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Whiting Point

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Whiting Point

The eastern shore of Rysa Little
The eastern shore of Rysa Little Credit: David Medcalf

Whiting Point is a prominent headland located on the northern coast of Orkney, a group of islands situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is known for its striking natural beauty, captivating landscapes, and historical significance.

This coastal feature juts out into the North Sea, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. The rocky cliffs that line the headland reach impressive heights, providing a dramatic backdrop against the crashing waves below. The rugged terrain is adorned with vibrant green vegetation, adding to the picturesque allure of the area.

Whiting Point is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Its location on the coast makes it an ideal spot for birdwatching, with a variety of seabirds and migratory species frequenting the area. Visitors can often spot gulls, puffins, and fulmars soaring above the cliffs or nesting on the ledges.

In addition to its natural beauty, Whiting Point holds historical significance. The headland is home to the remains of an ancient fort, believed to date back to the Iron Age. These ruins serve as a reminder of Orkney's rich cultural heritage and provide an opportunity for visitors to explore the area's history.

Access to Whiting Point is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading from a nearby car park. The headland can be enjoyed year-round, but caution is advised during inclement weather due to the exposed nature of the location. Overall, Whiting Point offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and history, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the Orkney Islands.

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Whiting Point Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.853956/-3.1628802 or Grid Reference ND3396. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The eastern shore of Rysa Little
The eastern shore of Rysa Little
The eastern corner of Rysa Little
The eastern corner of Rysa Little
On board ferry from Houton to Lyness - view to Fara
On board ferry from Houton to Lyness - view to Fara
Diving near Rysa Little Photo taken from the diveboat Karin, just offshore from Rysa Little.
Diving near Rysa Little
Photo taken from the diveboat Karin, just offshore from Rysa Little.
Rysa Little and Gutter Sound Looking at the south-eastern shoreline of Rysa Little and down Gutter Sound towards Lyness. This was the heart of Naval operations throughout the Twentieth Century. The area is littered with wreckage, both British and German. Divers refer to the seabed around Gutter Sound and off Lyness as "The bottle run". The sailors would throw empty bottles overboard, where many still lie, waiting to be recovered. As the water is tidal, divers drift over the seabed, collecting the bottles without effort.
Rysa Little and Gutter Sound
Looking at the south-eastern shoreline of Rysa Little and down Gutter Sound towards Lyness. This was the heart of Naval operations throughout the Twentieth Century. The area is littered with wreckage, both British and German. Divers refer to the seabed around Gutter Sound and off Lyness as "The bottle run". The sailors would throw empty bottles overboard, where many still lie, waiting to be recovered. As the water is tidal, divers drift over the seabed, collecting the bottles without effort.
Low cliffs and wave-cut platform, Fara Looking ashore near Whiting Point, Fara. Building called "Whitingpoint" on the skyline.
Low cliffs and wave-cut platform, Fara
Looking ashore near Whiting Point, Fara. Building called "Whitingpoint" on the skyline.
North Point, Fara Looking towards North Point, with the buildings at Muckle Rysa (<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/ND306967">ND306967</a>) on Hoy beyond.
North Point, Fara
Looking towards North Point, with the buildings at Muckle Rysa (ND306967) on Hoy beyond.
North Point, Fara North point, with Peat point beyond. In the distance is the mast at Binga Fea, Hoy (ND280925).
North Point, Fara
North point, with Peat point beyond. In the distance is the mast at Binga Fea, Hoy (ND280925).
Rysa Little The low-lying land in the foreground is part of the islet of Rysa Little, while the buildings higher up are in fact Muckle Rysa on the island of Hoy. Photographer location from in-camera GPS.
Rysa Little
The low-lying land in the foreground is part of the islet of Rysa Little, while the buildings higher up are in fact Muckle Rysa on the island of Hoy. Photographer location from in-camera GPS.
Rysa Little On the shore of the islet of Rysa Little are outcrops of gently dipping Old Red Sandstone. The geological map tells me that the sandstones belong to the Upper Stromness Flagstone Formation, and the angle of dip is 18º.
Rysa Little
On the shore of the islet of Rysa Little are outcrops of gently dipping Old Red Sandstone. The geological map tells me that the sandstones belong to the Upper Stromness Flagstone Formation, and the angle of dip is 18º.
Coast of Fara Taken from the ferry from Lyness to Houton. Photographer location from in-camera GPS.
Coast of Fara
Taken from the ferry from Lyness to Houton. Photographer location from in-camera GPS.
Fish Farm The floating building and associated cages are in Gutter Sound between Hoy and Fara. Photographer location from in-camera GPS.
Fish Farm
The floating building and associated cages are in Gutter Sound between Hoy and Fara. Photographer location from in-camera GPS.
Island of Fara Or, to be precise, part of the island. Note the gently dipping strata of the Old Red Sandstone that makes up most of Orkney.
Island of Fara
Or, to be precise, part of the island. Note the gently dipping strata of the Old Red Sandstone that makes up most of Orkney.
Island of Fara Only a small part of this square is land. The ruin is Park, which is in the next square. Photographer location from in-camera GPS.
Island of Fara
Only a small part of this square is land. The ruin is Park, which is in the next square. Photographer location from in-camera GPS.
Rysa Little The north-eastern point of the islet of Rysa Little. Photographer location from in-camera GPS.
Rysa Little
The north-eastern point of the islet of Rysa Little. Photographer location from in-camera GPS.
Rysa Little A small uninhabited low island, with the hills of Hoy dominating it behind.
Rysa Little
A small uninhabited low island, with the hills of Hoy dominating it behind.
The south eastern tip of Rysa Little The farm in the centre is Muckle Rysa which is on Hoy.
The south eastern tip of Rysa Little
The farm in the centre is Muckle Rysa which is on Hoy.
The coast of Fara The rock strata are at an angle of nearly 45 degrees, as they are also on nearby Rysa Little.
The coast of Fara
The rock strata are at an angle of nearly 45 degrees, as they are also on nearby Rysa Little.
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Whiting Point is located at Grid Ref: ND3396 (Lat: 58.853956, Lng: -3.1628802)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///perfumes.otherwise.bonus. Near Lyness, Orkney Islands

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Kirka Taing Whiting Point

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