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Clew Head

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Clew Head

North Head, Tingon, from Leascole, Eshaness
North Head, Tingon, from Leascole, Eshaness Credit: Mike Pennington

Clew Head is a prominent coastal feature located in Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland. It is a headland that juts out into the North Sea, forming a distinctive point on the coastline. The headland is situated on the eastern coast of the main island of Shetland, known as Mainland.

Clew Head is characterized by its rugged and dramatic cliffs, which rise steeply from the sea to a height of approximately 200 feet (60 meters). The cliffs are composed of layered sedimentary rocks, displaying various colors and textures that add to the visual appeal of the headland. The eroded cliffs exhibit fascinating geological formations, including caves, arches, and stacks, which have been shaped by the relentless force of the sea over thousands of years.

The headland offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding sea and the neighboring islands of Shetland. On a clear day, it is possible to spot wildlife such as seabirds, seals, and even whales in the waters below. The area is also known for its rich marine life, with a diverse range of fish and other sea creatures inhabiting the coastal waters.

Clew Head is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, attracting hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers. The headland is easily accessible by foot, with several walking trails leading to its summit. Visitors can explore the rugged cliffs, observe the unique geological formations, and enjoy the breathtaking vistas that Clew Head has to offer.

Overall, Clew Head is a remarkable coastal feature in Shetland, renowned for its striking cliffs, stunning views, and abundant wildlife. It serves as a testament to the power of nature and provides an unforgettable experience for all who venture to its shores.

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Clew Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.550024/-1.5459556 or Grid Reference HU2585. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

North Head, Tingon, from Leascole, Eshaness
North Head, Tingon, from Leascole, Eshaness
The Faither Sea Cliffs in this area are mostly loose and somewhat dangerous, but in places the sea keeps the base 30m or so relatively clean. The pocketed rock provides perfect nesting locations for Fulmars.
The Faither
Sea Cliffs in this area are mostly loose and somewhat dangerous, but in places the sea keeps the base 30m or so relatively clean. The pocketed rock provides perfect nesting locations for Fulmars.
Headland across Galti Geo This land shows signs of recent usage as pasture but is now mostly occupied by a large variety of birdlife. Many gulls and fulmars can be seen here nesting on the cliffs
Headland across Galti Geo
This land shows signs of recent usage as pasture but is now mostly occupied by a large variety of birdlife. Many gulls and fulmars can be seen here nesting on the cliffs
Geo of Ockran, North Head
Geo of Ockran, North Head
Looking SE down the Geo of Ockran
Looking SE down the Geo of Ockran
Gorsendi Geo The cliffs are between 50 and 70 metres high. The southern slopes had many hundreds of Greylag Geese, grazing on the rich grassland.
Gorsendi Geo
The cliffs are between 50 and 70 metres high. The southern slopes had many hundreds of Greylag Geese, grazing on the rich grassland.
Bay Hevda from Clew Head
Bay Hevda from Clew Head
Sheep folds, Clew Head These sheep folds use the sides of a narrow ravine to form the edges of the enclosures. There are similar examples in HU3072, above South Sound in Mangaster.
Sheep folds, Clew Head
These sheep folds use the sides of a narrow ravine to form the edges of the enclosures. There are similar examples in HU3072, above South Sound in Mangaster.
Clew Head from Bay Hevda
Clew Head from Bay Hevda
Ler Geo These tremendous cliffs at the head of the Geo are about 80 m high.
Ler Geo
These tremendous cliffs at the head of the Geo are about 80 m high.
Ler Geo
Ler Geo
Trig Point 107 m, above The Faither Oddly, this peninsula north of Hamnavoe has no name on any maps, large or small scale. Local names only cover small areas of terrain (e.g. Villains of Hamnavoe, The Faither, etc.), and locals in Hillswick don't know any names either. Can anyone out there offer any help or suggestions?
Trig Point 107 m, above The Faither
Oddly, this peninsula north of Hamnavoe has no name on any maps, large or small scale. Local names only cover small areas of terrain (e.g. Villains of Hamnavoe, The Faither, etc.), and locals in Hillswick don't know any names either. Can anyone out there offer any help or suggestions?
Galti Stack
Galti Stack
Lergeo Water
Lergeo Water
Gossa Waters from the east
Gossa Waters from the east
Geo Lerradale The stream follows a small fault into Geo Lerradale. This fault runs parallel to the larger fault on the eastern side of Bratta Beck, about 120 metres to the east.
Geo Lerradale
The stream follows a small fault into Geo Lerradale. This fault runs parallel to the larger fault on the eastern side of Bratta Beck, about 120 metres to the east.
Ruined fishing station, Outer Hole This small, sheltered natural harbour has three ruined fishing stations on its northern side.
Ruined fishing station, Outer Hole
This small, sheltered natural harbour has three ruined fishing stations on its northern side.
Ruined fishing stations, Snuildi Geo Just like the adjacent Outer Hole 400 m to the north, Snuildi Geo is a sheltered natural rocky harbour. These fishing stations were probably used for summer herring fishing.
Ruined fishing stations, Snuildi Geo
Just like the adjacent Outer Hole 400 m to the north, Snuildi Geo is a sheltered natural rocky harbour. These fishing stations were probably used for summer herring fishing.
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Clew Head is located at Grid Ref: HU2585 (Lat: 60.550024, Lng: -1.5459556)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///occupations.neutron.rather. Near Toft, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

Ler Geo Galti Stack Clew Head The Faither Quida Dale Galti Geo

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