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Barth Head

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Barth Head

Eastward House, A961 near Barswick, South Ronaldsay Built in 1873 by local residents for the Church of Scotland, it is now (2014) a home offering B & B.
Eastward House, A961 near Barswick, South Ronaldsay Credit: Jo and Steve Turner

Barth Head is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, a group of islands off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Situated on the western side of the island of Westray, Barth Head is a distinct headland that juts out into the North Sea.

This impressive point is characterized by steep cliffs, reaching heights of over 70 meters, which provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. The exposed nature of Barth Head makes it an ideal location for birdwatching, as numerous seabirds nest on the cliffs, including guillemots, puffins, and razorbills. Visitors can often spot these birds diving into the sea to catch fish.

The rugged terrain of Barth Head is a result of its geological composition, consisting mainly of sandstone and shale. Over time, the relentless power of the sea has eroded the rocks, creating a dramatic landscape that is both awe-inspiring and captivating.

Access to Barth Head is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading to the headland. The path offers visitors the opportunity to explore the coastal vegetation, which includes hardy grasses and wildflowers. It is advisable to wear sturdy footwear and take caution when near the cliff edges.

Barth Head is not only a natural spectacle but also holds historical significance. Archaeological remains, including prehistoric settlements and burial mounds, have been discovered in the vicinity, providing valuable insights into the island's ancient past.

Overall, Barth Head is a remarkable coastal feature that offers visitors a chance to marvel at its geological beauty, observe diverse birdlife, and learn about the rich history of Orkney.

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Barth Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.754739/-2.9906141 or Grid Reference ND4285. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Eastward House, A961 near Barswick, South Ronaldsay Built in 1873 by local residents for the Church of Scotland, it is now (2014) a home offering B & B.
Eastward House, A961 near Barswick, South Ronaldsay
Built in 1873 by local residents for the Church of Scotland, it is now (2014) a home offering B & B.
View west from the Pentland Venture ferry Just before entering the port at Burwick
View west from the Pentland Venture ferry
Just before entering the port at Burwick
St Mary's Church, Burwick Old St Mary’s is in the very south of the south parish at Burwick. It is on the site where the first Christian missionaries reputedly arrived in Orkney. The church is thought to have last been used for regular worship around 1959, then used for occasional services until around 1995. It is on the Churches at Risk register, especially since it was struck by lightning in 2013.
St Mary's Church, Burwick
Old St Mary’s is in the very south of the south parish at Burwick. It is on the site where the first Christian missionaries reputedly arrived in Orkney. The church is thought to have last been used for regular worship around 1959, then used for occasional services until around 1995. It is on the Churches at Risk register, especially since it was struck by lightning in 2013.
Loch of Lythe Small loch near Ossquoy, the farm on the right
Loch of Lythe
Small loch near Ossquoy, the farm on the right
Tomison's Academy Founded under the will of William Tomison (1739-1829) of the Hudson's Bay Company. This former school is now empty and the adjacent buildings falling into dereliction
Tomison's Academy
Founded under the will of William Tomison (1739-1829) of the Hudson's Bay Company. This former school is now empty and the adjacent buildings falling into dereliction
Waiting for the ferry at Burwick Pier
Waiting for the ferry at Burwick Pier
St Mary's Church, Burwick A better view of the church than when we arrived earlier in the day <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7443070">ND4384 : St Mary's Church, Burwick</a>. Old St Mary’s is in the very south of the south parish at Burwick. It is on the site where the first Christian missionaries reputedly arrived in Orkney. The church is thought to have last been used for regular worship around 1959, then used for occasional services until around 1995. It is on the Churches at Risk register, especially since it was struck by lightning in 2013.
St Mary's Church, Burwick
A better view of the church than when we arrived earlier in the day ND4384 : St Mary's Church, Burwick. Old St Mary’s is in the very south of the south parish at Burwick. It is on the site where the first Christian missionaries reputedly arrived in Orkney. The church is thought to have last been used for regular worship around 1959, then used for occasional services until around 1995. It is on the Churches at Risk register, especially since it was struck by lightning in 2013.
John o' Groats ferry arrives at Burwick Summer sailings across the Pentland Firth
John o' Groats ferry arrives at Burwick
Summer sailings across the Pentland Firth
Aerial view of southern South Ronaldsay Taken from a flight to Shetland via Orkney this is the southern end of the southernmost of the main islands of Orkney, South Ronaldsay. Obviously aerial photos such as this cover many squares, so I have taken the subject reference as Barth Head, which is the little sticky-out point nearest the camera.
Aerial view of southern South Ronaldsay
Taken from a flight to Shetland via Orkney this is the southern end of the southernmost of the main islands of Orkney, South Ronaldsay. Obviously aerial photos such as this cover many squares, so I have taken the subject reference as Barth Head, which is the little sticky-out point nearest the camera.
Approaching the harbour at Burwick, Orkney Islands Taken from the John O'Groats ferry.
Approaching the harbour at Burwick, Orkney Islands
Taken from the John O'Groats ferry.
A feather? A beautiful fold in the rocks of The Wing.
A feather?
A beautiful fold in the rocks of The Wing.
Castle Skerry Another small headland by Bur Wick
Castle Skerry
Another small headland by Bur Wick
Bur Wick Pier Route to John o' Groats in the summer months, although with the recent problems on the Scrabster to Stromness route, discussions have revisited the idea of Pentland Ferries opening a route from here to Gills Bay for vehicles and foot passengers which would reduce the journey time to around 30 minutes.
Bur Wick Pier
Route to John o' Groats in the summer months, although with the recent problems on the Scrabster to Stromness route, discussions have revisited the idea of Pentland Ferries opening a route from here to Gills Bay for vehicles and foot passengers which would reduce the journey time to around 30 minutes.
Ferry terminal at Bur Wick Reinforced defences to protect the harbour and pier in South Ronaldsay.
Ferry terminal at Bur Wick
Reinforced defences to protect the harbour and pier in South Ronaldsay.
Harbour at Bur Wick View north east across the harbour.
Harbour at Bur Wick
View north east across the harbour.
Bur Wick View east along the harbour shore line.
Bur Wick
View east along the harbour shore line.
Falling into ruin at Bur Wick
Falling into ruin at Bur Wick
House being renovated at Bur Wick At least it has a new roof.
House being renovated at Bur Wick
At least it has a new roof.
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Barth Head is located at Grid Ref: ND4285 (Lat: 58.754739, Lng: -2.9906141)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///seating.croaking.revived. Near St Margaret's Hope, Orkney Islands

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