Bowdun Head

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Kincardineshire

Scotland

Bowdun Head

Allerdyce Street (A957), Stonehaven Looking southward. — Allerdyce Street (A957), Stonehaven Credit: Peter Wood

Bowdun Head is a prominent coastal feature located in Kincardineshire, Scotland. It is a headland and a point that juts out into the North Sea, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. Situated approximately 7 miles south of Stonehaven, Bowdun Head is known for its rugged beauty and dramatic cliffs.

The headland is characterized by steep slopes and towering cliffs that reach heights of up to 200 feet. These cliffs are composed of various rock types, including sandstone and conglomerate, displaying layers of sedimentary formations that have been shaped by the relentless pounding of the waves over millions of years.

Bowdun Head is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers, offering several walking trails that afford stunning vistas of the North Sea and the surrounding countryside. The headland is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including seabirds such as fulmars, kittiwakes, and razorbills, which nest on the cliffs.

The area surrounding Bowdun Head is rich in history, with several archaeological sites nearby, including the Dunnicaer Promontory Fort. This ancient fort is believed to have been occupied during the Iron Age and provides valuable insights into the region's early human settlements.

In addition to its natural and historical significance, Bowdun Head is also a popular spot for fishing and water sports. Anglers often cast their lines into the sea from the cliffs, while kayakers and surfers take advantage of the area's waves and currents.

Overall, Bowdun Head is a captivating coastal feature, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities.

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Bowdun Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.950815/-2.1925847 or Grid Reference NO8884. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Allerdyce Street (A957), Stonehaven

Looking southward.

Peter Wood

Stonehaven Bay

A view across the bay from the harbour area towards the newer part of the town.

Gordon Hatton

Aircraft sculpture at Stonehaven

There are five such superb sculptures along the sea wall at Stonehaven. This one has a small plaque attached to the rock to say that this is a model of a Norwegian Seaplane which landed in the bay in April 1940, thus escaping the German invasion of Norway. The plane was piloted by Stein Gustavvson Abildso.

Gordon Hatton

Viking boat sculpture, Stonehaven

One of five beautiful sculptures on the sea wall at Stonehaven. This one depicts a Viking boat of the type that might have once headed this way from Norway.

Gordon Hatton

A Scottish delicacy

You may have thought that reports of the deep fried Mars bar being a delicacy in Scotland was a mere myth, but this sign on the wall of a chip shop in Stonehaven would confirm the truth. This contributor wasn't brave enough to try the dish.

Gordon Hatton

Old milestone

John Briggs used this 'C listed' property at 19 Bridgfield until earlier in 2021. It is at the south side of the bridge over Carron Water which is undergoing some flood defence works. In the recess near the blue hoarding is a milestone and below it a slightly recessed stone plaque. The bridge was built in 1781, widened in 1885 and rebuilt in 1973.

John Riddell

Old milestone

A close up of the milestone in the niche at the corner of the building to the south of the bridge over Carron Water. Inscribed on the left-hand face L/14 (for Laurencekirk), A/14 (Aberdeen) on the right and BERVIE/10 on the bevel. The vertical plaque below is inscribed THEOBALD/BARCLAY/1150 (the first Barclays ancestor in Scotland 1150), MATHERS/1351 (Barclays acquired the Mathers estate in 1351), URIE/1647 (Barclays bought Urie estate 1647),COND/1781. This stone was copied from the keystone on the 1781 bridge which was concealed by the 1885 widening.

John Riddell

Ordnance Survey Flush Bracket G896

This bracket can be found on the wall of the Police Station, Stonehaven. The recorded details give a height of 4.1664 metres above sea level. For more details see : Link

Peter Wood

Ordnance Survey Flush Bracket G897

This bracket can be found on the wall of the Town Hall, Stonehaven. The recorded details give a height of 5.5802 metres above sea level. For more details see : Link

Peter Wood

Downie Point

This is the 'island' forming the end of Downie Point. The flat topped island-like end of the headland isn't easily reachable on foot due to the steep gorge.

Peter Robinson