Comb of the Head

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Angus

Scotland

Comb of the Head

Midsummer Sunrise Not quite the longest day, but close; the sun rises in the north-east.
Midsummer Sunrise Credit: Anne Burgess

Comb of the Head, Angus, is a prominent coastal feature located in the eastern part of Scotland, specifically in the county of Angus. It is classified as a headland or point, characterized by its rocky cliffs and steep slopes that jut out into the North Sea.

The Comb of the Head is situated between two picturesque and well-known towns, Arbroath and Montrose, along the Angus coastline. It is easily recognizable due to its unique shape, resembling the teeth of a comb, hence the name. The headland stretches for approximately 2 kilometers and reaches a height of around 30 meters at its highest point.

The cliffs of the Comb of the Head are composed of resistant sandstone and are known for their striking red color, which contrasts beautifully with the deep blue waters of the North Sea. The headland is a popular destination for sightseers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts who are drawn to its rugged beauty and panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.

The headland is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various seabird species such as gulls, fulmars, and cormorants. The Comb of the Head provides nesting sites for these birds and serves as an important habitat for other coastal wildlife.

Due to its exposed location, the Comb of the Head can experience strong winds and rough seas, making it a challenging spot for boating and swimming. However, it remains a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts who are drawn to the rich marine life found in the surrounding waters.

In conclusion, Comb of the Head, Angus, is a striking headland located along the Angus coastline in Scotland. With its unique comb-like shape, red cliffs, and diverse wildlife, it offers visitors a stunning natural landscape and a glimpse into the rugged beauty of the Scottish coastline.

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Comb of the Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.616625/-2.4883563 or Grid Reference NO7047. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Midsummer Sunrise Not quite the longest day, but close; the sun rises in the north-east.
Midsummer Sunrise
Not quite the longest day, but close; the sun rises in the north-east.
The View from Red Head Looking along the coast from Red Head, the next headland is East Comb, with its prominent strata of red Devonian sandstone. The farther headland is Auld Mains, which is composed of basaltic andesite of the Ethie Lavas. The coast here is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and one of the reasons for its designation is the relationships between the sedimentary and volcanic rocks.
The View from Red Head
Looking along the coast from Red Head, the next headland is East Comb, with its prominent strata of red Devonian sandstone. The farther headland is Auld Mains, which is composed of basaltic andesite of the Ethie Lavas. The coast here is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and one of the reasons for its designation is the relationships between the sedimentary and volcanic rocks.
Cuthile Harbour, Ethie From the clifftop.
Cuthile Harbour, Ethie
From the clifftop.
Red Head, Ethie
Red Head, Ethie
Headland south of Red Head, Ethie
Headland south of Red Head, Ethie
Auld Mains, Ethie
Auld Mains, Ethie
Red Head, Ethie
Red Head, Ethie
St Murdoch's Chapel, Ethie Now beside a small artificial dam.
St Murdoch's Chapel, Ethie
Now beside a small artificial dam.
Meikle Partain Craig, Ethie
Meikle Partain Craig, Ethie
Stubble fields near Ethie With Lunan Bay in the background.
Stubble fields near Ethie
With Lunan Bay in the background.
Yellow Craig, Ethie
Yellow Craig, Ethie
Small cabin at Ethie Haven Lunan Bay in the background.
Small cabin at Ethie Haven
Lunan Bay in the background.
Trig point at Red Head, Ethie
Trig point at Red Head, Ethie
Former Coastguard Lookout The concrete slabs are the remains of a concrete hut built during the Second World War as part of the coastal defences. The lower slab was the floor, reached by the short flight of steps, and the upper slab was the roof. It was held up by four concrete corner pillars, which were demolished maybe forty years ago.
Former Coastguard Lookout
The concrete slabs are the remains of a concrete hut built during the Second World War as part of the coastal defences. The lower slab was the floor, reached by the short flight of steps, and the upper slab was the roof. It was held up by four concrete corner pillars, which were demolished maybe forty years ago.
Kirk Loch At half tide, the underwater rocks are still visible through the clear water. All these long finger-shaped inlets are probably collapsed caves. Compare with <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/215975">NO7048 : Kirk Loch</a>, taken eight years earlier.
Kirk Loch
At half tide, the underwater rocks are still visible through the clear water. All these long finger-shaped inlets are probably collapsed caves. Compare with NO7048 : Kirk Loch, taken eight years earlier.
Red Head The highest point on the Angus Coast at about 80 metres. The shingle on the beach has formed into a series of ridges, each marking a high tide.
Red Head
The highest point on the Angus Coast at about 80 metres. The shingle on the beach has formed into a series of ridges, each marking a high tide.
Red Head The red rocks that give the headland its name are desert sandstones and lava flows.
Red Head
The red rocks that give the headland its name are desert sandstones and lava flows.
Former Coastguard Station Inside the fence there used to be a coastguard house. It was still there in the 1960s, but has since disappeared. Probably demolished, and the debris heaved over the cliff by passing vandals.

Compare with <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6019691">NO7047 : Coastguard site, Red Head</a> taken four years later. The fence posts have also vanished.
Former Coastguard Station
Inside the fence there used to be a coastguard house. It was still there in the 1960s, but has since disappeared. Probably demolished, and the debris heaved over the cliff by passing vandals. Compare with NO7047 : Coastguard site, Red Head taken four years later. The fence posts have also vanished.
Show me another place!

Comb of the Head is located at Grid Ref: NO7047 (Lat: 56.616625, Lng: -2.4883563)

Unitary Authority: Angus

Police Authority: Tayside

What 3 Words

///party.surfer.unstated. Near Arbroath, Angus

Related Wikis

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Created By: almien_coastlines
Source: PGS
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Lat/Long: 56.619065/-2.486053
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Lat/Long: 56.6202414/-2.4852388
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 56.6204008/-2.4846062
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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