Auld Mains

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Angus

Scotland

Auld Mains

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

Auld Mains is a prominent coastal feature located in Angus, Scotland. It is a headland that extends into the North Sea, forming a distinctive point along the coastline. The headland is characterized by its rugged cliffs, which rise steeply from the sea, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The geology of Auld Mains is primarily composed of sandstone and shale, which have been shaped by the relentless action of wind and water over thousands of years. The cliffs exhibit dramatic formations, with layers of sedimentary rock clearly visible, showcasing the area's geological history.

Auld Mains is also known for its rich biodiversity. The headland is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including seabirds such as gannets, kittiwakes, and fulmars, which nest in the cliffs. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, with seals often spotted basking on the rocks, and occasional sightings of dolphins and porpoises.

The headland is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers who are drawn to its natural beauty and tranquility. Several walking trails traverse the area, providing access to the cliffs and offering breathtaking vistas of the North Sea and the coastline. Visitors can explore the rugged terrain, take in the fresh sea air, and immerse themselves in the peaceful ambiance of this coastal gem.

Overall, Auld Mains is a remarkable coastal feature, boasting stunning cliffs, diverse wildlife, and picturesque views. It is a place where nature and tranquility converge, offering a unique and memorable experience for those who venture to its shores.

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Auld Mains Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.621334/-2.4810839 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!

Auld Mains is located at Grid Ref: NO7047 (Lat: 56.621334, Lng: -2.4810839)

Unitary Authority: Angus

Police Authority: Tayside

What 3 Words

///proven.dumpling.snacks. Near Arbroath, Angus

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 56.621334,-2.4810839
Created By: almien_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 56.618944/-2.487448
Created By: almien_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 56.619065/-2.486053
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 56.6195373/-2.4855328
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 56.6196673/-2.4858457
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 56.6200009/-2.4857295
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 56.6202414/-2.4852388
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 56.6204008/-2.4846062
Created By: almien_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 56.620465/-2.483712
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 56.6212492/-2.4826933
St Murdoch's Chapel
Historic: ruins
Historic Civilization: medieval
Lat/Long: 56.6225425/-2.4853713
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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