Bailiff's Skelly

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Bailiff's Skelly

The derelict railway carriage at Cairnglass Farm Credit: Peter Aikman

Bailiff's Skelly is a coastal marsh located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is situated in the region's picturesque coastal village of Skelly, which is known for its stunning natural landscapes. The marsh is part of the larger Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail, a popular tourist attraction.

Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, Bailiff's Skelly is characterized by its unique and diverse ecosystem. The marsh consists of a mixture of salt marshes and saltings, which are intertidal areas of land that are regularly flooded by the sea. These habitats provide a rich environment for a variety of plant and animal species.

The marsh is home to several rare and protected species, including the saltmarsh grass, sea lavender, and various types of wading birds. These include the redshank, curlew, and oystercatcher, which can often be seen foraging for food along the marsh's muddy banks.

Bailiff's Skelly offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of a coastal marsh and observe its unique wildlife. The marsh is accessible via a network of footpaths, allowing visitors to explore the area while admiring the stunning views of the Aberdeenshire coastline.

The marsh also plays an essential role in coastal erosion prevention, acting as a natural buffer against storm surges and helping to maintain the stability of the coastline. It is a valuable natural resource that is protected and managed by local authorities to preserve its ecological importance and ensure its long-term sustainability.

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Bailiff's Skelly Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.656827/-1.8997104 or Grid Reference NK0662. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The derelict railway carriage at Cairnglass Farm

Peter Aikman

St Combs

David Purchase

Field at Corsekelly

The farm buildings are in the next square, but the foreground field is in this square.

Anne Burgess

Tufted Duck Hotel

This is a very pleasant and, given its out-of-the-way location, surprisingly successful hotel. The building has been much improved since it was first built by the extension at the front. Compare with NK0562 : Tufted Duck Hotel, St Combs, taken eight years earlier.

Anne Burgess

New House

This building came as quite a surprise, and it isn't on the maps yet. On enquiring, I was informed that it is a private house, not yet completed. It certainly has a fine view to seaward.

Anne Burgess

Chain Arch

This is one of a number of sculptures made out of links of chain and painted white standing on an area that used to have a bun in a hollow but has been filled in and levelled. See also NK0562 : Chain Sculptures.

Anne Burgess

Chain Sculptures

I presume that these are some sort of environmental art. Amazing what can be done with some links of chain and a can or three of white paint. See also NK0562 : Chain Arch.

Anne Burgess

North of Inzie Head

A low rocky foreshore extends north from Inzie Head past St Combs.

Anne Burgess

Bench with a View

The bench is built of granite blocks so while it would be a wonderful place to sit and admire the view of Inzie Head and NK0662 : Beach at St Combs, intending users would be well advised to take a cushion with them.

Anne Burgess

Beach at St Combs

This is the north end of a sandy beach that stretches 17 kilometres (almost 11 miles) almost all the way to Peterhead, curving round to landward of NK1157 : Rattray Head Lighthouse.

Anne Burgess

Pallet Graveyard

I have to admit that my first thought on spotting this was, "Firewood!" It would make enough kindling to keep me supplied for years.

Anne Burgess

Builder's Yard?

It looks as if the business here could be laying granite setts. There is a very fine example of such a path at the back of NK0562 : Tufted Duck Hotel.

Anne Burgess

Pillbox, Inzie Head, Aberdeenshire

The pillbox is one of five which overlooked an anti-tank ditch, most of which was a converted drainage ditch, running between Inzie Head and Loch of Strathbeg.

Claire Pegrum

Pillboxes below Gallow Hill, Aberdeenshire

These pillboxes a part of a series of five which overlooked an anti-tank ditch, most of which was a converted drainage ditch, running between Inzie Head and Loch of Strathbeg. As it didn't have the raised beach behind it, the anti-tank ditch in the vicinity of the two further pillboxes was supplemented by mine fields.

Claire Pegrum

Field margin, St Combs, Aberdeenshire

The field margin has been planted with sunflowers, providing a good source of seeds for wild birds. The road which can just be seen to the right is the C21B and the road sign is at its junction with the B9033.

Claire Pegrum