Castle Haven

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Banffshire

Scotland

Castle Haven

Logie Head Logie Head comprises the whole of this promontory. At both ends of the headland the rocks belong to the Cullen Quartzite Formation, but in between is the Dicky Hare Semipelite Member. In simple terms, quartzite is metamorphosed pure sand, but semipelite is metamorphosed muddy sand. As well as being metamorphosed, the strata have been tilted through 90º by tectonic forces, and you can see in this view that the cliff looks like a row of verticals. The name Dicky Hare is applied to the beach below the semipelite cliffs, but I have no as yet discovered the origin of this rather odd name. — Logie Head Credit: Anne Burgess

Castle Haven is a prominent coastal feature located in Banffshire, Scotland. Situated on the northeastern coast, this headland juts out into the North Sea, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is positioned between the towns of Macduff and Banff, and is easily accessible from both locations.

The headland gets its name from the iconic Castle of Inverallochy, which historically stood on its cliffs. Unfortunately, the castle is now in ruins, but its remnants add a sense of historical significance to the area. Castle Haven is known for its rugged cliffs, which are composed of sandstone and rise steeply from the shoreline. The cliffs are home to a variety of seabirds, including guillemots and kittiwakes, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

The headland is also a haven for wildlife, with seals often seen basking on nearby rocks, and occasional sightings of dolphins and porpoises in the waters below. The coastal path surrounding Castle Haven offers visitors the opportunity to explore the area on foot, taking in the breathtaking scenery and enjoying the fresh sea air.

In addition to its natural beauty, Castle Haven has a rich cultural history. The headland was once used as a defensive site, with the castle providing protection against potential invaders. Today, visitors can still see the remains of the castle's walls and towers, which serve as a reminder of the area's past.

Overall, Castle Haven in Banffshire is a captivating coastal feature, offering a blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and historical significance. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and enriching experience on the Scottish coast.

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Castle Haven Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.692766/-2.772066 or Grid Reference NJ5467. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Logie Head

Logie Head comprises the whole of this promontory. At both ends of the headland the rocks belong to the Cullen Quartzite Formation, but in between is the Dicky Hare Semipelite Member. In simple terms, quartzite is metamorphosed pure sand, but semipelite is metamorphosed muddy sand. As well as being metamorphosed, the strata have been tilted through 90º by tectonic forces, and you can see in this view that the cliff looks like a row of verticals. The name Dicky Hare is applied to the beach below the semipelite cliffs, but I have no as yet discovered the origin of this rather odd name.

Anne Burgess

Sandend Sea

Sandend with a sea running.

Andrew Wood

Defences at Sandend

Wartime concrete blocks still line the beach at Sandend.

Andrew Wood

Crathie Point

Vaugue path through the grass down to the rocky headland of Crathie Point

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Crathie Point

Lichen covered rocks at Crathie Point

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View from Crathie Point

Looking East towards Garron Point

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Lichen covered cliffs at Crathie Point

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Findlater Castle

Remnants of the largely 15th century castle constructed by Sir William Ogilvy of Auchleven on an earlier 13th century site. Nowadays the site is only accessible to the intrepid. The information board gives the following warning 'THE CASTLE PROMONTORY IS DANGEROUS ~ PLEASE DO NOT TAKE UNNECESSARY RISKS'.

John M