Blackdog Rock

Island in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Blackdog Rock

Dune coast at Millden Links The beach and dunes at Blackdog are perfect for dog walking.
Dune coast at Millden Links Credit: Bill Harrison

Blackdog Rock is a small island located off the coast of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is situated in the North Sea, approximately 2.5 miles northeast of the village of Blackdog and 5 miles north of Aberdeen. The island is known for its distinctive rock formation, which resembles the shape of a dog, hence the name.

Covering an area of around 0.1 square kilometers, Blackdog Rock is composed mainly of rugged cliffs and rocky terrain. The island is uninhabited and lacks any significant vegetation, except for some sparse grasses and low-lying shrubs. It is home to a variety of seabirds, including kittiwakes, guillemots, and razorbills, which nest on the cliffs during the breeding season.

Access to Blackdog Rock is limited due to its remote location and treacherous waters. The island is best viewed from a distance, either from the shore or by boat. It has become a popular spot for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts, who come to admire the unique rock formation and observe the abundant birdlife.

Despite its small size, Blackdog Rock holds historical significance. It is believed to have been used as a navigational marker for sailors in the past, helping them navigate the treacherous waters of the North Sea. The island's rocky coastline also bears witness to the region's geological history, displaying layers of sedimentary rocks that date back millions of years.

In conclusion, Blackdog Rock is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Aberdeenshire, known for its distinctive rock formation and abundant seabird population. It offers a picturesque view and attracts nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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Blackdog Rock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.213975/-2.0584596 or Grid Reference NJ9613. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Dune coast at Millden Links The beach and dunes at Blackdog are perfect for dog walking.
Dune coast at Millden Links
The beach and dunes at Blackdog are perfect for dog walking.
Grassy dunes, Blackdog Rifle Range The dunes pictured are some 20 metres high.
Grassy dunes, Blackdog Rifle Range
The dunes pictured are some 20 metres high.
Incoming tide, Blackdog beach
Incoming tide, Blackdog beach
Offshore windfarm... ...as viewed from Blackdog dunes.
Offshore windfarm...
...as viewed from Blackdog dunes.
Edge of the range Boundary fence and warning signs at southern boundary of Blackdog rifle range.  Public access is allowed when the range is not in use.
Edge of the range
Boundary fence and warning signs at southern boundary of Blackdog rifle range. Public access is allowed when the range is not in use.
Blackdog Rifle Range (B Range) MOD land.  Public access allowed when range not in use.
Blackdog Rifle Range (B Range)
MOD land. Public access allowed when range not in use.
North Sea vista Blackdog rifle range and coastal dunes and in the distance part of the Aberdeen Bay offshore wind farm and oil service vessels awaiting their next voyage.
North Sea vista
Blackdog rifle range and coastal dunes and in the distance part of the Aberdeen Bay offshore wind farm and oil service vessels awaiting their next voyage.
Not such a black dog Black Dog rock has recently become encrusted with tiny barnacles with its true colour just showing on top of the head of the dog-shaped rock.   The prominent rock is part of the Belhelvie basic intrusion, being igneous bedrock formed between 485.4 and 443.8 million years ago during the Ordovician period.
Not such a black dog
Black Dog rock has recently become encrusted with tiny barnacles with its true colour just showing on top of the head of the dog-shaped rock. The prominent rock is part of the Belhelvie basic intrusion, being igneous bedrock formed between 485.4 and 443.8 million years ago during the Ordovician period.
Burn of Mundurno meets the sea The burn frequently changes course as it reaches the beach and it has recently cut into the adjacent sand dune and unearthed the remains of some buried tank traps.  The burn begins its journey to the sea at Corby Loch.  'Mundurno' means 'stony moor' according to Celtic Place-names in Aberdeenshire by John Milne.
Burn of Mundurno meets the sea
The burn frequently changes course as it reaches the beach and it has recently cut into the adjacent sand dune and unearthed the remains of some buried tank traps. The burn begins its journey to the sea at Corby Loch. 'Mundurno' means 'stony moor' according to Celtic Place-names in Aberdeenshire by John Milne.
Dune landscape with heather The dunes are MOD property but public access is permitted when the ranges are not in use.
Dune landscape with heather
The dunes are MOD property but public access is permitted when the ranges are not in use.
Black dog by Blackdog Burn
Black dog by Blackdog Burn
Gorse bushes at Balgownie Links near Aberdeen A golf course driveway passing between gorse bushes at Balgownie Links, on the northern outskirts of Aberdeen.
Gorse bushes at Balgownie Links near Aberdeen
A golf course driveway passing between gorse bushes at Balgownie Links, on the northern outskirts of Aberdeen.
Murcar Links Golf Club, near Bridge of Don, Aberdeen The clubhouse at Murcar Links Golf Club, near Aberdeen on Scotland's North Sea coast.
Murcar Links Golf Club, near Bridge of Don, Aberdeen
The clubhouse at Murcar Links Golf Club, near Aberdeen on Scotland's North Sea coast.
Golf club access road near Bridge of Don, Aberdeen An access road leading to a golf club on Scotland's North Sea coast, close to Aberdeen.  The golf club's clubhouse is to the right of the image.

