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Crane Rock

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Caithness

Scotland

Crane Rock

The Grey Bools Large grey chunks of sedimentary rocks near Oldwick Castle, known locally as "The Grey Bools"
The Grey Bools Credit: John MacKenzie

Crane Rock 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 Caithness coastline. This natural formation is renowned for its stunning beauty and geological significance.

Rising dramatically from the sea, Crane Rock stands tall, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Its sheer cliffs made of sandstone and conglomerate rock create a visually striking sight, especially during high tide when waves crash against the base of the headland. The rock formation itself has been sculpted by the forces of nature over millions of years, resulting in unique geological formations and intricate patterns.

The headland is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. Seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and gannets can be seen nesting on the cliffs, while seals and dolphins often swim in the waters below. The surrounding waters are also known for their rich marine life, attracting divers and snorkelers who want to explore the underwater world.

Crane Rock holds historical significance as well, with evidence of human occupation dating back to ancient times. Archaeological remains, including stone tools and structures, have been discovered in the vicinity, providing valuable insights into the early inhabitants of the area.

Overall, Crane Rock is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the raw beauty of Caithness. Its rugged cliffs, diverse wildlife, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers, geology enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.

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Crane Rock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.435678/-3.0753006 or Grid Reference ND3750. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Grey Bools Large grey chunks of sedimentary rocks near Oldwick Castle, known locally as "The Grey Bools"
The Grey Bools
Large grey chunks of sedimentary rocks near Oldwick Castle, known locally as "The Grey Bools"
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.
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.
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.
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.
MOD Rifle Range A rifle range with all the accoutrements including the sentry boxes when in use.
MOD Rifle Range
A rifle range with all the accoutrements including the sentry boxes when in use.
Headland View The high cliffs to the south of the headland supporting much pretty thrift or pinks as they are also known.
Headland View
The high cliffs to the south of the headland supporting much pretty thrift or pinks as they are also known.
Farm Track Track to Harden the closest farm to the rifle range.
Farm Track
Track to Harden the closest farm to the rifle range.
Coastal Scene Fractured and shattered pavements of slanting rock make this piece of coastline most attractive.
Coastal Scene
Fractured and shattered pavements of slanting rock make this piece of coastline most attractive.
Wild weather
Wild weather
Cliff Face Cliff face at South Head, below the old Coastguard Station
Cliff Face
Cliff face at South Head, below the old Coastguard Station
Wick Business Park Town planners should pay heed to what out of town developments have done to Wick town centre. This retail park and the Tescos on the north side of town have all but killed a once prosperous town centre.
Wick Business Park
Town planners should pay heed to what out of town developments have done to Wick town centre. This retail park and the Tescos on the north side of town have all but killed a once prosperous town centre.
Preparing to climb at the base of the stack As can be seen in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/303584">ND3648 : Sea Stack and Arch</a> 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 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3510552">ND3648 : Returning from the stack</a> 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.
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.
Returning from the stack As can be seen in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3510548">ND3648 : Preparing to climb at the base of the stack</a> 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.
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.
Castle of Old Wick
Castle of Old Wick
A99 south of Wick At the junction with Rockhill Road
A99 south of Wick
At the junction with Rockhill Road
Fields of cut grass south of Wick The uncut grass across the centre of the picture is a track on the route of the old Wick & Lybster Light Railway
Fields of cut grass south of Wick
The uncut grass across the centre of the picture is a track on the route of the old Wick & Lybster Light Railway
Welcome to Wick The A99 enters Wick with the cemetery on the right and the new Wick Retail Park on the left.
Welcome to Wick
The A99 enters Wick with the cemetery on the right and the new Wick Retail Park on the left.
The Trinkie Outdoor Swimming Pool Perched at the edge of rocks, the pool naturally collects water from the sea and was created from part of a quarry.
The Trinkie Outdoor Swimming Pool
Perched at the edge of rocks, the pool naturally collects water from the sea and was created from part of a quarry.
Coast at Old Wick Layering of the rocks is clearly visible, along with the remaining tilted and flat slabs. The coastline takes a pounding from the sea.
Coast at Old Wick
Layering of the rocks is clearly visible, along with the remaining tilted and flat slabs. The coastline takes a pounding from the sea.
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Crane Rock is located at Grid Ref: ND3750 (Lat: 58.435678, Lng: -3.0753006)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///quicksand.taxi.champions. Near Wick, Highland

