Taing of Brae

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Taing of Brae

Gorehouse, Rousay Small farmstead above the shoreline on the east side of the island. — Gorehouse, Rousay Credit: Gordon Hatton

Taing of Brae is a prominent coastal feature located on the northeastern coast of the Orkney Islands in Scotland. It is a headland, or a narrow stretch of land that extends out into the sea, forming a distinct point. The name "Taing" is derived from the Old Norse word for "tongue," which aptly describes the shape of this landform.

The Taing of Brae is characterized by its rugged cliffs, which rise dramatically from the North Sea. These cliffs are composed of sandstone and shale, displaying layers of different colors and textures, creating a visually striking landscape. The height of the cliffs varies, with some sections reaching up to 30 meters (98 feet) above sea level.

The headland provides a habitat for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and fulmars, which nest in the crevices and ledges of the cliffs. The surrounding waters also support a diverse marine ecosystem, with seals often spotted swimming near the base of the cliffs.

The Taing of Brae offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the open sea. On clear days, visitors can see the neighboring islands of Rousay and Eynhallow in the distance. The headland is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers, who are drawn to its natural beauty and the opportunity to witness the power of the ocean waves crashing against the cliffs.

Due to its exposed location, the Taing of Brae can be subject to strong winds and rough seas, making it important for visitors to exercise caution when exploring the area. Nonetheless, its striking geological features and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience the wild and untamed beauty of the Orkney Islands.

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Taing of Brae Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.138958/-2.9632083 or Grid Reference HY4428. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gorehouse, Rousay

Small farmstead above the shoreline on the east side of the island.

Gordon Hatton

Egilsay: path to The Hubbet

The steep path from the track down to the shore at The Hubbet, a small sea inlet. Rousay is the island in the background.

Chris Downer

Egilsay: approaching Vady

The track leads town to Vady, at the bottom of the hill and home to a promontory, Head of Vady, which is appreciable from here.

Chris Downer

Egilsay: shoreline of The Hubbet

The Hubbet is a small sea inlet and we look towards the top end here.

Chris Downer

Egilsay: ruin on Head of Vady

A ruined croft stands forlornly on the little peninsula called Head of Vady.

Chris Downer

Rousay: post and milk arriving

This being the first boat of the day to Rousay, Wyre and Egilsay, it carries the morning mail as well as passengers (although no cars boarded and I was the only foot passenger). The postman's van was ready at the slipway and reversed onto the boat. There was then a flurry of activity as he handed the ferrymen the outgoing post and received the morning delivery for the island. Also going into the van was a small crate of pints of milk but no other items. The postman then drove off to deliver the post. I was travelling on to Egilsay so would see the same thing happen again at Wyre (though not enough to warrant a vehicle - just an exchange of mailbags) and again at Egilsay.

Chris Downer

Rousay: boat and fields

A tranquil scene belying the rotten weather, as a fishing boat is moored just along from the harbour. I am looking from the ferry which connects Egilsay (whence I had come), Wyre and Rousay with the Orkney mainland (my destination).

Chris Downer

Derelict building

The solid stone flag roof has collapsed, but the walls are still fine. I've a shed in my garden in a worse condition than this.

Ian Balcombe

Fish Farm, Noust of Gairstay

Just before I took the picture, the mist which had reduced visibility to about 100m for much of the morning cleared. Despite having sailed past Wyre earlier in the day, this was the first time we could actually see that island (middle distance, left). To the right is Rousay.

Ian Balcombe

Wyre: ferry and post ladies swap sacks

The first ferry of the day has just arrived at Wyre and this brings not only paying customers (actually, I was the only one) but also the day's post. (See HY4022 : Tingwall: the day’s post heads for Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre). Here we see the ferry lady handing the delivery to the island's postmistress and being handed in return the outgoing mail to be taken to the mainland and its onward journey.

Chris Downer

Egilsay: the post office

This looks just like one of the houses on the island because, of course, it is. The post office is contained within one of the rooms just inside the door, on which the opening hours poster can be discerned. The hours are 8:30 to 10:30 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Chris Downer