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Voute, The (natural arch) [Gloup, SW]

Mains of Ubster, Caithness.

Gloup and natural arch marked on OS map.

An opening in the rock on the top of the bank above the cliff, is about a chain [20 m] long and 50 links [10 m] broad. Has access with the sea, by means of two caverns, but thro' [through] one only at low water. Is about half way betwixt "Hiethe" and "Lummersgoe. [ScotlandsPlaces]

Alternate Names: None recorded.

Notes: The positioning of the placename on the OS maps suggests the name applies to the headland not the gloup. The description above makes it clear the reference is to the gloup (or specifically the natural arch) with an upper and lower passage (possibly with different alignments) with the upper passage dry at low tide and the lower passage remaining at least partially flooded.

Voute means arch or vault in French [why French in Caithness? No idea].

Coordinates given are for the SW end of the long narrow gloup at the SW end of the natural arch. Length includes 30m horizontal and 35 m vertical but only 15-20 m of passage may be out of daylight

There may be another smaller gloup on the north side of the main sinkhole (see dubious photos).