Washing Hive

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Washing Hive

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

Washing Hive is a prominent coastal feature located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This headland, also referred to as a point, is situated along the rugged northeastern coast of the country. It is positioned between the picturesque towns of Cruden Bay and Newburgh, overlooking the vast expanse of the North Sea.

The name Washing Hive is derived from its geographical characteristics. The term "hive" refers to the shape of the land formation, resembling a beehive when viewed from a distance. The adjective "washing" alludes to the powerful waves crashing against the headland, which continuously erode the cliffs and shape the land over time.

The headland offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the North Sea. Visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of the turbulent ocean, dramatic cliffs, and expansive skies. The area is also known for its diverse wildlife, including seabirds such as puffins, gannets, and fulmars, which nest along the cliffs.

Washing Hive is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The headland provides numerous walking trails that allow visitors to explore the area's rugged beauty and experience the awe-inspiring power of the sea. The coastal path leading to the point offers opportunities for birdwatching and admiring the wildflowers that bloom in the summer months.

Due to its exposed location, Washing Hive is subject to the relentless forces of nature. Erosion is an ongoing process, causing the cliffs to crumble and reshape the landscape. As a result, caution is advised when visiting the area, and visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment and adhere to safety guidelines.

In conclusion, Washing Hive is a captivating coastal feature in Aberdeenshire, renowned for its distinctive shape and remarkable views. It offers a unique opportunity to witness the dynamic forces of nature at work and immerse oneself in the untamed beauty of Scotland's northeastern coast.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Washing Hive Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.675095/-1.9238699 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

Pillbox by the Water of Philorth, Aberdeenshire

Unfortunately the pillbox has slipped further and acquired a paint job since it was last Geographed: NK0264 : Pillbox by the Water of Philorth. This is one of three pillboxes which overlooked the eastern half of Fraserburgh Bay. It is a CEScC 2893 which is a Scottish variant of the Type 24 design.

Claire Pegrum

Show me another place!

Washing Hive is located at Grid Ref: NK0465 (Lat: 57.675095, Lng: -1.9238699)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East