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Scarf's Craig

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Caithness

Scotland

Scarf's Craig

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

Scarf's Craig is a prominent coastal feature located in Caithness, Scotland. It is classified as a headland or point and is situated along the rugged and picturesque coastline.

The headland of Scarf's Craig extends out into the North Sea, creating a distinctive and dramatic landscape. It is characterized by its towering cliffs, which rise steeply from the crashing waves below. These cliffs are composed of layers of sedimentary rock, displaying a variety of colors and textures that add to the beauty of the area.

At the top of Scarf's Craig, there is a flat grassy area that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. This vantage point provides visitors with an opportunity to observe the vast expanse of the sea, as well as the stunning cliffs and rocky shores that stretch out in either direction.

The location of Scarf's Craig is also of historical significance, as it is believed to have been a strategic lookout point during ancient times. There are remnants of fortifications and defensive structures that have been discovered in the area, further adding to its historical appeal.

Due to its rugged beauty and historical significance, Scarf's Craig attracts a number of visitors each year. It is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers, who come to appreciate its natural splendor and capture its stunning vistas. Additionally, the area provides opportunities for birdwatching, as it is home to a variety of seabirds and other coastal species.

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Scarf's Craig Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.433163/-3.0699149 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
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.
Retail Park in Wick
Retail Park in Wick
Foreshore rock at Trinkie on South Head
Foreshore rock at Trinkie on South Head
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Scarf's Craig is located at Grid Ref: ND3749 (Lat: 58.433163, Lng: -3.0699149)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///renew.flush.circus. Near Wick, Highland

Nearby Locations

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

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.433163,-3.0699149
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
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Lensty Orkney
Lobust Orkney

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