Grey Head

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Caithness

Scotland

Grey Head

Layby on the A99 near Milltown The A99 follows the east coast of Caithness from Latheron, where it leaves the A9, though the town of Wick to John o' Groats at the north-east corner of the Highlands. The road is a trunk road between Latheron and Wick. It was part of the A9 until 1997, when the A9 was re-routed along what had been the A895-A882 link between Latheron and Thurso.

The A99 forms part of the North Coast 500 (NC500) which was launched in 2015. NC500 is a 516-mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle,
Layby on the A99 near Milltown Credit: David Dixon

Grey Head is a prominent coastal feature located in the region of Caithness, in the northernmost part of mainland Scotland. It is a headland that extends into the North Sea, forming a distinctive point along the rugged Caithness coastline. The headland gets its name from the grayish hue of the cliffs and rocks that dominate its landscape.

Rising to an impressive height of approximately 50 meters, Grey Head offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. The headland is characterized by its steep and jagged cliffs, which have been shaped by centuries of erosion caused by the relentless crashing waves of the North Sea. The exposed nature of Grey Head makes it a popular spot for birdwatching, as it attracts several species of seabirds, including guillemots, fulmars, and kittiwakes.

The area surrounding Grey Head is abundant in marine life, making it a haven for anglers and wildlife enthusiasts. The headland is home to a variety of fish species, such as cod, haddock, and mackerel, making it a prime fishing location. Additionally, seals and dolphins can often be spotted swimming close to the shore, adding to the allure of the area.

Grey Head also holds historical significance, as it is believed to have been a strategic location for ancient settlements. Archaeological evidence suggests that the headland was inhabited during the Iron Age, and remnants of ancient structures and artifacts have been discovered in the vicinity.

Overall, Grey Head is a captivating coastal feature that combines natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and cultural heritage. Its striking cliffs, breathtaking views, and rich marine ecosystem make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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Grey Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.580832/-3.0602991 or Grid Reference ND3866. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Layby on the A99 near Milltown The A99 follows the east coast of Caithness from Latheron, where it leaves the A9, though the town of Wick to John o' Groats at the north-east corner of the Highlands. The road is a trunk road between Latheron and Wick. It was part of the A9 until 1997, when the A9 was re-routed along what had been the A895-A882 link between Latheron and Thurso.

The A99 forms part of the North Coast 500 (NC500) which was launched in 2015. NC500 is a 516-mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle,
Layby on the A99 near Milltown
The A99 follows the east coast of Caithness from Latheron, where it leaves the A9, though the town of Wick to John o' Groats at the north-east corner of the Highlands. The road is a trunk road between Latheron and Wick. It was part of the A9 until 1997, when the A9 was re-routed along what had been the A895-A882 link between Latheron and Thurso. The A99 forms part of the North Coast 500 (NC500) which was launched in 2015. NC500 is a 516-mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle,
Smithy House (Ruin), Hill of Harley The A99 follows the east coast of Caithness from Latheron, where it leaves the A9, though the town of Wick to John o' Groats at the north-east corner of the Highlands. The road is a trunk road between Latheron and Wick. It was part of the A9 until 1997, when the A9 was re-routed along what had been the A895-A882 link between Latheron and Thurso.

The A99 forms part of the North Coast 500 (NC500) which was launched in 2015. NC500 is a 516-mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle,
Smithy House (Ruin), Hill of Harley
The A99 follows the east coast of Caithness from Latheron, where it leaves the A9, though the town of Wick to John o' Groats at the north-east corner of the Highlands. The road is a trunk road between Latheron and Wick. It was part of the A9 until 1997, when the A9 was re-routed along what had been the A895-A882 link between Latheron and Thurso. The A99 forms part of the North Coast 500 (NC500) which was launched in 2015. NC500 is a 516-mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle,
Layby on the A99 near Harley The A99 follows the east coast of Caithness from Latheron, where it leaves the A9, though the town of Wick to John o' Groats at the north-east corner of the Highlands. The road is a trunk road between Latheron and Wick. It was part of the A9 until 1997, when the A9 was re-routed along what had been the A895-A882 link between Latheron and Thurso.

