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East Ayre

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

East Ayre

The causeway to Hunda At present (2022) there are some GOML issues here. Try to find a route which avoids Littlequoy Farm itself.
The causeway to Hunda Credit: Michael Earnshaw

East Ayre is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, an archipelago in Scotland. Situated on the eastern side of the main island, it is a headland that extends into the North Sea, forming a distinct point along the coastline. The Ayre is known for its rugged and dramatic landscapes, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding waters and the nearby islands.

The East Ayre is characterized by its towering cliffs, which reach heights of up to 50 meters above sea level. These cliffs are composed of layers of sandstone and sedimentary rock, showcasing the geological history of the area. Over time, the relentless waves and harsh weather conditions have sculpted the cliffs, creating caves, arches, and stacks that add to the area's natural beauty.

The point is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The grassy slopes and rocky outcrops provide habitats for a variety of seabirds, including guillemots, kittiwakes, and puffins, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, and visitors may also spot seals and dolphins swimming in the vicinity.

East Ayre is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Hikers can explore the coastal paths that wind along the edge of the cliffs, offering mesmerizing views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. The area is also a fantastic spot for photography, with its scenic vistas and dramatic seascapes providing ample opportunities for capturing stunning shots.

Overall, East Ayre in Orkney is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the natural beauty and ruggedness of the Scottish coastline. Its towering cliffs, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this unique part of the world.

