Moray Coast Caves
Monday, 17 April 2006
Having not been potholing since the dinnermeet and being unable to get to Assynt (or the Dales) the only option within easy reach of Inverness was the Moray coast. These are sea caves formed in the New Red Sandstone, but most are now dry and well above current sea levels. OK so a number have been used more recently for barbeques and as public toilets, but some contain Pictish symbols and others continue well beyond daylight.
There are dozens between Hopeman and Lossiemouth. The longest I found were close to the quarry near Clashach, one over 40 metres in length and requiring a certain degree of grovelling to get to the end. Sadly I didnt get to Sculptors Cave at Covesea (with the 6th century carvings) due to the tides, but the Moray coastal path along the cliffs is well worth doing. The geology is fascinating (fossilised Permo-Triassic sand dunes and reptile tracks, raised beaches, etc.) and all you need for the caves is a head torch (cigarette lighter or twig wrapped in toilet paper!).
Images
Caves near Hopeman
Posted by: Jon Watt
Size: 93kb
Width: 550 pixels
Height: 413 pixels
Posted: 20 April 2006
Cave below Clashach quarry
Posted by: Jon Watt
Size: 90kb
Width: 413 pixels
Height: 550 pixels
Posted: 20 April 2006
The way on…
Posted by: Jon Watt
Size: 85kb
Width: 550 pixels
Height: 413 pixels
Posted: 20 April 2006