Point of Hackness

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Point of Hackness

South Walls (Hoy) - Moodie family Mausoleum at Osmondwall Credit: Colin Park

Point of Hackness is a prominent headland located on the island of Orkney, off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Situated on the eastern side of Orkney Mainland, this coastal feature juts out into the North Sea, offering stunning views of the surrounding rugged coastline and open waters.

The Point of Hackness is known for its dramatic cliffs, which rise steeply from the sea below. These cliffs provide a habitat for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

In addition to its natural beauty, Point of Hackness also holds historical significance. The nearby Hackness Martello Tower, a defensive fortification built in the early 19th century, serves as a reminder of Orkney's strategic importance during times of conflict.

Visitors to Point of Hackness can enjoy scenic walks along the coastal paths, taking in the fresh sea air and observing the diverse wildlife that calls this headland home. Whether exploring the rugged cliffs, admiring the sea views, or learning about the area's history, Point of Hackness offers a unique and memorable experience for those visiting Orkney.

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Point of Hackness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.80578/-3.1517643 or Grid Reference ND3391. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

South Walls (Hoy) - Moodie family Mausoleum at Osmondwall

Colin Park

South Walls: postbox № KW17 48

A Victorian postbox set into a marvellous stone wall of a house towards the east of the island. It is emptied at 7:45 six days a week, like most of the boxes on the island. Although Hoy and South Walls are postally within KW16 (Stromness), all the postboxes on the two islands are numbered KW17, presumably in error.

Chris Downer

South Walls: across Kirk Hope from Cantick Head

Looking oust across the water from the northern edge of Cantick Head. The prominent wind turbine is on the island of Flotta.

Chris Downer

South Walls: burial ground near Cantick Head

Looking across the head of Kirk Hope towards a burial ground and its small chapel.

Chris Downer

Longhope Lifeboat Memorial

Memorial to the crew of the Longhope Lifeboat in Kirkhope Cemetery - all of whom were drowned attempting to rescue the crew of the "Irene" on 17th March 1969. The Irene was washed ashore on the northeastern side of South Ronaldsay ND486928 and the crew were all saved.

Ian Balcombe

R.N. Graves Kirkhope Cemetery

Inside Kirkhope Cemetery. Although the "official" Naval Cemetery is at Lyness to the north, at Kirkhope there is a high concentration of service graves. The stones name sailors who served aboard just about every "HMS" you can think of.... in this case HMS Warspite and HMS Dreadnought.Just about every coastal cemetery in Orkney has the graves of seamen buried there. Many were unknowns, found washed ashore on nearby beaches.

Ian Balcombe

Longhope Lifeboat Memorial

See this link Link

Calum McRoberts

Coastline, Flotta, Orkney

Looking towards Ruff of Cantick on South Walls.

Claire Pegrum

Barrage balloon mooring block and ring, Wharth, Flotta, Orkney

This was one of many barrage balloon sites which protected the Scapa Flow naval anchorage during WWII. The presence of barrage balloons meant enemy aircraft had to fly higher than they would have done otherwise and reduced the accuracy of their bombing. The Orkney barrage balloons were operated and maintained by the specially formed 950 Squadron of the RAF which was based at Lyness on Hoy.

Claire Pegrum

Martello tower at Hackness

Old sea defences

Alan Reid

South Walls: postbox № KW17 73

This small George V-reign postbox is set into a retaining wall at Kirbuster House and is emptied at 7:45am each day except Sunday. Although Hoy and South Walls are postally within KW16 (Stromness), all the postboxes on the two islands are numbered KW17, presumably in error.

Chris Downer

Martello Tower, Hackness Battery, Hoy

Hackness Martello Tower has been restored as it would have been after the 1866 upgrade. It is oval in shape and on the side facing the sea the wall is over 4.25m thick.

John Tustin