Hishberry Rock

Island in Caithness

Scotland

Hishberry Rock

Peak of the cliff Facing westwards back towards land with the sheer cliff behind and on either side, I was definitely not tempted to take a step back to get a better view!
This is the northernmost of the two fingers pointing from Achastle-shore.
Peak of the cliff Credit: Ian Paterson

Hishberry Rock is a small island located off the coast of Caithness in northern Scotland. It is part of the Orkney and Shetland Islands archipelago. The island is situated about 2.5 miles northwest of John O'Groats, the northeasternmost point of mainland Britain.

Hishberry Rock is known for its rugged and picturesque landscape, characterized by towering cliffs and rocky shores. The island covers an area of approximately 0.1 square miles and has a maximum elevation of around 100 feet. It is composed mostly of sandstone and shale, with some areas featuring basalt formations.

The island is uninhabited and lacks any permanent structures or amenities. Its remote and isolated location makes it a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it serves as a nesting site for various seabird species, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. The surrounding waters are also teeming with marine life, attracting seals and dolphins.

Access to Hishberry Rock is only possible by boat, and visitors are advised to take caution due to the treacherous sea conditions in the area. The island's exposed position makes it prone to strong winds and rough seas, adding to its wild and untamed appeal.

Hishberry Rock offers a unique opportunity to experience the untamed beauty of the Scottish coastline and observe a diverse range of wildlife in its natural habitat. It is a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers seeking a remote and unspoiled location to explore.

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Hishberry Rock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.281372/-3.3315117 or Grid Reference ND2233. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Peak of the cliff Facing westwards back towards land with the sheer cliff behind and on either side, I was definitely not tempted to take a step back to get a better view!
This is the northernmost of the two fingers pointing from Achastle-shore.
Peak of the cliff
Facing westwards back towards land with the sheer cliff behind and on either side, I was definitely not tempted to take a step back to get a better view! This is the northernmost of the two fingers pointing from Achastle-shore.
Ruins at Achastle-shore Not sure what the history of this property is.  There is a track leading to the main road although it is quite overgrown.
Ruins at Achastle-shore
Not sure what the history of this property is. There is a track leading to the main road although it is quite overgrown.
Remains of Swiney Castle This may appear to be a few mounds in the grass, but it is probably the remains of Swiney Castle <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/8651/details/swiney+castle/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/8651/details/swiney+castle/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>.  To my back, left and right are some precipituous cliffs leading down to the sea.  An ideal location for a defensive position.
Remains of Swiney Castle
This may appear to be a few mounds in the grass, but it is probably the remains of Swiney Castle LinkExternal link. To my back, left and right are some precipituous cliffs leading down to the sea. An ideal location for a defensive position.
North of Swiney Castle Strata and cliffs marking the northern edge of the ruins of Swiney Castle. <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/8651/details/swiney+castle/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/8651/details/swiney+castle/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
North of Swiney Castle
Strata and cliffs marking the northern edge of the ruins of Swiney Castle. LinkExternal link
South of Swiney Castle Inlet and promontory to the south of the ancient monument known as Swiney Castle <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/8651/details/swiney+castle/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/8651/details/swiney+castle/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>.
South of Swiney Castle
Inlet and promontory to the south of the ancient monument known as Swiney Castle LinkExternal link.
East of Swiney Castle Nowhere else to go apart from down  The grounds of Swiney Castle <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/8651/details/swiney+castle/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/8651/details/swiney+castle/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> come to an abrupt end at Creag an Eich.
East of Swiney Castle
Nowhere else to go apart from down The grounds of Swiney Castle LinkExternal link come to an abrupt end at Creag an Eich.
Clan Gunn Heritage Centre
Clan Gunn Heritage Centre
Burn of Latheron enters the North Sea
Burn of Latheron enters the North Sea
Rocks in the North Sea near Port na Muic
Rocks in the North Sea near Port na Muic
Remains of an old herring fishing station at Achastle-shore
Remains of an old herring fishing station at Achastle-shore
Headland of Creag an Eich
Headland of Creag an Eich
Headland of Creag an Eich
Headland of Creag an Eich
Latheron Old Parish Church and Burial Ground Category B listed T-plan church of 1734 with 1822 tower apparently occupying the site of a 13th century church. A Scheduled Monument that was amended in 2011 to exclude the 18th century church but includes the ground below and a burial aisle, part of the earlier church.
Latheron Old Parish Church and Burial Ground
Category B listed T-plan church of 1734 with 1822 tower apparently occupying the site of a 13th century church. A Scheduled Monument that was amended in 2011 to exclude the 18th century church but includes the ground below and a burial aisle, part of the earlier church.
Clan Gunn Heritage Centre Latheron Old Church is now the home of the Clan Gunn Heritage Centre.
Clan Gunn Heritage Centre
Latheron Old Church is now the home of the Clan Gunn Heritage Centre.
Fields SW of the Clan Gunn Heritage Centre With a view along the coast below Latheronwheel.
Fields SW of the Clan Gunn Heritage Centre
With a view along the coast below Latheronwheel.
Latheron, Caithness Former church which is now a museum.
Latheron, Caithness
Former church which is now a museum.
Latheron Old Parish Church 1734 T-plan church, interior cleared for use as Clan Gunn museum. Picture taken from layby on the A9.
Latheron Old Parish Church
1734 T-plan church, interior cleared for use as Clan Gunn museum. Picture taken from layby on the A9.
Latheron Old Parish Church
Latheron Old Parish Church
Show me another place!

Hishberry Rock is located at Grid Ref: ND2233 (Lat: 58.281372, Lng: -3.3315117)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///outbound.field.deriving. Near Dunbeath, Highland

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