Nearby Locations

Shaltiegeo Rock Wick Bay Salmon Rock Black Rocks Crane Rock Cairndhuna Rock

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.435678,-3.0753006
Wick South
Man Made: lighthouse
Seamark Fog Signal Category: bell
Seamark Fog Signal Group: 2
Seamark Fog Signal Period: 10
Seamark Light 1 Character: Fl
Seamark Light 1 Colour: green
Seamark Light 1 Height: 12
Seamark Light 1 Period: 3
Seamark Light 1 Sector End: 270
Seamark Light 1 Sector Start: 253
Seamark Light 2 Character: Fl
Seamark Light 2 Colour: white
Seamark Light 2 Height: 12
Seamark Light 2 Period: 3
Seamark Light 2 Sector End: 286
Seamark Light 2 Sector Start: 270
Seamark Light 3 Character: Fl
Seamark Light 3 Colour: red
Seamark Light 3 Height: 12
Seamark Light 3 Period: 3
Seamark Light 3 Sector End: 329
Seamark Light 3 Sector Start: 286
Seamark Light Reference: A 3528
Seamark Type: light_major
Source: US NGA Pub. 114. 2011-05-26.
Lat/Long: 58.4390491/-3.0788798
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bus Stop
Wellington Avenue
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 6700600199
Naptan Bearing: SE
Naptan CommonName: Wellington Avenue
Naptan Indicator: Bus Shelter
Naptan Landmark: Bus Shelter
Naptan NaptanCode: 45326345
Naptan Street: Wellington Avenue
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 58.434643/-3.0791787
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bus Stop
Huddard Street
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 6700600200
Naptan Bearing: SW
Naptan CommonName: Huddard Street
Naptan Indicator: at Grant Street
Naptan Landmark: Grant Street
Naptan NaptanCode: 45326346
Naptan Street: Huddard Street
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 58.4367009/-3.0833182
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bus Stop
Battery Road
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 6700713263
Naptan Bearing: S
Naptan CommonName: Battery Road
Naptan Indicator: Bus Stop at Shillinghill
Naptan Landmark: Shillinghill
Naptan NaptanCode: 45326343
Naptan Street: Battery Road
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 58.4330861/-3.0784631
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bus Stop
Shillinghill
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 6700713264
Naptan Bearing: NE
Naptan CommonName: Shillinghill
Naptan Indicator: at Roxburgh Road
Naptan Landmark: Roxburgh Road
Naptan NaptanCode: 45328634
Naptan Street: Battery Road
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 58.4325223/-3.079285
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Seamark Light Category: upper
Seamark Light Character: F
Seamark Light Colour: red
Seamark Light Height: 8
Seamark Light Reference: A 3534.1
Seamark Type: light_minor
Source: US NGA Pub. 114. 2011-05-26.
Lat/Long: 58.4378333/-3.0826167
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Seamark Light Category: lower
Seamark Light Character: F
Seamark Light Colour: red
Seamark Light Height: 5
Seamark Light Reference: A 3534
Seamark Type: light_minor
Source: US NGA Pub. 114. 2011-05-26.
Lat/Long: 58.4379167/-3.0824167
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Seafarers' Memorial
Artist Name: Alan Beattie Herriot
Historic: memorial
Material: bronze
Memorial: sculpture
Lat/Long: 58.4373076/-3.0823204
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Hellia Spur Orkney
Sgarbach Caithness

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