Banks of Veniver

Cliff, Slope in Orkney

Scotland

Banks of Veniver

Shapinsay: picnic bench at the north end A picnic bench occupies a pleasant position, just by the end of the road and with good views across to Eday, which we can just make out in the distance. — Shapinsay: picnic bench at the north end Credit: Chris Downer

The Banks of Veniver, located in Orkney, Scotland, are an impressive geological feature consisting of steep cliffs and slopes. Situated on the northern coast of the main island, these banks stretch for approximately 3 miles along the coastline. The cliffs, which reach heights of up to 200 feet, are composed of sandstone and shale, displaying layers that provide a glimpse into the region's geological history.

The Banks of Veniver offer breathtaking views of the North Sea, with its crashing waves and dramatic tides. The cliffs are home to a diverse range of seabird colonies, including guillemots, puffins, and razorbills, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

The slopes leading down from the cliffs are covered in lush vegetation, including grasses, heather, and wildflowers such as primroses and sea pinks. The combination of the rugged cliffs and vibrant flora creates a visually stunning landscape that attracts both locals and tourists alike.

Due to their remote location, the Banks of Veniver provide a peaceful and serene environment, ideal for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature. The area is also a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), recognizing its importance for both its geological and ecological significance.

Overall, the Banks of Veniver in Orkney are a remarkable natural feature, combining towering cliffs, vibrant slopes, and abundant wildlife. Whether admired from the top of the cliffs or explored up close, this area offers a captivating glimpse into the geological and biological diversity of the region.

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Banks of Veniver Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.078479/-2.8296564 or Grid Reference HY5221. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shapinsay: picnic bench at the north end

A picnic bench occupies a pleasant position, just by the end of the road and with good views across to Eday, which we can just make out in the distance.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: non-antiquities on the beach

A small stone circle and a pile of stones have been put up by a visitor to this small but picturesque beach at the northern end of the island.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: sandy and rocky beach

A nice beach at the northern end of the island. I wonder if the dad and son in the background were as surprised as we were not to be the only visitors.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: Hillock Road

Surprisingly named on the 1:25,000 map, this little lane is a continuation of the B9058, at right angles to it. The beach is just behind us.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: Borroughston Broch

One of many brochs, or remains of, in Orkney, the one here was excavated in the 1860s but fell into poor condition again before being properly restored in the 1990s.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: Borroughston Broch from the north

Another view of HY5421 : Shapinsay: Borroughston Broch, from the opposite side.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: a line of running cows

Maybe 'running' is a bit of an exaggeration, but these cows approached us in line at a bit of a canter before deciding that there was nothing to interest them. A few minutes later they did the same, in similar formation, at the far end of the field.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: the B9058 heads north

Looking along the last dead-straight mile of the main road across the island.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: hay bales and a sea view

Looking across one of the square patchwork fields of the island, with Rothiesholm Head on Stronsay in the distance.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: postbox № KW17 57

A standard lamp box dating from post-1994, mounted on an unusually short metal pole. Serving the northern part of the island, it is one of four postboxes on Shapinsay.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: the road to Quholm

A road runs at right-angles from the main B9058, and the regular angularity is no accident: David Balfour, who owned the island in the mid-1800s, divided most of the land into fields of 4 hectares - and it is particularly evident from aerial photography or large-scale mapping that this was done in a patchwork of squares. It is therefore natural that the roads will be straight and at right-angles to one another.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: red phone box on the B9058

The phone box stands alongside the road but far enough onto someone's garden that it is probably the location of the former North Shapinsay post office, which existed from 1935 until closure on 30 June 1975.

Chris Downer

Ness of Ork, Shapinsay, from the air

Mike Pennington

Triangulation pillar, Ness of Ork, Shapinsay, Orkney

Looking west towards the coast at Noust of Erraby.

Claire Pegrum

Point of Duresse, Shapinsay, Orkney

Mull Head on Orkney Mainland can be seen on the left of the horizon.

Claire Pegrum

Broch of Burroughston

This is the entrance passageway to the broch, which is sufficiently well preserved to be readily recognisable as such. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. See Link

for details.

Anne Burgess

Broch of Burroughston

The broch still stands to about a third of its likely original height, and its internal features, including stairs and the bases of partitions, have survived. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. See Link

for details.

Anne Burgess

Broch of Burroughston

Looking down from the top of the wall, you get a reasonable idea of the internal layout, including the partitions that create smaller side chambers. The grating is modern, and covers the well. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. See Link

for details.

Anne Burgess

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Banks of Veniver is located at Grid Ref: HY5221 (Lat: 59.078479, Lng: -2.8296564)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands