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Ness of Houlland

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Ness of Houlland

Fence and Grass The cliff edge is just at the top here.
Fence and Grass Credit: Des Blenkinsopp

Ness of Houlland is a prominent coastal feature located on the west coast of the Shetland Islands, an archipelago in Scotland. It is a headland that juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, forming a distinct point along the rugged coastline. The Ness is situated in the parish of Walls, approximately 11 miles west of the island's capital, Lerwick.

Characterized by its dramatic cliffs and rocky terrain, Ness of Houlland offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the vast ocean beyond. The headland stands at an impressive height, with its cliffs reaching up to 80 meters above sea level. The area is renowned for its rich birdlife, including fulmars, kittiwakes, and razorbills, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

In addition to its natural beauty, Ness of Houlland is also of historical significance. The remains of a Viking settlement, dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries, can be found on the headland. These archaeological remains include the foundations of stone buildings and evidence of iron smelting, providing valuable insights into the island's Viking past.

Access to Ness of Houlland is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading visitors to the headland. However, caution is advised when exploring the cliffs, as they can be steep and unstable in some areas. The site is a popular destination for hikers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst the natural beauty of the Shetland Islands.

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Ness of Houlland Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.730393/-1.0392419 or Grid Reference HP5205. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Fence and Grass The cliff edge is just at the top here.
Fence and Grass
The cliff edge is just at the top here.
Rocky Coast at Brei Wick
Rocky Coast at Brei Wick
Sheep in the Seaweed There were quite a few sheep down on the rocks here tucking into this stuff.
Sheep in the Seaweed
There were quite a few sheep down on the rocks here tucking into this stuff.
Rocky Shore, Ness of Houlland On one side of the Ness of Houlland is the beautiful Breckon Sands beach. On the other side, the shoreline reverts to being less hospitable. The orange thing is some of the assorted fishing debris that washes up from time to time.
Rocky Shore, Ness of Houlland
On one side of the Ness of Houlland is the beautiful Breckon Sands beach. On the other side, the shoreline reverts to being less hospitable. The orange thing is some of the assorted fishing debris that washes up from time to time.
Site of a Settlement, Ness of Houlland This is the site of a big area of archaeological remains. This view shows the large enclosure at the centre of the site. Closer to, the outlines of huts and buildings are easy to find. Some of it has already vanished into the sea from erosion.
Site of a Settlement, Ness of Houlland
This is the site of a big area of archaeological remains. This view shows the large enclosure at the centre of the site. Closer to, the outlines of huts and buildings are easy to find. Some of it has already vanished into the sea from erosion.
Ancient Walls Part of a large settlement site near the Sands of Breckon.
Ancient Walls
Part of a large settlement site near the Sands of Breckon.
Birrier Stack A small island with a spot height of 23 metres marked on the map. It looks like it should be more, somehow.
Birrier Stack
A small island with a spot height of 23 metres marked on the map. It looks like it should be more, somehow.
Ancient Walls 2 Another view on this ancient settlement site.
Ancient Walls 2
Another view on this ancient settlement site.
Sands of Breckon
Sands of Breckon
Fencepost with a hat on Not being from round here, when I first saw this I thought somebody had been messing about, but then I noticed a lot of other posts topped with assorted buckets, boxes, hard hats etc. I guess it protects the wood against rain soaking down the grain and rotting the post. Good idea.
Fencepost with a hat on
Not being from round here, when I first saw this I thought somebody had been messing about, but then I noticed a lot of other posts topped with assorted buckets, boxes, hard hats etc. I guess it protects the wood against rain soaking down the grain and rotting the post. Good idea.
On The Point Of Whack The Point of Whack on Gloup Ness, to be precise. This is a small promontory off the main headland, with the Geo of Whack on the left. Am I being over imaginative, or is there something sheep-like about that rock?
On The Point Of Whack
The Point of Whack on Gloup Ness, to be precise. This is a small promontory off the main headland, with the Geo of Whack on the left. Am I being over imaginative, or is there something sheep-like about that rock?
Looking at the view, Gloup Ness The name Gloup comes from Old Norse for a ravine.
Looking at the view, Gloup Ness
The name Gloup comes from Old Norse for a ravine.
Skulls on a Tomb, St Olaf's Churchyard The remains of St Olaf's church are just beyond this rather creepy old tomb with its skulls and bones. St Olaf (995-1030) was a king of Norway. There is a long page about him on Wikipedia <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olaf_II_of_Norway" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olaf_II_of_Norway">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>. which suggests that he wasn't exactly up there with the apostles in the league of saintliness, but as he is the Patron saint of Norway I will tactfully leave it there.
Skulls on a Tomb, St Olaf's Churchyard
The remains of St Olaf's church are just beyond this rather creepy old tomb with its skulls and bones. St Olaf (995-1030) was a king of Norway. There is a long page about him on Wikipedia LinkExternal link. which suggests that he wasn't exactly up there with the apostles in the league of saintliness, but as he is the Patron saint of Norway I will tactfully leave it there.
Kirk Loch From St Olaf's Churchyard.
Kirk Loch
From St Olaf's Churchyard.
Inside the Coastguard Hut This is fairly surreal. Inside the flimsy hut tied down with wires shown in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/792324">HP5005 : Coastguard hut</a>, you look through the salt stained windows expecting to see dead flies and old beer cans, and there's himself on the phone in his nice pullover. A fine effort from somebody in this out of the way place.
Inside the Coastguard Hut
This is fairly surreal. Inside the flimsy hut tied down with wires shown in HP5005 : Coastguard hut, you look through the salt stained windows expecting to see dead flies and old beer cans, and there's himself on the phone in his nice pullover. A fine effort from somebody in this out of the way place.
Inside the Coastguard Hut Again I was so impressed with this I've done two pictures of the same thing. See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4675951">HP5005 : Inside the Coastguard Hut</a>
Inside the Coastguard Hut Again
I was so impressed with this I've done two pictures of the same thing. See also HP5005 : Inside the Coastguard Hut
A Bit of Colour at Midbrake A touch of random decorating along the road to Breckon Sands.
A Bit of Colour at Midbrake
A touch of random decorating along the road to Breckon Sands.
Parking Notice at Breckon The usual beach car park was being used by farm vehicles today, bringing in the hay crop. We were re directed into someone's back yard.
Parking Notice at Breckon
The usual beach car park was being used by farm vehicles today, bringing in the hay crop. We were re directed into someone's back yard.
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Ness of Houlland is located at Grid Ref: HP5205 (Lat: 60.730393, Lng: -1.0392419)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///diver.calls.demoted. Near Gutcher, Shetland Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.730393,-1.0392419
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Muckle Hell Shetland
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