1. Home
  2. Scotland
  3. Highlands and Islands
  4. Highland
  5. Caithness
  6. The Powe

The Powe

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Caithness

Scotland

The Powe

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 Credit: Glen Breaden

The Powe is a prominent coastal feature located in Caithness, Scotland. It is classified as a headland or point, jutting out into the North Sea. This coastal formation is situated approximately 4 kilometers northeast of the town of Wick.

The Powe is characterized by its rugged and dramatic landscape, with steep cliffs rising up from the sea. These cliffs are composed of sedimentary rocks, primarily sandstone and limestone, which have been shaped by erosion over thousands of years. The exposed rock formations showcase stunning natural patterns and colors, adding to the visual appeal of the area.

The headland offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, with the North Sea stretching out as far as the eye can see. On clear days, it is possible to spot various seabirds soaring above the cliffs or nesting in the crevices. The Powe is also known for its diverse marine life, with seals, dolphins, and occasionally even whales being spotted in the waters below.

The area surrounding The Powe is rich in history and cultural heritage. There are remnants of ancient settlements and archaeological sites nearby, indicating human activity in the area dating back thousands of years. The Powe is also associated with various legends and folklore, adding an element of mystique to the already enchanting landscape.

Overall, The Powe in Caithness is a captivating coastal feature that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and historical significance. It is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the stunning coastal landscapes of Scotland.

Show me another place!

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

The Powe Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.427338/-3.0715703 or Grid Reference ND3749. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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.
Trinkie Sign A sign painted on the rocks above the Trinkie outdoor swimming pool. The pool is to the left of shot.
Trinkie Sign
A sign painted on the rocks above the Trinkie outdoor swimming pool. The pool is to the left of shot.
Show me another place!

The Powe is located at Grid Ref: ND3749 (Lat: 58.427338, Lng: -3.0715703)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///renews.midwinter.exhaled. Near Wick, Highland

Nearby Locations

The Powe Scarf's Craig South Head Trinkie Dog's Haven Long Berry

Related Wikis

Old Pulteney distillery
Old Pulteney distillery

Old Pulteney distillery is a malt whisky production and aging facility in the Pulteneytown area of Wick, Caithness, in the Highland area of Scotland. The...

Harmsworth Park
Harmsworth Park

Harmsworth Park is a football ground in Wick in the Scottish Highlands of Scotland, which is the home ground of Highland Football League side Wick Academy...

Pulteneytown Parish Church
Pulteneytown Parish Church

Pulteneytown Parish Church is located in Argyle Square, Pulteneytown, Wick, Caithness, Scotland. It is a congregation in the Church of Scotland. The church...

Wick Town and County Hospital
Wick Town and County Hospital

Wick Town and County Hospital is a health facility in Seaforth Avenue, Wick, Scotland. It is managed by NHS Highland. == History == The facility, which...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.427338,-3.0715703
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Robbie's Craig Caithness
Sillock Geo Orkney

Have you been to The Powe?

Leave your review of The Powe below (or comments, questions and feedback).

© 2024 UK Place Database | Privacy