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North Cruive

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

North Cruive

Walking on Papa Westray
Walking on Papa Westray Credit: stalked

North Cruive is a headland located in the Orkney Islands, situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. This coastal feature is positioned on the island of Mainland, specifically in the parish of Deerness. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rugged coastline.

North Cruive is characterized by its towering cliffs, which rise dramatically from the North Sea. These cliffs are formed from layers of sedimentary rock, displaying a variety of colors and textures. The headland's prominent position makes it an ideal spot for observing marine wildlife, including seabirds and seals that inhabit the surrounding waters.

The headland offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, with the neighboring islands of Copinsay and Damsay visible from its vantage point. The area is also known for its strong currents and tidal flows, which create challenging conditions for seafarers.

Access to North Cruive is possible via a footpath that winds its way along the coastline, allowing visitors to explore the headland and its surroundings. The path offers opportunities for hiking and nature walks, providing a unique experience of the Orkney Islands' natural environment.

North Cruive is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers seeking to capture the beauty of the rugged Orkney coastline. Its remote location and unspoiled natural landscape make it a peaceful and serene place to experience the wild beauty of the Scottish coast.

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North Cruive Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.353709/-2.8731381 or Grid Reference HY5052. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Walking on Papa Westray
Walking on Papa Westray
Swans on the Shore Usually you see swans on fresh water, but these ones were exploring the shore. These are dipping strata of the Middle Old Red Sandstone that makes up most of Orkney, even though they are not at all red in colour. Most of the land in this square is on the Holm of Papa, a small offshore island, the tip of which can be seen at upper right in this view.
Swans on the Shore
Usually you see swans on fresh water, but these ones were exploring the shore. These are dipping strata of the Middle Old Red Sandstone that makes up most of Orkney, even though they are not at all red in colour. Most of the land in this square is on the Holm of Papa, a small offshore island, the tip of which can be seen at upper right in this view.
Remains of a Fence The stile for crossing the fence is still standing, but the fence it used to cross has gone.
Remains of a Fence
The stile for crossing the fence is still standing, but the fence it used to cross has gone.
Zigzag Rocks I assume that the sea, having detached parts of the bedrock, has flipped the loose slabs over so that they are lying at an angle to the bedrock. I could have examined them more closely to test this hypothesis, but we were anxious to get to the pier in good time for our ferry, and my walking companion is not interested in geology and would have demurred.
Zigzag Rocks
I assume that the sea, having detached parts of the bedrock, has flipped the loose slabs over so that they are lying at an angle to the bedrock. I could have examined them more closely to test this hypothesis, but we were anxious to get to the pier in good time for our ferry, and my walking companion is not interested in geology and would have demurred.
Bay of Burland The farm in the distance is called Blossom. At the far side of the bay is Redcraig Geo.
Bay of Burland
The farm in the distance is called Blossom. At the far side of the bay is Redcraig Geo.
Two Ponies Two ponies in a field above the beach with a distant view towards Hundland.
Two Ponies
Two ponies in a field above the beach with a distant view towards Hundland.
Loch of Ness The Loch of Ness and the bay of North Wick beyond, on Papay (Papa Westray), Orkney.
Loch of Ness
The Loch of Ness and the bay of North Wick beyond, on Papay (Papa Westray), Orkney.
Bay of Burland, Papa Westray Looking south to the abandoned buildings at Blossom.
Bay of Burland, Papa Westray
Looking south to the abandoned buildings at Blossom.
Mill Point, Papa Westray There is the remains of a lade flowing past this ruin, so perhaps this is the mill that gives the point its name.
Mill Point, Papa Westray
There is the remains of a lade flowing past this ruin, so perhaps this is the mill that gives the point its name.
Canoes at the roadside Overlooking the tidal Loch of the Taing and North Wick on Papa Westray
Canoes at the roadside
Overlooking the tidal Loch of the Taing and North Wick on Papa Westray
House at Hundland A traditional Papa Westray house, long and low.
House at Hundland
A traditional Papa Westray house, long and low.
Chambered Cairn Remains Remains of chambered cairn at the north end of Holm of Papa. In the distance you can just see the impressive Chambered Cairn at the south end of this tiny island and I think the longest chambered cairn in Orkney. There were Fulmars nesting in the stalls of the chambered cairn in the foreground.
Chambered Cairn Remains
Remains of chambered cairn at the north end of Holm of Papa. In the distance you can just see the impressive Chambered Cairn at the south end of this tiny island and I think the longest chambered cairn in Orkney. There were Fulmars nesting in the stalls of the chambered cairn in the foreground.
Holm of Papay
Holm of Papay
View of the Holm of Papay, from the air Arriving at Papay and just starting to turn into the island to land
View of the Holm of Papay, from the air
Arriving at Papay and just starting to turn into the island to land
Cliffs, Holm of Papay A view of the waves breaking on the cliffs around the side of the Holm of Papay, with the chambered cairn visible at the top
Cliffs, Holm of Papay
A view of the waves breaking on the cliffs around the side of the Holm of Papay, with the chambered cairn visible at the top
From North Hill towards Holm of Papay
From North Hill towards Holm of Papay
Flag stones
Flag stones
From the Holm of Papay, back to Southwick Managed at last to get a local fisherman to take us over to the Holm (thanks Jim, just seen here). Landed on the Holm and had to make our way over some very slippy rocks up to the chambered cairn, then down the ladder...
From the Holm of Papay, back to Southwick
Managed at last to get a local fisherman to take us over to the Holm (thanks Jim, just seen here). Landed on the Holm and had to make our way over some very slippy rocks up to the chambered cairn, then down the ladder...
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North Cruive is located at Grid Ref: HY5052 (Lat: 59.353709, Lng: -2.8731381)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///code.tickling.cashew. Near Pierowall, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Dog Bones Mid Sound Sheepy Geo Big Less North Cruive Ramni Geo

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