Cleaved Head

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Banffshire

Scotland

Cleaved Head

Mouse-ear Hawkweed Hawkweeds, Hawksbeards and Hawkbits all have dandelion-like flowers and are notoriously difficult to tell apart. This is the exception, instantly recognisable because its flowers are lemon-yellow, while all the others are more canary-yellow. — Mouse-ear Hawkweed Credit: Anne Burgess

Cleaved Head is a prominent coastal feature located in Banffshire, Scotland. It is a headland or point that extends into the North Sea, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Rising approximately 50 meters above sea level, Cleaved Head is characterized by its rugged cliffs and rocky terrain. The headland is composed of sedimentary rocks, including sandstone and shale, which have been shaped by the relentless force of the waves over time. These cliffs provide a nesting site for various seabirds, including guillemots, puffins, and razorbills, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

The headland is accessible via a narrow footpath that winds its way along the coastline, offering hikers an opportunity to explore the area and appreciate its natural beauty up close. At low tide, it is even possible to walk around the base of Cleaved Head and discover the many rock pools that are home to a diverse range of marine life.

Cleaved Head is also known for its rich history. It is believed to have been a strategic location during ancient times, with archaeological evidence suggesting human activity in the area dating back thousands of years. There are remnants of ancient settlements and burial sites nearby, adding to the allure of this coastal feature.

Overall, Cleaved Head in Banffshire is a captivating headland that combines breathtaking natural scenery with a rich cultural heritage. Whether it is for its stunning views, diverse wildlife, or historical significance, it is a destination that appeals to a wide range of visitors.

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Cleaved Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.672085/-2.4662389 or Grid Reference NJ7264. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mouse-ear Hawkweed

Hawkweeds, Hawksbeards and Hawkbits all have dandelion-like flowers and are notoriously difficult to tell apart. This is the exception, instantly recognisable because its flowers are lemon-yellow, while all the others are more canary-yellow.

Anne Burgess

Loch Craig

In the foreground is the sea wall of the Tarlair open-air swimming pool. Loch craig is the sea inlet offshore. The ship is Petronordic, port of registry Nassau, which is a shuttle tanker, gross tonnage 54865.

Anne Burgess

House Martin (Delichon urbica)

There are half a dozen nests under the roof of the pavilion at the Tarlair swimming pool. Note the bird sitting in this nest, presumably incubating eggs.

Anne Burgess

Tarlair Lido, 2022

The monochrome emphasises the current state of disrepair of the pavilion, but that is set to change, as funding has been secured and listed building consent given for its refurbishment starting in 2022. The Friends of Tarlair Link

are working towards making this a vibrant leisure destination once again. The Category A Listed facility deserves nothing less.

Alan Murray-Rust

Natural sloping slabs at Tarlair

At the entrance to the lido.

Alan Murray-Rust

The road to Tarlair

Looking towards Macduff. The building to the right of the road is the Well of Tarlair. It dates from c.1800. The chalybeate waters enjoyed considerable popularity for their medicinal and health giving properties in the NE during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Alan Murray-Rust

Threading the needle

View through the naatural arch known locally as the Needle's Eye

Alan Murray-Rust

Tarlair Lido - the swimming pool

The lowest of the three pools. The terraces were restored in 2014, and restoration of the pavilion is due to commence in 2022.

Alan Murray-Rust

Tarlair Lido, the three pools

Nearest, surrounded by the narrow wall was a paddling pool, the next area being a boating pool with the main swimming pool furthest away. The surrounds of the pools were restored in 2014. The complex Listed Category A.

Alan Murray-Rust

Tarlair Lido, view from the east

Compare with this view of the lido in its heyday Link

Restoration of the pavilion is due to start in 2022. Listed Category A.

Alan Murray-Rust

Rock fall at near Tarlair

Hobs

Macduff: a view over the harbour

Looking over the harbour from the grassy hilltop to the south, where an anchor is ... anchored, by the NJ7064 : Macduff: parish church.

Chris Downer

Macduff war memorial

An unusual and striking war memorial tower erected in 1920 and B-listed (LB37681): Link

Bill Harrison

View of Macduff harbour from Church Street

Bill Harrison

Macduff town hall, 17 Shore Street

The Scottish baronial town hall facing the harbour was designed by Aberdeen architects Pirie and Clyne in 1884 and is B-listed (LB37634): Link

. Next door is the former Clydesdale Bank and agent's house, also B-listed (LB37635): Link

Bill Harrison

Macduff harbour

The harbour at Macduff, with its ocean-going trawlers, has a totally different feel to the gentrified Banff marina on the other side of the River Deveron estuary. Here we see the smartly turned out Shekinah (registered to INV = Inverness) and the Reliance II (BF = Banff) sandwiching a rather rusty visitor from afar; the Glen Alvah from BM = Brixham (Devon).

Bill Harrison