In the foreground, gorse bushes are flowering yellow.
Golf club access road near Bridge of Don, Aberdeen
An access road leading to a golf club on Scotland's North Sea coast, close to Aberdeen. The golf club's clubhouse is to the right of the image. In the foreground, gorse bushes are flowering yellow.
Golf club access road near Bridge of Don, Aberdeen An access driveway leading to a golf club on Balgownie Links, on Scotland's North Sea coast on the outskirts of Aberdeen.  The golf club's club house is visible to the right of the image.  In the foreground, gorse bushes are in flower along both sides of the driveway.
Golf club access road near Bridge of Don, Aberdeen
An access driveway leading to a golf club on Balgownie Links, on Scotland's North Sea coast on the outskirts of Aberdeen. The golf club's club house is visible to the right of the image. In the foreground, gorse bushes are in flower along both sides of the driveway.
Isolated house near Bridge of Don, Aberdeen An isolated house near Bridge of Don, on the northern outskirts of Aberdeen.
Isolated house near Bridge of Don, Aberdeen
An isolated house near Bridge of Don, on the northern outskirts of Aberdeen.
Berryhill Crescent, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen Berryhill Crescent is a recently-built road leading into an industrial estate at Bridge of Don, in the northern outskirts of Aberdeen on Scotland's North Sea coast.
Berryhill Crescent, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen
Berryhill Crescent is a recently-built road leading into an industrial estate at Bridge of Don, in the northern outskirts of Aberdeen on Scotland's North Sea coast.
Minor road at Bridge of Don, Aberdeen An un-named minor road at Bridge of Don, in the northern outskirts of Aberdeen on Scotland's North Sea coast.  The sea and an offshore wind farm can be seen in the distance.

The road leads to an isolated house and a golf club.
Minor road at Bridge of Don, Aberdeen
An un-named minor road at Bridge of Don, in the northern outskirts of Aberdeen on Scotland's North Sea coast. The sea and an offshore wind farm can be seen in the distance. The road leads to an isolated house and a golf club.
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Blackdog Rock is located at Grid Ref: NJ9613 (Lat: 57.213975, Lng: -2.0584596)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East

What 3 Words

///coaster.horseshoe.swung. Near Balmedie, Aberdeenshire

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Blackdog Rock

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.213975,-2.0584596
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 57.2173844/-2.0583929
Golf: pin
Ref: 9
Lat/Long: 57.2121534/-2.0634009
Golf: pin
Ref: 11
Lat/Long: 57.2134468/-2.0650997
Direction: both
Surface: asphalt
Traffic Calming: table
Lat/Long: 57.2168143/-2.0643769
Noexit: yes
Lat/Long: 57.2160257/-2.0632598
Power: transformer
Lat/Long: 57.2156274/-2.0648617
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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