Black Craig

Cliff, Slope in Orkney

Scotland

Black Craig

Sanday ferry passing the Green Holms, from the air
Sanday ferry passing the Green Holms, from the air Credit: Mike Pennington

Black Craig is a prominent cliff located on the west coast of Orkney, an archipelago in the northern part of Scotland. Rising majestically from the North Atlantic Ocean, it stands as a formidable geological landmark in the area. Composed mainly of dark igneous rock, the cliff measures approximately 100 feet in height, providing a dramatic backdrop against the crashing waves below.

The sheer face of Black Craig is a result of millions of years of erosion, sculpting the rock into its current shape. Its steep slope and jagged edges make it an awe-inspiring sight, attracting both locals and tourists alike. During low tide, the cliff reveals a rugged shoreline, with small caves and crevices that have formed over time.

The cliff is surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, including various seabirds that nest along its craggy ledges. Visitors may catch a glimpse of species such as puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes, which make their homes in the cliffs during different seasons. The cliff also provides a vantage point for spotting seals, dolphins, and even occasional sightings of whales in the waters below.

Black Craig offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Its location makes it an ideal spot for photographers, artists, and nature enthusiasts to capture the raw beauty of Orkney's rugged landscape. Whether admiring the cliff from afar or venturing closer to explore its unique features, Black Craig is an iconic geological formation that adds to the charm and allure of Orkney.

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Black Craig Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.1296/-2.8333736 or Grid Reference HY5227. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sanday ferry passing the Green Holms, from the air
Sanday ferry passing the Green Holms, from the air
Muckle Green Holm View from Whiteness Taing to the island.
Muckle Green Holm
View from Whiteness Taing to the island.
Dwelling on Muckle Green Holm This appears to be the only dwelling on the island, albeit long abandoned. It is to the west of the trig point and appears from aerial imagery to have landing pad just to the south of the house.
Dwelling on Muckle Green Holm
This appears to be the only dwelling on the island, albeit long abandoned. It is to the west of the trig point and appears from aerial imagery to have landing pad just to the south of the house.
Sound of the Green Holms Passing by Muckle Green Holm on route to Kirkwall.
Sound of the Green Holms
Passing by Muckle Green Holm on route to Kirkwall.
Sound of the Green Holms Passing Muckle Green Holm to the left and Little Green Holm to the right on the way back to Kirkwall.
Sound of the Green Holms
Passing Muckle Green Holm to the left and Little Green Holm to the right on the way back to Kirkwall.
Little Green Holm Looking roughly NW, with Rousay in the background.
Little Green Holm
Looking roughly NW, with Rousay in the background.
Trig Point, Muckle Green Holm Sitting above the cliffs and caves.
Trig Point, Muckle Green Holm
Sitting above the cliffs and caves.
Near Carlin Geo The northern end of Muckle Green Holm. Directly beyond on the horizon the round tower of the norse church on Egilsay can just be made out. The ferry we were heading north on made an almost right angled turn here out into the oncoming tidal current, which took us southwards, across the Fall of Warness, to near War Ness.
Near Carlin Geo
The northern end of Muckle Green Holm. Directly beyond on the horizon the round tower of the norse church on Egilsay can just be made out. The ferry we were heading north on made an almost right angled turn here out into the oncoming tidal current, which took us southwards, across the Fall of Warness, to near War Ness.
Sound of the Green Holms Looking NW through the gap between the two holms.
Sound of the Green Holms
Looking NW through the gap between the two holms.
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Black Craig is located at Grid Ref: HY5227 (Lat: 59.1296, Lng: -2.8333736)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///slot.piles.shuffles. Near Backaland, Orkney Islands

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Located within 500m of 59.1296,-2.8333736
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Lat/Long: 59.127607/-2.832135
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Lat/Long: 59.12939/-2.825653
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The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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