Watt's Gwight

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Watt's Gwight

Cairnbulg Harbour Looking back into the harbour from the end of the harbour arm.

Built in the 1920s, the harbour is privately owned, by Cairnbulg Boat Haven Ltd. There are plans to deepen and further improve the harbour, which has recently installed pontoons for leisure craft. — Cairnbulg Harbour Credit: Bob Jones

Watt's Gwight is a prominent coastal feature located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is a headland that juts out into the North Sea, forming a distinct point along the coastline. The name "Watt's Gwight" is derived from Old Norse, with "Gwight" meaning a narrow, elongated area of land and "Watt" believed to be a personal name.

The headland offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, with rugged cliffs and rocky outcrops that have been shaped by centuries of erosion and coastal processes. The cliffs rise steeply from the sea, providing a dramatic backdrop to the crashing waves below. Visitors to Watt's Gwight can witness the power of the ocean firsthand, as waves crash against the cliffs and create a mesmerizing spectacle.

The area is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it supports a diverse range of flora and fauna. Seabird colonies can be found nesting on the cliffs, including species such as fulmars, kittiwakes, and guillemots. The rocky shores provide a habitat for various marine organisms, with rock pools revealing a fascinating array of sea creatures at low tide.

Watt's Gwight is also of historical significance, with archaeological evidence suggesting human occupation in the area since prehistoric times. The headland's strategic location made it an ideal site for defensive structures, and remnants of ancient fortifications can still be seen today.

Overall, Watt's Gwight is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the raw beauty of Aberdeenshire's coastline. Its stunning views, diverse wildlife, and historical significance make it a must-visit location for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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Watt's Gwight Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.676084/-1.9250247 or Grid Reference NK0465. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cairnbulg Harbour

Looking back into the harbour from the end of the harbour arm. Built in the 1920s, the harbour is privately owned, by Cairnbulg Boat Haven Ltd. There are plans to deepen and further improve the harbour, which has recently installed pontoons for leisure craft.

Bob Jones

Sovereign on the rocks

Forlorn and lonesome, the wreck of the Sovereign lies high and dry at low tide atop Cairnbulg Briggs as shiny FR6 Remembrance Link

sails past at a safe distance. See Link

for more information on Sovereigh in better days.

Ian Paterson

Roll on spring tide

After what seemed like a sure geograph for the adjacent square to the north, the route was blocked by just a few feet of water - "and me withoot ma wellies!"*. Low tide was 1.1 m above chart datum at this point, so next time there's a low spring tide, the slippery walk across the bladder wrack might prove more fruitful for someone. The wrecked Sovereigh NK0365 : Sovereign on the rocks lies to the right of the photograph. (* Thanks to the Big Yin Link

Ian Paterson

Beacon on Cairnbulg Briggs

These rocks have seen wrecks old Link

and new NK0365 : Sovereign on the rocks. Modern vessel Remembrance sails past at a safe distance after leaving Fraserburgh earlier. The beacon flashes white once every ten seconds if it's dark.

Ian Paterson

Cairnbulg: site of station, 1988

View NE on B9107 to Inverallochy where the ex-GNS Fraserburgh (left) - St Combs (right) light railway crossed. The station and line were closed from 3/5/65.

Ben Brooksbank

Inverallochy village

David Purchase

The shoreline at Cairnbulg Point

David Purchase

A small wind farm near Inverallochy

I am no fan of (onshore) wind farms, which usually seem to despoil beautiful upland landscapes for little real benefit. But it is difficult to object to a small farm such as this, in country which, with respect, could hardly be described as 'of outstanding natural beauty'.

David Purchase

Cairnbulg Harbour

Deepened and with extra pontoons added in 2012/13.

Gordon Brown

Pillbox, Charlestown, Aberdeenshire

The pillbox is a Scottish variant of the Type 24 design and is one of three which overlooked Whitelinks Bay.

Claire Pegrum

Harbour, Kittyloch Shore, Aberdeenshire

The harbour has been built using WWII anti-tank blocks gathered from nearby beaches and so is not particularly old.

Claire Pegrum

Harbour, Kittyloch Shore, Aberdeenshire

The harbour has been built using WWII anti-tank blocks gathered from nearby beaches and so is not particularly old.

Claire Pegrum

Pillbox, Whitelinks Bay, Aberdeenshire

The pillbox is one of three which overlooked Whitelinks Bay.

Claire Pegrum

Whitelinks Bay, Aberdeenshire

On the horizon can be seen large houses which have been built behind Inverallochy Golf Course. The one on the left is shown at NK0464 : Jeca House.

Claire Pegrum

Buried pillbox, Whitelinks Bay, Aberdeenshire

The pillbox is one of three which overlooked Whitelinks Bay.

Claire Pegrum

Minor road near Hallmoss, Aberdeenshire

Although the road is open to all traffic, it has not been adopted by the local authority and is privately maintained. The figure advertises a protective coatings company which operates from buildings at the farm at Hallmoss.

Claire Pegrum

Pillbox, Cairnbulg Harbour, Aberdeenshire

Looking across Fraserburgh Bay towards Fraserburgh. The pillbox is a Scottish variant of the Type 24 design. A 1941 aerial photograph suggests that it was disguised as a fisherman's hut during the war. After the war it was bought by a local fisherman and used to store creels. The harbour breakwaters were extended in the 1980s using anti-tank blocks.

Claire Pegrum