*cave (N of Gibb's Craig)

A subtidal cave with a wide entrance and a sub-tunnel on the S side of it visible from the cliff. A main tunnel goes from the R (NW) side and gets quite narrow. It appears from aerial to face aproximately ESE. On 23/6/24 the swell was a bit too much to go in far, and might be more suitable for a diver.

If this cave continues far enough it is going in a feasible direction to intersect Geo of Sclaites 2. If so it would fit in with the OS Namebook comment (see below) about 'facing the ocean'.

Notes: Access: by sea eg E round Duncansby Head from harbour N of John o' Groats at ND 37982 73468. This would best be done near the end of the flood tide so that the return can be made during slack high tide, or at the very beginning of the ebb.

Links and Resources:

Not indicated on any OS map layer.
Photo 1 shows the entrance in some context looking W by S from near SE corner of The Knee (stack). 23 June 24 at 12:26 BST.
Photo 2 entrance to the sub-tunnel is central with the main entrance on the right. 23 June 24.
Photo 3 a closer look at the entrance to the sub-tunnel going somewhere southward. Note reflected swell coming back.
Photo 4 inside the main tunnel. This went on in fairly narrow channel. Along this the swell was somewhat magnified in amplitude and it did not seem wise to proceed further. Perhaps better for a diver. 23 June 24.
The OS Namebook for the county of Caithness, parish of Canisbay has "Goe of Sclaites: A long CreeK of about 10 Chains, ending in [two] points, at the end of [one] there is a cavern, into which the tide [Continually] flows. Supposed to have Communication with [a] similar one on the [side] facing the ocean." [Continually] is a misconception as any visible inward flow into the cavern (Geo of Sclaites 2) would most likely be on a flooding tide an hour or so before high water springs.

This entry was last updated: 2024-07-04 14:01:09

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NGR:	ND 40522 72818
WGS84:	58.63915, -3.02627
Length:	50 m
Vert. Range:	15 m
Altitude:	-5 m
Geology:	Mey Flagstone Formation - sandstone, siltstone, mudstone
Tags:	Cave, SeaCave
Registry:	main

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