The A99 forms part of the North Coast 500 (NC500) which was launched in 2015. NC500 is a 516-mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle,
Layby on the A99 near Harley
The A99 follows the east coast of Caithness from Latheron, where it leaves the A9, though the town of Wick to John o' Groats at the north-east corner of the Highlands. The road is a trunk road between Latheron and Wick. It was part of the A9 until 1997, when the A9 was re-routed along what had been the A895-A882 link between Latheron and Thurso. The A99 forms part of the North Coast 500 (NC500) which was launched in 2015. NC500 is a 516-mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle,
A99, Farm Buildings near Freswick The A99 follows the east coast of Caithness from Latheron, where it leaves the A9, though the town of Wick to John o' Groats at the north-east corner of the Highlands. The road is a trunk road between Latheron and Wick. It was part of the A9 until 1997, when the A9 was re-routed along what had been the A895-A882 link between Latheron and Thurso.

The A99 forms part of the North Coast 500 (NC500) which was launched in 2015. NC500 is a 516-mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle,
A99, Farm Buildings near Freswick
The A99 follows the east coast of Caithness from Latheron, where it leaves the A9, though the town of Wick to John o' Groats at the north-east corner of the Highlands. The road is a trunk road between Latheron and Wick. It was part of the A9 until 1997, when the A9 was re-routed along what had been the A895-A882 link between Latheron and Thurso. The A99 forms part of the North Coast 500 (NC500) which was launched in 2015. NC500 is a 516-mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle,
Overhanging Cliff near Freswick Beyond, across Freswick Bay, is Skirza Head.
Overhanging Cliff near Freswick
Beyond, across Freswick Bay, is Skirza Head.
Sea Stack at Freswick This stack shows the layered sedimentary rocks of the area.
Sea Stack at Freswick
This stack shows the layered sedimentary rocks of the area.
At Freswick Mains Within the buildings at Freswick Mains.
At Freswick Mains
Within the buildings at Freswick Mains.
Coast near Auckengill It seems like the roof of a sea cave has collapsed forming a gloup.
Coast near Auckengill
It seems like the roof of a sea cave has collapsed forming a gloup.
Coast at The Kilns The area in the foreground is within the grid square.
Coast at The Kilns
The area in the foreground is within the grid square.
The Kilns A small area of coastline is within this grid square.
The Kilns
A small area of coastline is within this grid square.
Freswick Bay Waves catching the afternoon sunlight.
Freswick Bay
Waves catching the afternoon sunlight.
Derelict old barn by the A99
Derelict old barn by the A99
Croft in ruins by the A99
Croft in ruins by the A99
Approaching Hilltop Cottage
Approaching Hilltop Cottage
Approaching Westlands
Approaching Westlands
Anti-invasion defences, Freswick Bay, Caithness The photo shows a double row of "Dragon's Teeth" and a row of "Cubes".
Anti-invasion defences, Freswick Bay, Caithness
The photo shows a double row of "Dragon's Teeth" and a row of "Cubes".
Skirza Harbour, Caithness
Skirza Harbour, Caithness
Freswick House As seen from A99.
Freswick House
As seen from A99.
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Grey Head is located at Grid Ref: ND3866 (Lat: 58.580832, Lng: -3.0602991)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///starred.regal.radiates. Near John o' Groats, Highland

Related Wikis

Skirza

Skirza or Skirsa, is a small remote linear fishing village, overlooking Freswick Bay to the south and Skirza Head to the southeast, in eastern Caithness...

Freswick

Freswick ( FREZZ-ik) or Skirsa, is a small remote hamlet, overlooking Freswick Bay to the east, in eastern Caithness, Scottish Highlands and is in the...

Auckengill

Auckengill is a settlement, 6 miles (10 kilometres) south of John o' Groats, on the east coast of Caithness, within the Scottish council area of Highland...

Nybster

Nybster is a scattered rural and crofting township, situated in Caithness and is in the Scottish council area of Highland. It is located along the A9 road...

Keiss Castle

Keiss Castle is a partially ruined castle in Scotland, which stands on sheer cliffs overlooking Sinclair's Bay less than one mile north of Keiss village...

Keiss

Keiss (Scottish Gaelic: Cèis) is a fishing village at the northern end of Sinclair's Bay on the east coast of Caithness county in Scotland's Highland...

John o' Groats

John O' Groats (Scottish Gaelic: Taigh Iain Ghròt) is a village 2.5 mi (4 km) northeast of Canisbay, Caithness, in the far north of Scotland. John O' Groats...

Canisbay

Canisbay is a rural hamlet located about one mile (1.5 kilometres) southwest of Huna and two and a half miles (four kilometres) southwest of John o' Groats...

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The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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