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Cantick

Cliff, Slope in Orkney

Scotland

Cantick

West Winni Skerry on Swona
West Winni Skerry on Swona Credit: John Ferguson

Cantick is a small coastal settlement located on the island of South Walls in Orkney, Scotland. It is situated on a cliff with a sloping terrain, offering stunning views of the surrounding natural landscapes.

The cliff in Cantick is composed of rugged rocks, formed by ancient volcanic activity millions of years ago. The cliff face is characterized by its steep slope, which gradually descends towards the shoreline. The slope is covered with a variety of vegetation, including grass, wildflowers, and shrubs, enhancing the beauty of the area.

The cliff and slope of Cantick provide a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife. Various seabirds can be spotted nesting on the cliffs, such as puffins, guillemots, and fulmars. The surrounding waters are frequented by seals, dolphins, and occasional sightings of whales.

The location of Cantick on a cliff and slope offers visitors and residents alike a unique experience. The breathtaking views of the coastal scenery, the sound of crashing waves, and the fresh sea air create a serene environment. The cliff also serves as a vantage point for birdwatching and photography enthusiasts.

Cantick is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including cliff walking, hiking, and exploring the nearby beaches. It is also home to the historic Cantick Head Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships in the area since the early 19th century. The lighthouse adds to the charm of Cantick and is a significant landmark in the region.

Overall, Cantick with its cliff and sloping terrain offers a picturesque and tranquil setting, making it an ideal place for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape.

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Cantick Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.738639/-3.0557868 or Grid Reference ND3883. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

West Winni Skerry on Swona
West Winni Skerry on Swona
The North Head, Swona
The North Head, Swona
Beacon on Swona, Pentland Firth, at dawn
Beacon on Swona, Pentland Firth, at dawn
Dawn over Swona, Pentland Firth
Dawn over Swona, Pentland Firth
Dawn over Swona, Pentland Firth
Dawn over Swona, Pentland Firth
Dawn over Swona, Pentland Firth South Ronaldsay in the background.
Dawn over Swona, Pentland Firth
South Ronaldsay in the background.
Beacon on the Tarf, Swona, Pentland Firth
Beacon on the Tarf, Swona, Pentland Firth
Swona from the south Taken from about ND 3922
Swona from the south
Taken from about ND 3922
The Tarf, Swona, from the south
The Tarf, Swona, from the south
Sooth Clett, Swona, from the sea Taken from about ND 3681
Sooth Clett, Swona, from the sea
Taken from about ND 3681
Swona, Orkney, from the air
Swona, Orkney, from the air
Skerries at SW tip of Swona The navigation light visible in the background. Photo taken from "Pentalina" ferry between Gills Bay and St Margaret's Hope.
Skerries at SW tip of Swona
The navigation light visible in the background. Photo taken from "Pentalina" ferry between Gills Bay and St Margaret's Hope.
Buildings on Swona
Buildings on Swona
Tails of the Tarf The disturbed water shows some of the dangers of the Pentland Firth for small vessels. Only a small part of the tip of the island of Swona is in this square.
Tails of the Tarf
The disturbed water shows some of the dangers of the Pentland Firth for small vessels. Only a small part of the tip of the island of Swona is in this square.
The Tarf, Swona A navigation beacon at the southern end of the island.
The Tarf, Swona
A navigation beacon at the southern end of the island.
Tails of the Tarf Skerries on the southern tip of Swona, Pentland Firth.
Tails of the Tarf
Skerries on the southern tip of Swona, Pentland Firth.
Swona View from the Pentland Ferries boat passing to the west.
Swona
View from the Pentland Ferries boat passing to the west.
Swona The island is situated in the Pentland Firth where it creates an obstruction to the strong tides producing tidal races, over-falls and whirlpools. One of these whirlpools is known as the ‘Wells of Swona’, and legend has it is caused by a witch struggling to save herself. To quote directly from Westwood and Kingshill’s book “The Lore of Scotland: A guide to Scottish legends”: "A witch once took a fancy to a dark and handsome young man and wanted him for her lover. When she asked him to go to the beach with her, however, he refused, as his sweetheart was at that moment on her way to join him. Concealing her anger, the witch persuaded the young man and his girl to come out with her in her boat. As they approached Swona, she worked a spell on the boat and it overturned. The young man caught his girl’s hand in an attempt to save her, but at the same moment the witch caught hold of his to drag him under the waves and into her power. The three were so entangled that they could not be pulled apart. The young man and his sweetheart were drowned, but the witch is still struggling to get free, and it is her frantic churning of the waters that causes the Wells of Swona." Adapted from my daily photo diary <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.fhithich.uk/?p=25760" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.fhithich.uk/?p=25760">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Swona
The island is situated in the Pentland Firth where it creates an obstruction to the strong tides producing tidal races, over-falls and whirlpools. One of these whirlpools is known as the ‘Wells of Swona’, and legend has it is caused by a witch struggling to save herself. To quote directly from Westwood and Kingshill’s book “The Lore of Scotland: A guide to Scottish legends”: "A witch once took a fancy to a dark and handsome young man and wanted him for her lover. When she asked him to go to the beach with her, however, he refused, as his sweetheart was at that moment on her way to join him. Concealing her anger, the witch persuaded the young man and his girl to come out with her in her boat. As they approached Swona, she worked a spell on the boat and it overturned. The young man caught his girl’s hand in an attempt to save her, but at the same moment the witch caught hold of his to drag him under the waves and into her power. The three were so entangled that they could not be pulled apart. The young man and his sweetheart were drowned, but the witch is still struggling to get free, and it is her frantic churning of the waters that causes the Wells of Swona." Adapted from my daily photo diary LinkExternal link
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Cantick is located at Grid Ref: ND3883 (Lat: 58.738639, Lng: -3.0557868)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///retire.withdraws.lousy. Near St Margaret's Hope, Orkney Islands

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