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Quilt Ness

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Quilt Ness

Qui Ness The grassy headland of Qui Ness can be reached by a narrow, well-worn but rather exposed path over a little neck of land - the sheep and lamb seen in this view have just ventured across to reach the extensive patch of grazing beyond. Either side are two deep geos, both with small stacks within them. The nearer one has a beach and is probably not eroding the link, but the more easterly one will no doubt extend by headward erosion and cut the Ness off to form an island in the near future (by geological time standards). To the right of the photo, Tame Holm has similarly been separated from its headland, West Ness, by a narrow channel of the sort much enjoyed by sea kayakers. In the distance, the far horizon is formed by Esha Ness and Ronas Hill, whilst the nearer grey cliffs in the centre of the view are the Ness of Hillswick with the dramatic stacks of the Drongs just visible to its west.
Qui Ness Credit: Andy Waddington

Quilt Ness is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago in Scotland. Situated on the northeastern coast of the mainland, Quilt Ness is a headland that juts out into the North Sea, forming a distinctive point along the rugged coastline.

The name "Quilt Ness" is derived from the Old Norse word "kvalr," meaning whale, which reflects the area's historical association with whale hunting. This headland is characterized by its dramatic cliffs, which rise steeply from the sea, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding waters and coastline.

Quilt Ness is renowned for its natural beauty and the rich biodiversity it supports. The headland is home to a variety of seabirds, including gulls, puffins, and fulmars, which nest along its cliffs. The area's marine ecosystem is also thriving, with numerous species of fish, seals, and occasionally, whales and dolphins, being spotted in its waters.

In addition to its natural significance, Quilt Ness also holds cultural and historical value. The headland is believed to have been inhabited since ancient times, and archaeological evidence suggests that it may have served as a defensive fortification during the Iron Age. Today, remnants of these ancient structures can still be seen on the headland, providing insight into the island's early history.

