Ness of Houll

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Ness of Houll

Muckle Roe Marina The Marina is actually on the Mainland side of Roe Sound. The island of Crog Holm to the left.
Muckle Roe Marina Credit: Oliver Dixon

Ness of Houll is a prominent headland located on the eastern coast of Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland. Situated at the southern end of the island of Yell, it is known for its rugged and dramatic coastal cliffs, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The headland is characterized by steep cliffs that rise up to 100 meters (328 feet) above sea level, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding waters and the nearby islands. The cliffs are composed mainly of sedimentary rocks, including sandstone and shale, which have been shaped by years of erosion from the relentless waves of the North Sea.

The area surrounding Ness of Houll is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities for birdwatching and marine life observation. Various seabirds, such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, nest along the cliffs during the summer months. Grey seals can often be spotted lounging on the rocks, while porpoises and dolphins occasionally make appearances in the waters below.

Aside from its natural beauty, Ness of Houll also holds historical significance. The remains of a broch, an Iron Age fortified structure, can be found on the headland. This ancient structure offers insights into the island's past and provides a glimpse into the lives of its inhabitants thousands of years ago.

Overall, Ness of Houll is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the raw beauty and rich history of Shetland. Its striking cliffs, diverse wildlife, and archaeological remains make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the island.

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Ness of Houll Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.395738/-1.39073 or Grid Reference HU3368. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Muckle Roe Marina The Marina is actually on the Mainland side of Roe Sound. The island of Crog Holm to the left.
Muckle Roe Marina
The Marina is actually on the Mainland side of Roe Sound. The island of Crog Holm to the left.
Houses at Busta
Houses at Busta
Rear view of the Busta Hotel The village of Brae <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU3567">HU3567</a> on the far side of the voe.
Rear view of the Busta Hotel
The village of Brae HU3567 on the far side of the voe.
The road from Busta to Brae
The road from Busta to Brae
Brae in the snow
Brae in the snow
West side of Brae in the snow
West side of Brae in the snow
Busta House Hotel in the snow from Brae
Busta House Hotel in the snow from Brae
Delting Marina, Brae
Delting Marina, Brae
Mavis Grind This is the narrowest land in the British Isles. The inlet on the right is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean; and on the left is Sullom Voe, which is an inlet of the North Sea.
Mavis Grind
This is the narrowest land in the British Isles. The inlet on the right is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean; and on the left is Sullom Voe, which is an inlet of the North Sea.
Muckle Roe Bridge The older bridge to Muckle Roe.
Muckle Roe Bridge
The older bridge to Muckle Roe.
Mavis Grind The steep cliff face frowns down at the Mavis Grind road.
Mavis Grind
The steep cliff face frowns down at the Mavis Grind road.
Mavis Grind, Shetland Looking to the west side of Mavis Grind at the Atlantic.
Mavis Grind, Shetland
Looking to the west side of Mavis Grind at the Atlantic.
Mavis Grind, Shetland Looking east at Mavis Grind, the sea is Sullom Voe, part of the North Sea to the east of Shetland.
Mavis Grind, Shetland
Looking east at Mavis Grind, the sea is Sullom Voe, part of the North Sea to the east of Shetland.
Virdins Quarry A large roadmetal quarry, with many veins of red granite cutting the surrounding grey diorite.
Virdins Quarry
A large roadmetal quarry, with many veins of red granite cutting the surrounding grey diorite.
Holm of Culsetter The holm is the tiny island in this voe. In the foreground is a 'roche moutonnée', on which can be seen grooves carved by pebbles under the ice sheet during the last ice age. These grooves, called striae, show the direction of movement of the ice.
Holm of Culsetter
The holm is the tiny island in this voe. In the foreground is a 'roche moutonnée', on which can be seen grooves carved by pebbles under the ice sheet during the last ice age. These grooves, called striae, show the direction of movement of the ice.
Busta House Hotel Renowned as the 'poshest' hotel in Shetland.
Busta House Hotel
Renowned as the 'poshest' hotel in Shetland.
Lochs and a lumpy landscape, near Islesburgh This area is fascinating for the series of small lochs (lochans) some forming a circle.  Many are connected one to the next by small burns. The landscape itself is largely devoid of human settlement, and even of sheep.  Yet in its barren-ness, it is very beautiful.
Lochs and a lumpy landscape, near Islesburgh
This area is fascinating for the series of small lochs (lochans) some forming a circle. Many are connected one to the next by small burns. The landscape itself is largely devoid of human settlement, and even of sheep. Yet in its barren-ness, it is very beautiful.
Bays Water Shun Small shallow lochan.
Bays Water Shun
Small shallow lochan.
Show me another place!

Ness of Houll is located at Grid Ref: HU3368 (Lat: 60.395738, Lng: -1.39073)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///nylon.hammocks.ruins. Near Brae, Shetland Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.395738,-1.39073
Tourism: viewpoint
Lat/Long: 60.3980262/-1.3847469
Barrier: tank_trap
Historic: tank_trap
Lat/Long: 60.3976987/-1.3854769
Note: telegraph/electricity pole
Source: geograph.org.uk
Lat/Long: 60.3981711/-1.3858739
Barrier: tank_trap
Historic: tank_trap
Lat/Long: 60.3979472/-1.3855628
Note: pylon
Lat/Long: 60.3973549/-1.3852008
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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