Crabbabery

Cliff, Slope in Shetland

Scotland

Crabbabery

Storm Beach These boulders, thrown up by the waves to form a storm beach 30 metres above the sea, demonstrate the power of the seas which pound the exposed north side of Papa Stour
Storm Beach Credit: Anne Burgess

Crabbabery, located in the Shetland Islands, is a stunning cliff and slope formation that captivates visitors with its dramatic beauty and unique geological features. Situated on the rugged coastline, this natural wonder is renowned for its breathtaking views and distinctive characteristics.

The cliffs of Crabbabery soar high into the sky, reaching impressive heights that showcase the power of nature. Carved by centuries of erosion, the rock faces exhibit layers of sedimentary rock, revealing the area's rich geological history. The cliffs' composition is primarily comprised of sandstone and shale, creating a striking contrast of colors and textures.

At the base of the cliffs, a steep slope descends towards the crashing waves of the North Sea. This slope is a haven for various plant species, including hardy grasses, mosses, and wildflowers, which cling to the rocky terrain. The flora adds vibrant splashes of color to the otherwise rugged landscape.

Crabbabery's location also makes it an ideal habitat for a diverse range of seabirds. Fulmars, kittiwakes, and guillemots can often be spotted nesting on the narrow ledges of the cliffs, taking advantage of the inaccessible terrain for protection.

Visitors to Crabbabery can marvel at the awe-inspiring views, whether from atop the cliffs or by venturing down the slope to explore the shoreline. The area offers an ideal spot for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and geology aficionados, as it provides a unique opportunity to witness the raw power and beauty of the natural world.

It is important to note that caution should be exercised when exploring Crabbabery, as the cliffs and slopes can be dangerous due to their unstable nature and unpredictable weather conditions.

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Crabbabery Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.33421/-1.6833021 or Grid Reference HU1761. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Storm Beach These boulders, thrown up by the waves to form a storm beach 30 metres above the sea, demonstrate the power of the seas which pound the exposed north side of Papa Stour
Storm Beach
These boulders, thrown up by the waves to form a storm beach 30 metres above the sea, demonstrate the power of the seas which pound the exposed north side of Papa Stour
Plantiecrub near Flaes Point A plantiecrub is a small walled enclosure in which cabbage seedlings are grown until they are big enough to plant out in croft gardens. They are usually built well away from the croft to protect the seedlings against the crofters' hens.
Plantiecrub near Flaes Point
A plantiecrub is a small walled enclosure in which cabbage seedlings are grown until they are big enough to plant out in croft gardens. They are usually built well away from the croft to protect the seedlings against the crofters' hens.
Ruined Meal Mills Several traditional mills straddle this little burn. Inside the building was a fixed lower millstone, and a rotating upper millstone driven by the water falling on to the paddles below, which were mounted at 45º to the vertical drive shaft.
Ruined Meal Mills
Several traditional mills straddle this little burn. Inside the building was a fixed lower millstone, and a rotating upper millstone driven by the water falling on to the paddles below, which were mounted at 45º to the vertical drive shaft.
The Loch that Ebbs and Flows The interior of Papa Stour is mainly moorland, though there are several lochans in the central part. This one's curious name reflects its closeness to the sea, from which it is cut off only by an ayre or shingle spit.
The Loch that Ebbs and Flows
The interior of Papa Stour is mainly moorland, though there are several lochans in the central part. This one's curious name reflects its closeness to the sea, from which it is cut off only by an ayre or shingle spit.
Lang Geo One of the many inlets typical of the north coast of Papa Stour.
Lang Geo
One of the many inlets typical of the north coast of Papa Stour.
Hurdibrack The last stretch of the footpath back from the west side of the island. In the middle distance is the wall which crosses the entire island, separating the arable land in the east from the pasture to the west.
Hurdibrack
The last stretch of the footpath back from the west side of the island. In the middle distance is the wall which crosses the entire island, separating the arable land in the east from the pasture to the west.
The Wall This is the wall which cuts across the whole island. The west side (left) has a steep face to prevent animals climbing over it. The east (right) side has a sloping face so that any animals which have managed to cross it can easily be driven back on to the pasture land.
The Wall
This is the wall which cuts across the whole island. The west side (left) has a steep face to prevent animals climbing over it. The east (right) side has a sloping face so that any animals which have managed to cross it can easily be driven back on to the pasture land.
Robie's Noust This is a very dull shot of a square which would certainly have yielded a more interesting image if we had had time to explore it before the ferry left.
Robie's Noust
This is a very dull shot of a square which would certainly have yielded a more interesting image if we had had time to explore it before the ferry left.
The Dales As with the next-door square, HU1861 would certainly have yielded a more interesting shot if we had not had to rush to catch the ferry!
The Dales
As with the next-door square, HU1861 would certainly have yielded a more interesting shot if we had not had to rush to catch the ferry!
Papa Stour Pier and Ferry The ferry runs regularly but infrequently, so that day trips to the island are only possible on Fridays or Saturdays.
Papa Stour Pier and Ferry
The ferry runs regularly but infrequently, so that day trips to the island are only possible on Fridays or Saturdays.
Ruined House
Ruined House
Ruined house The number of ruined buildings on the island seem to far outnumber those still habitable or used.
Ruined house
The number of ruined buildings on the island seem to far outnumber those still habitable or used.
Road and ruins This is the main road for the island.  Even this close to the pier the ruins of abandoned crofts can be found just off the road.
Road and ruins
This is the main road for the island. Even this close to the pier the ruins of abandoned crofts can be found just off the road.
View towards Papa Stour Airstrip The cleared and smoothed ground in the upper right of the image is the airstrip for Papa Stour which is located in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU1759">HU1759</a>.
View towards Papa Stour Airstrip
The cleared and smoothed ground in the upper right of the image is the airstrip for Papa Stour which is located in HU1759.
Rocky coastline
Rocky coastline
View from North Ness The view here is from North Ness towards the highest point on the island.

