Claverance Rock

Island in Fife

Scotland

Claverance Rock

Crail harbour Looking north east from the corner of West Braes Crescent. The flowers are poppies. — Crail harbour Credit: Richard Dorrell

Claverance Rock is a small island located off the coast of Fife, Scotland. Situated in the North Sea, it is known for its rugged beauty and unique geological features. The island is part of the Fife Coastal Path and is a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and birdwatchers.

Covering an area of approximately 0.5 hectares, Claverance Rock is uninhabited and largely uninhabitable due to its steep cliffs and lack of vegetation. The island is composed primarily of sandstone, with layers of shale and limestone visible in some areas. These rock formations provide a rich geological history, dating back millions of years.

The island's cliffs, which can reach heights of up to 50 meters, offer breathtaking views of the surrounding waters and coastline. Due to its exposed location, Claverance Rock experiences strong winds and rough seas, making it an ideal habitat for various seabird species. Visitors can often spot nesting colonies of guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes clinging to the sheer cliffs.

Access to Claverance Rock is only possible by boat, and caution is advised when approaching due to the treacherous waters and submerged rocks surrounding the island. The lack of amenities and facilities on the island means that visitors must come prepared with water, food, and appropriate clothing for outdoor activities.

Claverance Rock is not only a haven for wildlife but also an important site for geological research and education. Its unique landscape and diverse birdlife make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a glimpse of Scotland's natural beauty.

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Claverance Rock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.256325/-2.6240676 or Grid Reference NO6107. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Crail harbour

Looking north east from the corner of West Braes Crescent. The flowers are poppies.

Richard Dorrell

Home from home

This small caravan has an extension that doubles its size, and provides satellite TV.

Rob Burke

North-east of Crail Harbour

A path along the coast gives a view of the harbour and the headland beyond. From this point the path turns inland.

Rob Burke

The harbour at Crail in Fife

James Denham

Crail harbour

Euan Nelson

Crumbling Composer in Crail

This amazing sand sculpture built in the High Street, Crail was beginning to crumble in the heat.

Ian Murfitt

Fishing boats in Crail Harbour

The harbour dries out at low water and some of these boats are aground.

Bob Jones

Crail Harbour

Crail is still a working harbour, home to Fife's crab and lobster fleet, and though there are fewer boats than there used to be, visitors can still buy fresh lobster and shellfish from the harbourside.

Bob Jones

Street in Crail

This cobbled street leads uphill from the harbour.

Bob Jones

Sauchope Links Caravan Park

Looking roughly SSE.

Andrew Reid

Shop occupying an ancient building in Crail

On Marketgate.

James Denham

The Tolbooth and clock tower in Crail

On Marketgate.

James Denham

Milestone, Chance Inn

The milestone stands beside the A917. Milestones are the original roadside heritage features with many dating back hundreds of years and these historic items are under threat from highway developments.

Maigheach-gheal

Milestone, Chance Inn

The milestone stands beside the A917 and in front of a crop of oilseed rape. Milestones did not come into general use until the Turnpike Act of 1766 made them compulsory on turnpike roads, these roads were built by private enterprise under licence from the Government and maintained by tolls on those who used them. Before this Act milestones were put up occasionally, often as charitable acts and commemorations. Many Turnpike Act stones still exist. They are usually 2-3 ft high, with the initial letter or abbreviation of the nearest market town shown on two faces, and the distance from it. Oilseed rape is the third important crop in the UK after wheat and barley. It can be either winter or spring sown. Winter sown oilseed rape is primarily grown for its oil, which is used in cooking and food processing.

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Milestone and bench mark, Chance Inn

The Ordnance Survey bench mark clearly shows on the side of the milestone. For a wider view of the stone NO6008 : Milestone, Chance Inn and for further information on the cut mark and others in the area Link

Maigheach-gheal

Kissing gate, Crail

The kissing gate allows people entry to the small park beside St Andrews Road. The kissing gate is a traditional gate hung in a U or V shape that allows one person to pass at a time. In order for one person to pass fully through the gate they have to close it on the next person. Legend has it that at this point, when the two are on either side of the gate, the person in front ‘refuses’ entry to the second person until presented with a kiss.

Maigheach-gheal