Black Rocks

Island in Caithness

Scotland

Black Rocks

Farm Track Track to Harden the closest farm to the rifle range. — Farm Track Credit: Glen Breaden

Black Rocks is a small island located off the northern coast of Caithness, Scotland. Known for its rugged beauty and dramatic coastal landscape, the island offers a unique and captivating experience for visitors.

The island is characterized by its distinctive black rocks, which give it its name. These rocks are composed of a type of basalt, created by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Standing tall and imposing, they provide a striking contrast to the surrounding landscape.

Black Rocks is accessible by boat, with regular ferry services running from the nearby town of Thurso. The island boasts a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and occasionally dolphins, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

The island's coastline is dotted with numerous caves and sea stacks, providing opportunities for exploration and adventure. One of the most famous features is the towering sea stack known as "The Needle," a popular spot for rock climbers.

In addition to its natural wonders, Black Rocks also has a rich history. The island was once home to a small fishing community, with remnants of their dwellings still visible. The ruins of an ancient Viking settlement can also be found, adding to the island's historical significance.

Overall, Black Rocks offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and adventure. Whether it be exploring the caves, marveling at the black rocks, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the island, visitors are sure to be captivated by its charm.

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Black Rocks Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.442082/-3.07207 or Grid Reference ND3750. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Farm Track

Track to Harden the closest farm to the rifle range.

Glen Breaden

Coastal Scene

Fractured and shattered pavements of slanting rock make this piece of coastline most attractive.

Glen Breaden

Wild weather

Peter Moore

Cliff Face

Cliff face at South Head, below the old Coastguard Station

John MacKenzie

Wick Business Park

Town planners should pay heed to what out of town developments have done to Wick town centre. This retail park and the Tescos on the north side of town have all but killed a once prosperous town centre.

Peter Moore

Welcome to Wick

The A99 enters Wick with the cemetery on the right and the new Wick Retail Park on the left.

wrobison

The Trinkie Outdoor Swimming Pool

Perched at the edge of rocks, the pool naturally collects water from the sea and was created from part of a quarry.

Carron K

Coast at Old Wick

Layering of the rocks is clearly visible, along with the remaining tilted and flat slabs. The coastline takes a pounding from the sea.

Carron K

Trinkie Sign

A sign painted on the rocks above the Trinkie outdoor swimming pool. The pool is to the left of shot.

Carron K

Retail Park in Wick

Alan Reid

Foreshore rock at Trinkie on South Head

Alan Reid

Lidl Supermarket, Wick

On South Road (A99).

JThomas

Shops, Wick Retail Park

JThomas

Shore at Old Wick

Richard Dorrell

Gate into rifle range

The ruin of the Castle of Old Wick (visible in the background) stands within a rifle range which dates from World War 1, which I believe is now disused. However - a sentry post stands at this gate in the clifftop path. A red flag would be flown at the flagpole if the range was active.

Richard Dorrell

Trinkie sign, Old Wick, Caithness

The sign is painted on rocks next to the Trinkie tidal swimming pool. A local painter and signwriter volunteers to maintain it. It was repainted a couple of months before this photo was taken.

Claire Pegrum

Trinkie swimming pool, Old Wick, Caithness

The pool was built in a former quarry. At the time of uploading, the Trinkie Heritage Preservation Group is trying to raise £20,000 to repair storm damage.

Claire Pegrum