Inchcape Rock

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Angus

Scotland

Inchcape Rock

Bell Rock Lighthouse A group of us decided to have a wee adventure out to see the lighthouse. We hired a boat from Arbroath and had a fantastic afternoon.
Bell Rock Lighthouse Credit: Ralph Greig

Inchcape Rock, also known as Bell Rock, is a prominent coastal feature located off the coast of Angus, Scotland. It is a rugged headland situated approximately 11 miles southeast of the town of Arbroath, in the North Sea.

Rising 35 feet above the water, Inchcape Rock is a partially submerged reef that stretches for about a mile. It is composed of rough granite and is notoriously dangerous for ships passing through the area. Over the centuries, the rock has claimed numerous vessels, leading to its reputation as a treacherous point and earning it the nickname "The Doom of Ships."

To mitigate the dangers posed by Inchcape Rock, the iconic Bell Rock Lighthouse was constructed on the rock in 1807. Designed by Robert Stevenson, this pioneering structure stands 115 feet tall and is a marvel of engineering. It was one of the first lighthouses in the world to be built offshore on a wave-swept rock. The lighthouse's unique design incorporates a solid masonry base, making it exceptionally sturdy and able to withstand the harsh conditions of the North Sea.

Inchcape Rock and the Bell Rock Lighthouse have become symbols of maritime history and engineering prowess. They serve as reminders of the perilous nature of the North Sea and the bravery and innovation required to safeguard the lives of sailors in this treacherous part of the Scottish coastline.

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Inchcape Rock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.433973/-2.3886352 or Grid Reference NO7626. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bell Rock Lighthouse A group of us decided to have a wee adventure out to see the lighthouse. We hired a boat from Arbroath and had a fantastic afternoon.
Bell Rock Lighthouse
A group of us decided to have a wee adventure out to see the lighthouse. We hired a boat from Arbroath and had a fantastic afternoon.
The Bell Rock Lighthouse Situated 11 miles out from Arbroath the Bell Rock Lighthouse was built 200 years ago by Robert Stevenson upon the infamous Inchcape reef. At high water the reef is hidden about 12 foot below the water level, at low water it is 4 foot above the sea.
The Bell Rock Lighthouse
Situated 11 miles out from Arbroath the Bell Rock Lighthouse was built 200 years ago by Robert Stevenson upon the infamous Inchcape reef. At high water the reef is hidden about 12 foot below the water level, at low water it is 4 foot above the sea.
Bell Rock Light The Bell Rock Lighthouse lies some 13 mile east of St Andrews and 13 miles south of Arbroath. The rock is covered except at low water.
Bell Rock Light
The Bell Rock Lighthouse lies some 13 mile east of St Andrews and 13 miles south of Arbroath. The rock is covered except at low water.
Bell Rock from Arbroath The top of the lighthouse protrudes above the horizon.
Bell Rock from Arbroath
The top of the lighthouse protrudes above the horizon.
Bellrock Lighthouse
Bellrock Lighthouse
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Inchcape Rock is located at Grid Ref: NO7626 (Lat: 56.433973, Lng: -2.3886352)

Unitary Authority: Angus

Police Authority: Tayside

Also known as: Bell Rock

What 3 Words

///subregion.swum.catapult. Near Arbroath, Angus

Nearby Locations

Bell Rock Inchcape Rock

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