Sail Head

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Sail Head

Tidal turbines awaiting installation, Belmont
Tidal turbines awaiting installation, Belmont Credit: Mike Pennington

Sail Head is a prominent coastal feature located on the island of Shetland, situated in the northern part of Scotland. This headland, also known as a point, extends into the North Atlantic Ocean and is characterized by its rugged cliffs and stunning views of the surrounding seascape.

The geographical coordinates of Sail Head are approximately 60.499°N latitude and 1.265°W longitude. It is positioned on the eastern coast of Shetland, facing the open waters. The headland is formed by layers of sedimentary rocks, including sandstone and conglomerate, which have been shaped by the erosive forces of wind and waves over millions of years.

Standing at an elevation of around 100 meters (330 feet) above sea level, Sail Head offers panoramic views of the ocean and the nearby islands. The cliff faces are often adorned with lush vegetation, including grasses, heather, and wildflowers, adding to the area's natural beauty.

Sail Head is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and birdwatchers. The headland is home to a wide variety of bird species, including puffins, fulmars, and guillemots, which nest in the cliffs during the breeding season. Visitors can explore the coastal paths that wind along the cliff edges, providing opportunities to observe the abundant wildlife and admire the dramatic coastal scenery.

Due to its exposed location, Sail Head is subject to the forces of the Atlantic Ocean, with waves crashing against the cliffs during stormy weather. This creates a dynamic and captivating environment, attracting visitors who appreciate the raw power of nature.

In conclusion, Sail Head is a breathtaking headland on the island of Shetland, offering stunning views, diverse wildlife, and a chance to experience the untamed beauty of the North Atlantic coastline.

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Sail Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.694883/-0.97400208 or Grid Reference HP5601. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Tidal turbines awaiting installation, Belmont
Tidal turbines awaiting installation, Belmont
Ness of Cullivoe from the sea
Ness of Cullivoe from the sea
Cullivoe Kirk from the sea
Cullivoe Kirk from the sea
Hoga Ness Brough, Belmont, from the sea
Hoga Ness Brough, Belmont, from the sea
Belmont, Unst This was taken from the Gutcher-Belmont ferry as we come into port at Belmont, Unst, Shetland. We are on the Wick of Belmont and this is Belmont House, a category A-listed Georgian country house which was built in 1775 by Shetland landowner Thomas Mouat of Garth. Restored to its former glory between 1996 and 2010, it is now a private residence though it has been let out occasionally as a venue for cultural events and B&B accommodation.
Belmont, Unst
This was taken from the Gutcher-Belmont ferry as we come into port at Belmont, Unst, Shetland. We are on the Wick of Belmont and this is Belmont House, a category A-listed Georgian country house which was built in 1775 by Shetland landowner Thomas Mouat of Garth. Restored to its former glory between 1996 and 2010, it is now a private residence though it has been let out occasionally as a venue for cultural events and B&B accommodation.
Salmon cages off Head of Mula Taken on the approach to Belmont.
Salmon cages off Head of Mula
Taken on the approach to Belmont.
Scorda Skerry Coastline between Belmont and Head of Mula, looking due south just before mid-day. The sun is only just above the edge of the photo. Fetlar is in the distance.
Scorda Skerry
Coastline between Belmont and Head of Mula, looking due south just before mid-day. The sun is only just above the edge of the photo. Fetlar is in the distance.
Gulls, Wick of Belmont A stony bay next to the ferry terminal.
Gulls, Wick of Belmont
A stony bay next to the ferry terminal.
Unsafe Pier, Belmont This old pier is now a bit crumbly, which is what the warning sign is about.
Unsafe Pier, Belmont
This old pier is now a bit crumbly, which is what the warning sign is about.
Bales at Belmont
Bales at Belmont
Through the Broch Door Not much structure remains of the broch on Hoga Ness, although the surrounding earthworks are still substantial.
But this looks like it was probably the entrance.
Through the Broch Door
Not much structure remains of the broch on Hoga Ness, although the surrounding earthworks are still substantial. But this looks like it was probably the entrance.
Doogers and Bluemull Sound Looking over the Sound to Cullivoe on Yell in the distance.
Doogers is written on the map here. I'm guessing it's these rocks.
Doogers and Bluemull Sound
Looking over the Sound to Cullivoe on Yell in the distance. Doogers is written on the map here. I'm guessing it's these rocks.
Coast near Belmont HP5501 is 90% sea. This shot shows a large part of what land there is.
Coast near Belmont
HP5501 is 90% sea. This shot shows a large part of what land there is.
Chains on the Dockside Piles of chain in the yard at Cullivoe Pier.
Chains on the Dockside
Piles of chain in the yard at Cullivoe Pier.
Cullivoe Church Beside the road down to the pier.
Cullivoe Church
Beside the road down to the pier.
View from Braeside An abandoned homestead overlooking Bluemull Sound.
View from Braeside
An abandoned homestead overlooking Bluemull Sound.
Building in the Broch This is inside the original walls of the broch. The earthworks on the landward side of the site are still quite substantial, as can be seen here.
Building in the Broch
This is inside the original walls of the broch. The earthworks on the landward side of the site are still quite substantial, as can be seen here.
Cotton Grass at Braeside This long deserted place is still named on the map.
Cotton Grass at Braeside
This long deserted place is still named on the map.
Show me another place!

Sail Head is located at Grid Ref: HP5601 (Lat: 60.694883, Lng: -0.97400208)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///apron.gagging.rehearsed. Near Uyeasound, Shetland Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.694883,-0.97400208
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.6913609/-0.9710332
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.6915263/-0.9728276
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.6912112/-0.9693099
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.6917916/-0.9735867
Location Transition: yes
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.6922373/-0.9748406
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.6949214/-0.9661305
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.6952667/-0.9681046
Location Transition: yes
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.6957169/-0.9688771
Marker: cable
Lat/Long: 60.6957154/-0.9691009
Marker: cable
Lat/Long: 60.6929217/-0.9746477
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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