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.40865/-3.0903246 or Grid Reference ND3647. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Foundation Remains

All that remains of the foundations of a very large tourist information board in a layby on the A99. The picture shows Nothfield Farm in the distance on the left and Wick is straight ahead on the horizon.

John MacKenzie

Castle of Old Wick

The ruined remains of possibly the oldest castle in Scotland. It was reputed to have been built by the half Norse, Earl of Caithness, Harald Maddadson, in the 1160's. It is now under the protection of Historic Scotland.

Glen Breaden

Sea Inlets

The coastal scenery around the Old Castle of Wick is amazing with vertiginous cliffs, geos, arches, stacks and rocks that when there is a high sea with an accompanying wind the sea is tumultuous.

Glen Breaden

MOD Rifle Range

A rifle range with all the accoutrements including the sentry boxes when in use.

Glen Breaden

Headland View

The high cliffs to the south of the headland supporting much pretty thrift or pinks as they are also known.

Glen Breaden

Preparing to climb at the base of the stack

As can be seen in ND3648 : Sea Stack and Arch there's only a narrow gap between the cliff opposite the stack and the stack itself. Here we can see that we can get to the base of the stack by abseiling down the landward cliff and then jumping/swinging across to the stack. Having climbed the stack the return can then be achieved by tyrolean traverse as in ND3648 : Returning from the stack or by abseiling down the stack and then climbing up the cliff on the landward side. Here the team are preparing to climb the southern face of the stack which, whilst not particularly difficult, is a tad loose.

Doug Lee

Returning from the stack

As can be seen in ND3648 : Preparing to climb at the base of the stack it is possible to abseil down the cliff opposite the stack and then jump/swing across onto the stack itself. Having climbed the stack the easiest way back is bring up the abseil rope, set up a tyrolean traverse and to return on that.

Doug Lee

Castle of Old Wick

Craig Brown

A99 south of Wick

At the junction with Rockhill Road

wrobison

Headland at Castle of Old Wick

Alan Reid

Sea inlet near Castle of Old Wick

Alan Reid

Stubble near Northfield

Barley stubble awaiting ploughing.

Richard Webb

Gate into rifle range

The ruin of the Castle of Old Wick (visible in the background) stands within a rifle range which dates from World War 1, which I believe is now disused. However - a sentry post stands at this gate in the clifftop path. A red flag would be flown at the flagpole if the range was active.

Richard Dorrell

Cliffs at Old Wick

An iconic view, with the ruin of the Castle of Old Wick on the clifftop.

Richard Dorrell

Geo at The Castle of Old Wick

The ruin of the castle is on the right - not looking too impressive in this picture - but dating from the twelfth century, it is one of Scotland's oldest castles. On the left is an earth mound, part of the now disused World War One rifle range which also occupies this site.

Richard Dorrell