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Cave of Auld Haven

Macduff, Mill of Melrose, Aberdeenshire (Banffshire).

"We now leave ' Dowat ' and enter the shore of 'Auld Haven '-a rugged , rocky shore, seldom used, as it would be difficult for a small boat to get in and out of it, except at full tide. At the bottom of the cliffs-about fifty yards from the high-water mark, is the cave of ' Auld Haven,' a small rock shelter, no doubt used from the earliest times, and used even now by members of that ' nation within a nation,' having no country of their own. One is surprised how those wanderers can get to know of these remote shelters. Perhaps the information has been handed down from father to son during past ages. In spite of the scanty accommodation, this humble lodging has witnessed many of the joys and sorrows of humanity." [Banffshire Field Club]

A small and rather damp cave with a rough floor and a low wall across, just inside the entrance. It is credible as a past habitation of travellers.

Alternative Names: None recorded.

Notes: Access: by sea eg E from Loch Craig, Tarlair, Macduff or W from Gardenstown and a beach landing probably best near high tide.

By land: starting from NJ 73565 63932 and walking N along the edge of the field until you overlook Auld (Old) Haven. There is an old track down the cliff which helps a lot. Go west along the beach past an old hut and a razor-back rock ridge, this cave is at the cliff base, on your left. There is razor-back ridge on either side of it which keeps it quite private from elsewhere on the beach.

Measured 18 August 24 by N Feilden. Alt is an estimate and ACD.