Quilt Ness attracts visitors from near and far who come to appreciate its scenic beauty, explore its wildlife, and delve into its rich heritage. Whether it's birdwatching, coastal walking, or simply enjoying the stunning vistas, Quilt Ness offers a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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Quilt Ness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.361773/-1.4642141 or Grid Reference HU2964. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Qui Ness The grassy headland of Qui Ness can be reached by a narrow, well-worn but rather exposed path over a little neck of land - the sheep and lamb seen in this view have just ventured across to reach the extensive patch of grazing beyond. Either side are two deep geos, both with small stacks within them. The nearer one has a beach and is probably not eroding the link, but the more easterly one will no doubt extend by headward erosion and cut the Ness off to form an island in the near future (by geological time standards). To the right of the photo, Tame Holm has similarly been separated from its headland, West Ness, by a narrow channel of the sort much enjoyed by sea kayakers. In the distance, the far horizon is formed by Esha Ness and Ronas Hill, whilst the nearer grey cliffs in the centre of the view are the Ness of Hillswick with the dramatic stacks of the Drongs just visible to its west.
Qui Ness
The grassy headland of Qui Ness can be reached by a narrow, well-worn but rather exposed path over a little neck of land - the sheep and lamb seen in this view have just ventured across to reach the extensive patch of grazing beyond. Either side are two deep geos, both with small stacks within them. The nearer one has a beach and is probably not eroding the link, but the more easterly one will no doubt extend by headward erosion and cut the Ness off to form an island in the near future (by geological time standards). To the right of the photo, Tame Holm has similarly been separated from its headland, West Ness, by a narrow channel of the sort much enjoyed by sea kayakers. In the distance, the far horizon is formed by Esha Ness and Ronas Hill, whilst the nearer grey cliffs in the centre of the view are the Ness of Hillswick with the dramatic stacks of the Drongs just visible to its west.
Dandi Geo Muckle Roe is formed entirely of igneous rocks forming a pluton of Old Red Sandstone (Devonian) age, and all except the NE side are a Granophyre which forms dramatic red cliffs riven by geos, caves and natural arches. Dandi Geo is one of the narrower geos eroded from the west coast of the island just at the point where a small stream drains northwestwards from a series of small lochans. In the far distance, Esha Ness can be seen across St. Magnus Bay, itself a large basin possibly associated with an ancient meteorite impact.
Dandi Geo
Muckle Roe is formed entirely of igneous rocks forming a pluton of Old Red Sandstone (Devonian) age, and all except the NE side are a Granophyre which forms dramatic red cliffs riven by geos, caves and natural arches. Dandi Geo is one of the narrower geos eroded from the west coast of the island just at the point where a small stream drains northwestwards from a series of small lochans. In the far distance, Esha Ness can be seen across St. Magnus Bay, itself a large basin possibly associated with an ancient meteorite impact.
Crossing the outlet of Loch of Rusness Apart from needing to detour inland to avoid deep geos, the southwest coast of Muckle Roe offers easy walking terrain with short grass on the shallow soil formed by the disintegration of the hard granophyre into coarse sand. Paths materialise and evaporate from time to time as the terrain constrains the route, such as at the crossing point of the small stream draining Loch of Rusness. Two paths are apparent on the far side, one contouring nearer the cliffs on the right, and one diagonalling up the far side of the lochan. The latter was the one we chose, and it duly evaporated within a hundred metres.
Crossing the outlet of Loch of Rusness
Apart from needing to detour inland to avoid deep geos, the southwest coast of Muckle Roe offers easy walking terrain with short grass on the shallow soil formed by the disintegration of the hard granophyre into coarse sand. Paths materialise and evaporate from time to time as the terrain constrains the route, such as at the crossing point of the small stream draining Loch of Rusness. Two paths are apparent on the far side, one contouring nearer the cliffs on the right, and one diagonalling up the far side of the lochan. The latter was the one we chose, and it duly evaporated within a hundred metres.
Spindle
Spindle
Beach, South Ham A sheltered inlet on the otherwise rugged coast of Muckle Roe. It is also popular with seals.
Beach, South Ham
A sheltered inlet on the otherwise rugged coast of Muckle Roe. It is also popular with seals.
Fresh rockfall, Muckle Roe A pile of boulders beneath a clean bit of rock seen across Gulberswick Geo.
Fresh rockfall, Muckle Roe
A pile of boulders beneath a clean bit of rock seen across Gulberswick Geo.
Dandi Geo A long and deep inlet in the sea cliffs of Muckle Roe.
Dandi Geo
A long and deep inlet in the sea cliffs of Muckle Roe.
Moorland by Loch of Rusness A fine and bright morning had rapidly turned to heavy rain in the afternoon. The usual crisp and gravelly Muckle Roe moorland.
Moorland by Loch of Rusness
A fine and bright morning had rapidly turned to heavy rain in the afternoon. The usual crisp and gravelly Muckle Roe moorland.
Beach, South Ham The wild coast of Muckle Roe.
Beach, South Ham
The wild coast of Muckle Roe.
Burn of Lairdsloch Granite scenery, Muckle Roe.
Burn of Lairdsloch
Granite scenery, Muckle Roe.
Burg Ruined croft house on the west coast of Muckle Roe.
Burg
Ruined croft house on the west coast of Muckle Roe.
Dykes near Burg Pink and black stripes due to volcanic activity (related to the rocks on Papa Stour and Esha Ness?). The even weathering is striking, often the basalt stands proud or forms gullies depending on the country rock.
Dykes near Burg
Pink and black stripes due to volcanic activity (related to the rocks on Papa Stour and Esha Ness?). The even weathering is striking, often the basalt stands proud or forms gullies depending on the country rock.
Da Kist A two legged stack near Burg, Muckle Roe. The coast of Muckle Roe has examples of all the stages of coastal erosion on display. This is a stack nearing collapse or at least partial collapse.
Da Kist
A two legged stack near Burg, Muckle Roe. The coast of Muckle Roe has examples of all the stages of coastal erosion on display. This is a stack nearing collapse or at least partial collapse.
Da Kist Sooner or later there will be one wave too many for the "leg".
Da Kist
Sooner or later there will be one wave too many for the "leg".
Spindle Granite stack on the west coast of Muckle Roe.
Spindle
Granite stack on the west coast of Muckle Roe.
West Hill of Ham Hill with some big sea cliffs.
West Hill of Ham
Hill with some big sea cliffs.
Muckle Roe Viewed from Melby.
Muckle Roe
Viewed from Melby.
Sea Stack "Da Kist" The coastline within this square contains a number of cliffs and sea stacks. Most are somewhat loose and unsuitable for climbing, but the stack in this photo now has a route on the landward side facing away from this shot.
Sea Stack "Da Kist"
The coastline within this square contains a number of cliffs and sea stacks. Most are somewhat loose and unsuitable for climbing, but the stack in this photo now has a route on the landward side facing away from this shot.
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Quilt Ness is located at Grid Ref: HU2964 (Lat: 60.361773, Lng: -1.4642141)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///tradition.overheat.cages. Near Brae, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

Quilt Ness Spindle Dandi Geo Grusterwick Geo

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