Incoming tide from the Pentland Firth at Sango Sands Durness Sutherland Scotland UK SCO 1012
The main attractions in Durness are Smoo Cave, a sea cave with a small river running through it and a waterfall in wet weather, unspoilt beaches backed by cliffs, and the surrounding sea birds, seals, porpoises and minke whales. The surrounding coastline is some of Europe's most isolated and spectacular, with the nearby Clo Mor Cliffs being the highest on the British mainland, at some 281m/921ft high. Tourists are catered for by a campsite spectacularly sited on the cliffs above the beach (with easy access down to the beach), a youth hostel, bed & breakfast accommodation, and a hotel. In the substantial sand dunes to the north of the village, a large colony of puffins can be approached to within less than 10 metres, offering superb opportunity for wildlife photography. Another tourist spot is the local Craft Village, a rather picturesque old Royal Air Force (RAF) radar base from the Cold War era. The villagers mainly live sustainably and there is a community ethos, with some rather wonderful and eccentric characters selling arts and crafts goods and providing an interesting stop for visitors. Some miles to the north west lies a military firing range known as Garvie Range used by RAF, Royal Navy and USAF aircraft. A rocky islet resembling a ship is used for bombing practice. Although explosions can be heard, and seen with binoculars, they are sufficiently far away to avoid disturbing the colonies of sea birds. A few miles east of Durness lies Loch Eriboll, known for its otters and minke whales. During World War II it was used to station naval troops, and the island in its centre was used as a bombing target as it resembles a battleship. The loch is sometimes used as a safe harbour by large ships during stormy weather. During World War II, the RAF built a Chain Home radar station at Sango near Durness. There was also a Chain Home Low radar station at Sango. After the war there was also a ROTOR radar part of which is used by the modern military range
Size: 5380px × 3572px
Location: Sango Bay Durness Sutherland Highland Region Scotland UK
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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