Scock Ness

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Scock Ness

Scock Ness is a prominent headland located on the northeastern coast of the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Situated at the northernmost point of the island of Mainland, Scock Ness is known for its stunning coastal beauty and geological significance.

The headland is characterized by its rugged cliffs, which reach heights of up to 100 meters in some areas. These cliffs are composed of layered sandstone, revealing the geological history of the region. The exposed rock formations at Scock Ness provide valuable insights into the past environments and tectonic processes that shaped the Orkney Islands.

The headland is also home to a diverse range of wildlife. Seabirds such as fulmars, kittiwakes, and puffins can often be seen nesting on the cliffs, while seals can be spotted basking on the rocks below. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, with dolphins and porpoises occasionally seen offshore.

Scock Ness offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the North Sea. On a clear day, visitors can see as far as the neighboring islands of Shapinsay and Stronsay. The headland is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, with several walking trails that showcase the area's natural beauty.

In addition to its natural attractions, Scock Ness is also of historical importance. Nearby, the remains of a Neolithic settlement known as Skara Brae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provide a glimpse into the lives of Orkney's prehistoric inhabitants.

Overall, Scock Ness is a remarkable coastal feature that combines stunning natural scenery, geological significance, and a rich historical heritage, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Orkney Islands.

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Scock Ness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.176627/-2.9590891 or Grid Reference HY4532. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Lane towards Breck

Lane heading past Breck towards Faraclett and Scockness. A chapel is shown on the map here, but there's nothing resembling such a building amongst those to the right of the road.

Gordon Hatton

Nethermill Rousay

This also appears to be known as Sourin Mill and has an old cast iron wheel on this side, but does the wall to the right of the wheel show a former water race and possibly a breast shot arrangement? Lots of activity at the mill on this occasion as it looks as though it is under conversion to a dwelling.

Gordon Hatton

Hillside down to the Yetnasteen stone

No an easy subject to photograph as access across nearby fields is discouraged. The stone - 'Jotunna-steinn' in old Norse, which simply means 'giant stone' is over 2m high and is said to be a giant who was turned into stone. The giant must still have a thirst as legend says that the stone makes a few strides down the nearby Loch of Scockness at Hogmanay for a drink before returning. I guess that most locals would prefer a rather stronger drink at Hogmanay.

Gordon Hatton

Farmstead for superheros?

The abandoned farmstead is shown as Pow on the map, but maybe that should read as 'POW!' if owned by a local superhero. Slowly decaying with roofs collapsing and weeds rampant.

Gordon Hatton

Fields down to the shore

A near straight stone wall heads down the hillside towards the bar separating the Loch of Scockness from the sea.

Gordon Hatton

Cairn on Faraclett Head

The half mile or so between this point and the beginning of green fields further east is not a place to hang around during bird breeding season. Half a dozen arctic skuas, nasty characters at the best of times, take it in turns to fly aggressively at any human interloper. A trekking pole raised above the head fends off most attacks.

Gordon Hatton

North west side of Faraclett Head

A path makes a traverse of grassy slopes here, but the immediate coastal views of cliffs are disappointing due to the nature of the ground above. Views along the coast to the west are good.

Gordon Hatton

Coastline west of Faraclett Head

The foreground here is within the grid square, but much of the cliffline beyond is in an adjoining square.

Gordon Hatton

Two chambered cairns by the path

Green humps, shown as chambered cairns on the map, with only the nearer one being within the grid square. The nearby stile marks the way down towards the small parking area to the south of Faraclett farm, but the route is different to that shown on the 1:25000 map as it now heads directly down to the kink in the farm lane above the car park. Some expertise in gymnastics required to climb over two very high and part broken stiles on the way.

Gordon Hatton

The minor road near Hurtiso

David Medcalf

Looking down the road from the junction below the car park at Faraclett Head

Dave Napier

View across Faraclett Head

Peter Amsden

Rousay Mill, Orkney

The mill is described on the RCAHMS website Link

as "19th century. A three-storey rubble building, harled on the main frontage, with an eight-spoke overshot wood and iron wheel. The lade is carried on a drystone wall."