Taing of Helliness

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Taing of Helliness

Helli Ness to Bard Head We are at the parking place above Crossie Geo halfway between Lerwick and Sumburgh Head on the mainland of Shetland and I am looking north east across Greenmow and Helli Ness to Bard Head, Bressay. The Isle of Noss can be seen beyond Bressay. — Helli Ness to Bard Head Credit: Carroll Pierce

Taing of Helliness 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 distinct point along the rugged coastline.

Rising to an elevation of approximately 100 meters above sea level, Taing of Helliness offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Its rocky cliffs are composed of ancient sedimentary rocks, showcasing unique geological formations that have been shaped by centuries of erosion from the crashing waves. The headland is covered in thick vegetation, with hardy grasses and shrubs clinging to the cliffs, providing a stark contrast against the deep blue sea.

The coastal location of Taing of Helliness also makes it an important habitat for various species of seabirds. The cliffs provide nesting grounds for colonies of puffins, kittiwakes, and guillemots, adding to its ecological significance. The headland is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with wildflowers dotting the landscape during the summer months.

Access to Taing of Helliness is possible via a well-maintained footpath that winds its way along the coastline. The headland can be explored on foot, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning coastal scenery and enjoy the tranquility of this remote location.

Overall, Taing of Helliness is a notable coastal feature in Shetland, offering impressive geological formations, diverse wildlife, and awe-inspiring views of the North Sea. It attracts nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers, who are captivated by its natural beauty and rugged charm.

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Taing of Helliness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.036806/-1.1757579 or Grid Reference HU4628. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Helli Ness to Bard Head

We are at the parking place above Crossie Geo halfway between Lerwick and Sumburgh Head on the mainland of Shetland and I am looking north east across Greenmow and Helli Ness to Bard Head, Bressay. The Isle of Noss can be seen beyond Bressay.

Carroll Pierce

Greenmow and Helli Ness, Cunningsburgh, from the air

Mike Pennington

Helli Ness, Cunningsburgh, from the air

Mike Pennington

Helli Ness, Cunningsburgh, from the sea

Taken from the ferry en route to Orkney, from about 3 km distance.

Mike Pennington

Aithsvoe Marina

A very nice facility, built in 2004, still looking new. The biggish boat off the water is the Mousa Ferry (Solan IV); both it HU4428 : Mousa ferry at winter home, Aithsvoe, Cunningsburgh and the ferry business is up for sale (2011)

Derek Mayes

Planticrubs Turri Ness

These, usually round, structures are to be found all over Shetland. The near one, in this case, is still in use (few are). Traditionally used for growing Kale or Cabbages in shelter and protected from rabbits and livestock. In this case all but a few red cabbage seedlings had been recently removed. Nice old pictures here - Link

Derek Mayes

Shetland Crub

The Planticrub HU4529 : Planticrubs Turri Ness here is in use. It is totally closed off to protect the cabbage plants. Dot stands on the step used for access. The tanker Loch Rannoch sits way out, biding her time.

Derek Mayes

Hellia

A small peninsula in Uxna Geo reaching into another grid square

Derek Mayes

Uxna Geo

The tip of Hellia just in the square

Derek Mayes

Orkna Geo

A narrow dark place, full of seal sound today - dramatic on a wild night I bet.

Derek Mayes

Heliport or Helliness?

We weren't expecting aircraft of course but what we did find was nice and very interesting HU4528 : Helliness or Heliport. A little more here Link

Derek Mayes

Helliness or Heliport

The inside of the house mapped as Heliport but known as the House of Helliness - a strange anomaly. However, it is rather interesting architecturally as well as archaeologically. See HU4528 : Heliport or Helliness?

Derek Mayes

The House of Helliness

The house, mapped as Heliport, but more widely known as Helliness is very prominent. It is surrounded and protected by substantial walling. See also - HU4528 : Heliport or Helliness?

Derek Mayes

Helliness Cairn

Probably an old landing cairn, marking a fairly safe approach from the sea. But it would have to be pretty calm. Heliport HU4528 : Heliport or Helliness? is on the hill behind.

Derek Mayes

Very Old Structure - Taing of Helliness

A few metres to the NW of the mapped structure HU4628 : Marked Structure - Taing of Helliness is a faint outline of a much older one - it looks like a dwelling. Viewed on Google Earth, there is even another feature, very close-by and circular. I had the feeling there was a lot of archaeology here.

Derek Mayes

Marked Structure - Taing of Helliness

The obvious feature may have been a crub or a lambing enclosure. It's likely that the stone was robbed from the nearby unmarked feature HU4628 : Very Old Structure - Taing of Helliness

Derek Mayes

Uncanny Paver

There is an interesting line of well spaced flat pavers reaching from the structure HU4628 : Marked Structure - Taing of Helliness to the very point of the Taing. They are so obviously placed there for a purpose. I do not think they were ever standing stones.

Derek Mayes