Geograph - photograph every grid square

NO6641
The Seaton Cliffs Nature Trail lies within the Whiting Ness to Ethie Haven Site of Special Scientific Interest and it presents a path through a cornucopia of nature’s delights. The area may be likened to an outdoor university which provides a marvellous opportunity to learn about diverse aspects of the environment. For the geologist, geomorphologist and geographer, for example, it provides a scenario in which to examine rocks that were formed up to 480 million years ago in an arid landscape through which great rivers ran. For some, it may be surprising to learn that these rocks were formed south of the Equator. The angular unconformity between the Lower Devonian sandstone rocks and the Upper Devonian conglomerate marks a time gap of approximately 40 million years and it gives glimpses of the topography of those distant times.
Some of the most spectacular of the coastal features in NO6641 are named and described in the following passage. The “Stalactite Cave”, which can only be entered at low tide, has long since lost its stalactites due to boys collecting them but it still has good flowstone formations. The “Needle E’e” (NO6647 4132) is a collapsed sea cave which stands about 7 metres above the present beach and is associated with a period of higher sea level about 6,000 years ago. The nearby “Mermaid’s Kirk” or “Pebbly Den” (NO6650 4135) is a small cove with at least three floor levels. These fluctuations represent falling sea levels through time. At “The Cruisie” (NO6662 4152), the sea has exploited joints in the Lower Devonian sandstones to erode two caves which have collapsed to form a blowhole to the south and a geo to the north. Viewing the two parts together, the feature resembles an old, cruise lamp and hence the name. “The Blowhole” (NO6670 4157) is a feature formed by erosion along a joint in the Lower Devonian aged sandstone. With roof collapse, the opening of “The Blowhole” stands some 15 metres above sea level near the coastal path and during storms from the east, water, spume and spray can be projected a further 15 meters into the air. “Dickmont’s Den”, named after the pirate Dickmont, is a fault-controlled geo where the roof has long since collapsed into the sea and has later been removed by the action of the sea. “Gull Island” (NO6674 4156) with its bird population at the seaward end of “Dickmont’s Den and Piper’s Cave (NO6671 4168), near the landward end, are other noteworthy features of this location.
While I have described some of the obvious features of NO6641 which are safely accessible from the coastal path, there are features like “Seaman’s Grave”, “The Horse Shoe” entrance to cliff caves and the geo by which the tide ebbs and flows into “The Mermaid’s Kirk” that are much more dangerous and are places where great care should be taken.
This coast, including NO6641, has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) not only because of the geology but also for the protection and study of plants, insects and birds among other things.
While NO6641 is a place of education, it is also a place of recreation, exercise and pleasure. With so much to see and do in a small area, this could take many forms including walking the dog, fishing from the rocks, making a video with a drone, rock climbing and even free swimming in the lengthy geo which leads from the sea to “The Mermaid’s Kirk.”
Discussion points could include the different ways you have used the coast at NO6641, safety issues and the importance of using and enjoying this coast.
Adrian L Diack, M.A. (Hons)
NO6641 : Dickmont's Den, Seaton CliffsNO6641 : Piper's Cave in the cliffs of Dickmomt's DenNO6641 : The Cruzie, ArbroathNO6641 : The Mermaid's KirkNO6641 : The Blowhole, Seaton Cliffs[46 83491]