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East Ayre Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.858496/-2.967366 or Grid Reference ND4497. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The causeway to Hunda At present (2022) there are some GOML issues here. Try to find a route which avoids Littlequoy Farm itself.
The causeway to Hunda
At present (2022) there are some GOML issues here. Try to find a route which avoids Littlequoy Farm itself.
The 42m summit of Hunda Looking back across Hunda Reef (the causeway) to Berryhill, the 80m high point of Burray, itself one of the smaller Orkney Islands. At present (2022) there are some GOML issues here. Try to find a route which avoids Littlequoy Farm itself.
The 42m summit of Hunda
Looking back across Hunda Reef (the causeway) to Berryhill, the 80m high point of Burray, itself one of the smaller Orkney Islands. At present (2022) there are some GOML issues here. Try to find a route which avoids Littlequoy Farm itself.
Burray - Western Peninsula with Churchill Barrier No.4 Taken from a Flybe flight over the Orkney Islands looking down on the western peninsula of the island of Burray. Nearest the bottom of the image the straight line is a minor road across Hunda Reef linking Burray to Hunda. The farm just up and to the left of this is Littlequoy, which I have arbitrarily taken as the subject reference for the image. In the distance, i.e. at the top of the image Churchill Barrier No.4 can be seen linking Burray to South Ronaldsay, while just to the west (below left) of this can be seen Burray Village. The little bay between the village and the barrier is the Ayre of Westermill. The noddy-hat shaped lake on the left is Echna Loch, the arterial A961 crosses across the spit of land separating the loch from Echnaloch Bay.
Burray - Western Peninsula with Churchill Barrier No.4
Taken from a Flybe flight over the Orkney Islands looking down on the western peninsula of the island of Burray. Nearest the bottom of the image the straight line is a minor road across Hunda Reef linking Burray to Hunda. The farm just up and to the left of this is Littlequoy, which I have arbitrarily taken as the subject reference for the image. In the distance, i.e. at the top of the image Churchill Barrier No.4 can be seen linking Burray to South Ronaldsay, while just to the west (below left) of this can be seen Burray Village. The little bay between the village and the barrier is the Ayre of Westermill. The noddy-hat shaped lake on the left is Echna Loch, the arterial A961 crosses across the spit of land separating the loch from Echnaloch Bay.
Dyke with lichen, The Hope, Hunda Midday, gloomy and already getting darker - Winter Solstice in just three days. This was as close to colour as I could find here.
Dyke with lichen, The Hope, Hunda
Midday, gloomy and already getting darker - Winter Solstice in just three days. This was as close to colour as I could find here.
The Hope, Hunda The word "Hope" is an anglicised corruption of the Norse word "Hop", meaning "shallow bay". Locals refer to nearby St Margaret's Hope as "The Hop", showing that the Norse influence still remains powerful under certain circumstances.
The Hope, Hunda
The word "Hope" is an anglicised corruption of the Norse word "Hop", meaning "shallow bay". Locals refer to nearby St Margaret's Hope as "The Hop", showing that the Norse influence still remains powerful under certain circumstances.
Weird Rock A natural feature.... if this were volcanic I'd think of gas bubbles but this is sandstone. Sometimes limpets can cut vertically downwards into stone... but not to this extent. Is it just the product of differential denudation... harder bands eroding more slowly than softer sections? Thanks to Anne Burgess for the following: It's differential weathering. This happens when the sand grains are partly cemented by calcium carbonate. The CaCO2 is soluble in water, and therefore erodes more readily, leaving sinuous ridges where the cement was less calcareous. See other examples in search <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=38701574" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=38701574">Link</a>
Weird Rock
A natural feature.... if this were volcanic I'd think of gas bubbles but this is sandstone. Sometimes limpets can cut vertically downwards into stone... but not to this extent. Is it just the product of differential denudation... harder bands eroding more slowly than softer sections? Thanks to Anne Burgess for the following: It's differential weathering. This happens when the sand grains are partly cemented by calcium carbonate. The CaCO2 is soluble in water, and therefore erodes more readily, leaving sinuous ridges where the cement was less calcareous. See other examples in search Link
More Weird Rock The same feature as the previous photo, but here in-situ in bedrock.
More Weird Rock
The same feature as the previous photo, but here in-situ in bedrock.
Curious Cormorants. Who Are You Looking At?
Curious Cormorants.
Who Are You Looking At?
Hunda Coastline A flat calm Scapa Flow, with Mainland (Orkney) on the horizon.
Hunda Coastline
A flat calm Scapa Flow, with Mainland (Orkney) on the horizon.
Hunda Coastline Looking SW with Flotta on the right horizon.
Hunda Coastline
Looking SW with Flotta on the right horizon.
Hunda Coastline Looking NE with Mainland, Orkney on the horizon.
Hunda Coastline
Looking NE with Mainland, Orkney on the horizon.
Hunda Coastline Sloping strata exposed by wave action. A flat calm Scapa Flow in the background, with Mainland, Orkney, on the horizon.
Hunda Coastline
Sloping strata exposed by wave action. A flat calm Scapa Flow in the background, with Mainland, Orkney, on the horizon.
Coastal Moorland, Hunda Looking NE along a sheep track.
Coastal Moorland, Hunda
Looking NE along a sheep track.
Angle in the fence Sheep are grazed on Hunda, although today there were none on the island.
Angle in the fence
Sheep are grazed on Hunda, although today there were none on the island.
Burn on Hunda Surface water flowing to the cliff edge. Scapa Flow beyond.
Burn on Hunda
Surface water flowing to the cliff edge. Scapa Flow beyond.
Coastal Moorland, Hunda Looking East towards (unsurprisingly) East Ayre. An Ayre is the local term for a spit.
Coastal Moorland, Hunda
Looking East towards (unsurprisingly) East Ayre. An Ayre is the local term for a spit.
Boulder Beach, Hunda Difficult access to this isolated beach. Gales three days ago, hence the flotsam stranded along the high-tide mark.
Boulder Beach, Hunda
Difficult access to this isolated beach. Gales three days ago, hence the flotsam stranded along the high-tide mark.
Strange Perspective, Hunda The rock looked as though it stuck upwards into the sky, rather than out into the sea.
Strange Perspective, Hunda
The rock looked as though it stuck upwards into the sky, rather than out into the sea.
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East Ayre is located at Grid Ref: ND4497 (Lat: 58.858496, Lng: -2.967366)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///opts.cares.chefs. Near St Margaret's Hope, Orkney Islands

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East Ayre

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.858496,-2.967366
Sunless Geo
Place: locality
Source: OS7
Lat/Long: 58.8585946/-2.9736005
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
East Ayre
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.8595693/-2.962606
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
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