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South Head

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Caithness

Scotland

South Head

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

South Head is a prominent coastal feature located in Caithness, a county in the far north of Scotland. Situated on the eastern coast, it is known for its distinctive headland and breathtaking views of the North Sea. The headland juts out into the ocean, forming a distinct point that is easily recognizable.

The landscape of South Head is characterized by rugged cliffs, which tower over the crashing waves below. These cliffs are made up of sedimentary rock formations, displaying layers of different hues and textures. The sheer height of the cliffs, combined with the powerful waves, creates a dramatic and awe-inspiring sight.

The headland is also home to a variety of flora and fauna. The grassy slopes that lead up to the cliffs are adorned with wildflowers, adding a splash of color to the otherwise stark landscape. Seabirds, such as gulls and fulmars, can be spotted nesting in the crevices of the cliffs, while seals can often be seen basking on the rocks in the surrounding waters.

South Head is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers. A well-maintained trail runs along the headland, allowing visitors to explore the area and take in the panoramic vistas. The path offers several viewpoints, providing opportunities to observe the crashing waves, impressive rock formations, and the distant horizon.

Overall, South Head in Caithness is a stunning coastal feature that showcases the raw beauty of Scotland's eastern coast. With its dramatic cliffs, diverse wildlife, and sweeping views, it is a must-visit destination for those seeking a true coastal experience.

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South Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.431415/-3.0694851 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
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
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South Head is located at Grid Ref: ND3749 (Lat: 58.431415, Lng: -3.0694851)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///tumblers.melon.package. Near Wick, Highland

Nearby Locations

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

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.431415,-3.0694851
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Cletts Orkney
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