Swinna Ness

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Swinna Ness

White Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Keen of Hamar
White Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Keen of Hamar Credit: Mike Pennington

Swinna Ness is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, a remote archipelago in Scotland. It is specifically situated on the Mainland, the largest island in the Shetlands. Swinna Ness is classified as a headland or point and is known for its stunning natural beauty and rugged terrain.

The landform is characterized by steep cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. The cliffs are composed of sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone and shale, which have been shaped by the relentless waves and weather over thousands of years.

At the top of Swinna Ness, there is a grassy plateau that provides a habitat for a variety of plant species, including heather and wildflowers. This area is also home to a diverse range of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers. Visitors may catch a glimpse of seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, among others.

The coastal feature is also notable for its historical significance. Archaeological sites dating back to the Neolithic period have been discovered in the vicinity, including burial mounds and ancient settlements. These findings indicate that Swinna Ness has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years.

Swinna Ness is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife observation. Its remote location and untouched natural beauty make it a must-visit spot for those seeking to explore the rugged landscapes of the Shetland Islands.

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Swinna Ness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.760773/-0.80718456 or Grid Reference HP6509. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

White Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Keen of Hamar
White Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Keen of Hamar
Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Keen of Hamar
Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Keen of Hamar
Stile beside the old coastguard lookout on the Keen of Hamar
Stile beside the old coastguard lookout on the Keen of Hamar
Moss Campion (Silene acaulis) and Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Keen of Hamar
Moss Campion (Silene acaulis) and Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Keen of Hamar
Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) at Moss Campion (Silene acaulis) at Keen of Hamar
Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) at Moss Campion (Silene acaulis) at Keen of Hamar
Shetland Mouse-ear (Cerastium nigrescens), Keen of Hamar
Shetland Mouse-ear (Cerastium nigrescens), Keen of Hamar
Bull at Hamar, Baltasound
Bull at Hamar, Baltasound
Swinna Ness and Balta from the Keen of Hamar
Swinna Ness and Balta from the Keen of Hamar
First-summer male King Eider (Somateria spectabilis), Baltasound Normally a resident of the High Arctic, birds are seen almost annually in Shetland, but infrequently in midsummer. This bird has been in Shetland since at least March.
First-summer male King Eider (Somateria spectabilis), Baltasound
Normally a resident of the High Arctic, birds are seen almost annually in Shetland, but infrequently in midsummer. This bird has been in Shetland since at least March.
Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima), Baltasound
Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima), Baltasound
MV Island Sky at anchor off Baltasound
MV Island Sky at anchor off Baltasound
Tall ship anchored near Balta Haar is obscuring most of the island.
Tall ship anchored near Balta
Haar is obscuring most of the island.
Unstfest Puffin at Bobby's Bus Stop, Baltasound There was no Unstfest in 2021, due to COVID-19, but the Puffins made an appearance, with a Treasure Island theme, as the map in Robert Louis Stephenson's Treasure Island is said to be based on a map of Unst, inspired by Stephenson's visit with his father and uncle during the construction of Muckle Flugga lighthouse.
Unstfest Puffin at Bobby's Bus Stop, Baltasound
There was no Unstfest in 2021, due to COVID-19, but the Puffins made an appearance, with a Treasure Island theme, as the map in Robert Louis Stephenson's Treasure Island is said to be based on a map of Unst, inspired by Stephenson's visit with his father and uncle during the construction of Muckle Flugga lighthouse.
Field Gentian (Gentianella campestris), Keen of Hamar
Field Gentian (Gentianella campestris), Keen of Hamar
MV Island Sky at anchor off Baltasound
MV Island Sky at anchor off Baltasound
Baltasound voe on a calm day
Baltasound voe on a calm day
Sunrise over Balta from Baltasound pier
Sunrise over Balta from Baltasound pier
Great Northern Diver (Gavia immer), Baltasound
Great Northern Diver (Gavia immer), Baltasound
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Swinna Ness is located at Grid Ref: HP6509 (Lat: 60.760773, Lng: -0.80718456)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///frantic.occupiers.billiard. Near Baltasound, Shetland Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.760773,-0.80718456
Board Type: welcome_sign
Information: board
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 60.762302/-0.8153837
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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