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Moby's Cave (W entrance)

Arbroath, West Seaton nr Needle's E'e, Angus, (Forfarshire).

This fine cave is located at the base of the steep-sided inlet within the area known locally as 'Yellow Rock' (or Monk & Maiden's Leap), but is accessible only in calm weather conditions at low tide. A boat is required to avoid a long swim in, although a GSG party successfully achieved a full through-trip swim using buoyancy aids on 30/08/25 (combined with through trips of Stalactite Cave & Mermaid's Kirk Cave). This triangular-shaped entrance, which is encrusted with tufa formations in its upper part, is along the NE side of the large cliff-bound inlet.

The primary, lengthy passage leads straight on from the main entrance and is several metres high for several tens of metres. At first it is relatively narrow but wide enough for a sea kayak (2-3m) before it eventually reaches a slightly wider (approx. 4 m wide) section where it is possible to stand on scalloped bedrock. The tear-shaped passage widens to 6-8 m wide with a sand floor beyond a relatively low section with a shallow pool, and terminates where the roof drops until it becomes too tight. Water-worn speleothem formations are visible throughout the primary passage and are particularly well-developed towards the rear of the cave where the 'ribbed' appearance gives the impression of being trapped inside a whale (hence the cave name).

A few metres into the cave beyond the main (W) entrance, a narrow side passage leads off to the right to the second E entrance (see separate entry). The cave becomes too tight for a kayak midway along this side passage, although swimmers can scramble over what is a mostly submerged rock bridge at the narrowing (see safety note below).

Alternative Names: Yellow Rock Cave, Arbroath Cave [6]

Notes: Access: by sea near low tide (both entrances).

Needs a length survey - probably at least 100m; VR and alt (rel to tide zero) are also guesstimates by Nigel Feilden.

Safety note: for non-kayakers, a through-trip can be achieved by way of an awkward scramble across a rock bridge in the narrow SE branch, although incoming waves make balancing difficult, and the abrasive sandstone walls can cause substantial grazes to uncovered skin (particularly exposed ankles & lower palms). For non-diver swimmers, buoyancy aids, full wetsuits, & calm water conditions should be considered essential.