Big Roag

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Big Roag

It must be somewhere tropical: Norwick Blue skies, azure seas, palm trees, exotic birds, passing cruise liners? It must be somewhere tropical? But it's actually a migrant Bee-eater on Unst in Shetland with the Faroe ferry Norrona passing in the background.
It must be somewhere tropical: Norwick Credit: Mike Pennington

Big Roag is a prominent coastal feature located on the Shetland Islands, which are part of Scotland. Situated on the west coast of the main island, known as Mainland, Big Roag is a headland that juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean. It is also commonly referred to as a point due to its distinct shape and geographical significance.

This coastal feature is characterized by its rugged and dramatic cliffs that rise vertically from the sea, reaching heights of up to 200 feet (60 meters). The cliffs are composed of ancient sedimentary rock formations, showcasing layers of sandstone and shale, which have been eroded over millions of years by the relentless pounding of the waves.

Big Roag offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the open ocean. On clear days, visitors can see the distant outline of neighboring islands, as well as the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. The area is also home to a diverse range of seabirds, such as puffins, guillemots, and gannets, which nest on the cliffs and can be observed during breeding seasons.

Access to Big Roag is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading visitors to the headland. However, caution is advised, as the cliffs can be hazardous, especially during periods of strong winds and rough seas.

Overall, Big Roag is a stunning coastal feature that showcases the natural beauty and geological diversity of the Shetland Islands. Its rugged cliffs, panoramic views, and abundant wildlife make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

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Big Roag Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.800668/-0.78622298 or Grid Reference HP6613. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

It must be somewhere tropical: Norwick Blue skies, azure seas, palm trees, exotic birds, passing cruise liners? It must be somewhere tropical? But it's actually a migrant Bee-eater on Unst in Shetland with the Faroe ferry Norrona passing in the background.
It must be somewhere tropical: Norwick
Blue skies, azure seas, palm trees, exotic birds, passing cruise liners? It must be somewhere tropical? But it's actually a migrant Bee-eater on Unst in Shetland with the Faroe ferry Norrona passing in the background.
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster), Norwick A rare bird this far north, this was the fifth seen on Unst.
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster), Norwick
A rare bird this far north, this was the fifth seen on Unst.
Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia) and Black-headed Gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), Norwick Bonaparte's Gull is a rare visitor from America, here visiting its transatlantic cousins.
Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia) and Black-headed Gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), Norwick
Bonaparte's Gull is a rare visitor from America, here visiting its transatlantic cousins.
Common Gulls (Larus canus), Baltasound
Common Gulls (Larus canus), Baltasound
Burn of Norwick on Norwick beach
Burn of Norwick on Norwick beach
Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra), Norwick
Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra), Norwick
Holsens, Norwick, and low cloud over the Ward of Norwick
Holsens, Norwick, and low cloud over the Ward of Norwick
The ever-changing profile of Norwick beach The burn now flows well north of the Taing again.
The ever-changing profile of Norwick beach
The burn now flows well north of the Taing again.
Burn of Norwick on Norwick beach This is about as far north as the burn has ever flowed in at least 30 years.
Burn of Norwick on Norwick beach
This is about as far north as the burn has ever flowed in at least 30 years.
Norwick beach
Norwick beach
Blyth's Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus dumetorum), Norwick A subtly different species, once very rare in Britain, now an annual scarce migrant in Shetland.
Blyth's Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus dumetorum), Norwick
A subtly different species, once very rare in Britain, now an annual scarce migrant in Shetland.
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceous), Norwick A very rare visitor from North America. This was the first one ever seen in Shetland.
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceous), Norwick
A very rare visitor from North America. This was the first one ever seen in Shetland.
Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala), Norwick Normally found in SE Europe, but occasionally found in Britain.
Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala), Norwick
Normally found in SE Europe, but occasionally found in Britain.
North end of Norwick beach
North end of Norwick beach
North end of Norwick beach
North end of Norwick beach
Norwick beach from Braehead
Norwick beach from Braehead
Norwick beach from Braehead
Norwick beach from Braehead
Sheep at feeders, Inner Skaw
Sheep at feeders, Inner Skaw
Show me another place!

Big Roag is located at Grid Ref: HP6613 (Lat: 60.800668, Lng: -0.78622298)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///park.suitably.diplomats. Near Haroldswick, Shetland Islands

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