The Houll

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

The Houll

Wick of Sandsyre Bay at Leebitten.
Wick of Sandsyre Credit: Oliver Dixon

The Houll is a prominent coastal feature located in Shetland, Scotland. It is classified as a headland and point, jutting out into the North Sea. Situated on the eastern coast of the mainland, the Houll is known for its rugged and picturesque landscape, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

The headland is characterized by its steep cliffs, which rise dramatically from the sea, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. These cliffs are composed of sedimentary rock, showcasing layers of various colors and textures, adding to the visual appeal of the area.

The Houll also boasts an abundance of wildlife, with numerous species of seabirds nesting on its cliffs, including puffins, fulmars, and kittiwakes. Visitors may have the opportunity to observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat, particularly during the breeding season.

Access to the Houll is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading from the nearby village. The path offers a pleasant walk through the Shetland countryside, providing glimpses of wildflowers and heather along the way.

The Houll is not only a stunning natural feature but also holds historical significance. It is believed to have been a site of Viking settlements, with artifacts and remains discovered in the vicinity. As such, it attracts history enthusiasts and archeologists who are interested in exploring the area's past.

Overall, the Houll in Shetland is a captivating coastal feature, offering breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and a glimpse into the region's rich history. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Scotland's rugged coastline.

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The Houll Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.993415/-1.2016811 or Grid Reference HU4423. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Wick of Sandsyre Bay at Leebitten.
Wick of Sandsyre
Bay at Leebitten.
Solan IV This is the Solan IV moored at the pier at the Wick of Sandsayre, Leebitten, on the eastern mainland of Shetland. This boat would have taken us out to Mousa if it had not been so windy on this day. Solan is Shetland dialect for northern gannet.
Solan IV
This is the Solan IV moored at the pier at the Wick of Sandsayre, Leebitten, on the eastern mainland of Shetland. This boat would have taken us out to Mousa if it had not been so windy on this day. Solan is Shetland dialect for northern gannet.
Mousa and the Broch We are at the parking place above Crossie Geo just north of Leebitten, roughly half-way between Sumburgh Head and Lerwick on the mainland of Shetlant, and looking across Mousa Sound to the island of Mousa and the Broch of Mousa. The wind proved to be too strong on this particular day for us to make the crossing to view the broch close up.
Mousa and the Broch
We are at the parking place above Crossie Geo just north of Leebitten, roughly half-way between Sumburgh Head and Lerwick on the mainland of Shetlant, and looking across Mousa Sound to the island of Mousa and the Broch of Mousa. The wind proved to be too strong on this particular day for us to make the crossing to view the broch close up.
Broch of Mousa from the air
Broch of Mousa from the air
Broch of Mousa from the air
Broch of Mousa from the air
West Ham and East Ham, Mousa, from the air
West Ham and East Ham, Mousa, from the air
Sandsayre and Sand Lodge, Sandwick, from the air
Sandsayre and Sand Lodge, Sandwick, from the air
Sand Lodge, Sandwick, from the air
Sand Lodge, Sandwick, from the air
Meadowbank, Sandwick, from the air
Meadowbank, Sandwick, from the air
Sanick, Sandwick, from the air
Sanick, Sandwick, from the air
Sand Wick, Sandwick, from the air
Sand Wick, Sandwick, from the air
Mousa Sound and Mousa from the air
Mousa Sound and Mousa from the air
Noness, Sandwick, from the air
Noness, Sandwick, from the air
Broch of Mousa Taken from the viewing point on the South Road above Leebitten, Sandwick, on the main island of Shetland, I am looking south east towards the island of Mousa. The Broch of Mousa (centre of shot) is the best-preserved of Scotland's brochs or Iron Age roundhouses. The island can be accessed by boat from Sandwick (weather and wind permitting).
Broch of Mousa
Taken from the viewing point on the South Road above Leebitten, Sandwick, on the main island of Shetland, I am looking south east towards the island of Mousa. The Broch of Mousa (centre of shot) is the best-preserved of Scotland's brochs or Iron Age roundhouses. The island can be accessed by boat from Sandwick (weather and wind permitting).
The Broch of Mousa Looking north towards Burgi Ayre.
The Broch of Mousa
Looking north towards Burgi Ayre.
The Broch of Mousa The detail of the stonework is very clear in this photo. The entrance is on the left, and inside it is possible to climb to the top of the tower - hence the railings.
The Broch of Mousa
The detail of the stonework is very clear in this photo. The entrance is on the left, and inside it is possible to climb to the top of the tower - hence the railings.
The top of the broch The stairs descend to the left from the gate between the walls. Note the grid, bottom right, to prevent falls back into the broch.

Top right is the ruin of The Haa, the former residence of the laird of the island.
The top of the broch
The stairs descend to the left from the gate between the walls. Note the grid, bottom right, to prevent falls back into the broch. Top right is the ruin of The Haa, the former residence of the laird of the island.
The interior of the Broch of Mousa Excellent detail in the stonework. The exit is at bottom centre, veering left.
The interior of the Broch of Mousa
Excellent detail in the stonework. The exit is at bottom centre, veering left.
Show me another place!

The Houll is located at Grid Ref: HU4423 (Lat: 59.993415, Lng: -1.2016811)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///payer.rewrites.point. Near Sandwick, Shetland Islands

Related Wikis

Broch of Mousa

Broch of Mousa (or Mousa Broch) is a preserved Iron Age broch or round tower. It is on the island of Mousa in Shetland, Scotland. It is the tallest broch...

Sandwick, Dunrossness

see also Sandwick, Whalsay and Sandwick, OrkneySandwick (Old Norse: Sandvik "Sandy Bay") is a village and an ancient parish in the Shetland Islands, Scotland...

Mousa

Mousa (Old Norse: Mosey "moss island") is a small island in Shetland, Scotland, uninhabited since the nineteenth century. The island is known for the...

Peerie Bard

Perie Bard is one of the Shetland Islands. It is a small islet off the east coast of the island of Mousa.Although named 'Perie Bard' on OS Maps, the name...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.993415,-1.2016811
Broch of Burraland
Historic: archaeological_site
Lat/Long: 59.9913272/-1.2006694
Man Made: survey_point
Lat/Long: 59.9936401/-1.2104573
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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