The Neaps

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

The Neaps

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

The Neaps is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago in Scotland. Situated on the eastern coast of the main island, this headland juts out into the North Sea, forming a picturesque point that is known for its rugged beauty and dramatic cliffs.

The Neaps is characterized by its towering cliffs, which rise to a height of approximately 100 meters (328 feet) above sea level. These cliffs are composed of layers of sedimentary rock, displaying a variety of colors and textures that add to the area's visual appeal. The exposed rock faces of the headland provide a glimpse into the geological history of the region, with distinct layers revealing the passage of time and the forces of erosion.

The location of The Neaps offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and the vast expanse of the North Sea. On clear days, visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas, with the distant horizon meeting the sky in a seamless blend of blue hues. The area is also home to a diverse range of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, which nest in the cliffs and add to the vibrant ecosystem of the headland.

Accessing The Neaps is relatively straightforward, with a well-maintained footpath leading to the headland. However, caution is advised when approaching the cliff edges, as they can be unstable and subject to erosion. The site is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers, who come to appreciate the raw beauty and tranquility of this coastal feature in the Shetland Islands.

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The Neaps Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.814834/-0.78195469 or Grid Reference HP6615. 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
First-summer male Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), Wick of Skaw
First-summer male Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), Wick of Skaw
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.
Red-rumped Swallow (Cecropis daurica), Skaw A scarce migrant from the Mediterranean.
Red-rumped Swallow (Cecropis daurica), Skaw
A scarce migrant from the Mediterranean.
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
Britain's most northerly graffiti, Skaw The tag appears to be 'Dias'.
Britain's most northerly graffiti, Skaw
The tag appears to be 'Dias'.
Holm of Skaw
Holm of Skaw
Show me another place!

The Neaps is located at Grid Ref: HP6615 (Lat: 60.814834, Lng: -0.78195469)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///neatly.stir.offline. Near Haroldswick, Shetland Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.814834,-0.78195469
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.8160874/-0.7897842
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.8161541/-0.7883465
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.8162274/-0.7868793
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.8162993/-0.7854899
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.816366/-0.7841086
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.816434/-0.7827299
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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