The ground shown in the foreground is typical of this rather barren area.
View from North Ness
The view here is from North Ness towards the highest point on the island. The ground shown in the foreground is typical of this rather barren area.
The "New" Pier The image here is taken from the old pier looking towards the new pier.

The line of rusting fenceposts serves no useful purpose.

The rocks along the shoreline are very popular with young seals - although they proved to be somewhat camera-shy.
The "New" Pier
The image here is taken from the old pier looking towards the new pier. The line of rusting fenceposts serves no useful purpose. The rocks along the shoreline are very popular with young seals - although they proved to be somewhat camera-shy.
A puzzling wall The purpose of this isolated section of wall is far from clear: you might think that perhaps it was in place to stop sheep wandering down onto the rocks beyond, but it would seem to be easy enough for them to walk around the wall.
A puzzling wall
The purpose of this isolated section of wall is far from clear: you might think that perhaps it was in place to stop sheep wandering down onto the rocks beyond, but it would seem to be easy enough for them to walk around the wall.
Show me another place!

Crabbabery is located at Grid Ref: HU1761 (Lat: 60.33421, Lng: -1.6833021)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///suspends.light.chase. Near Walls, Shetland Islands

Related Wikis

Biggings

Biggings is a village on the island of Papa Stour, in Shetland, Scotland. Papa Stour's church is situated at the south of Biggings. A homestead of Duke...

Papa Stour

Papa Stour (Scots: Papa Stour) is one of the Shetland Islands in Scotland, with a population of under fifteen people, some of whom immigrated after an...

Maiden Stack

The Maiden Stack or Frau Stack is a tiny stack in the western Shetland Islands to the north of Brei Holm and east of Housa Voe in Papa Stour. It is so...

Brei Holm

Brei Holm is a tiny tidal islet in the western Shetland Islands. It is due east of Papa Stour, to which it is connected at low tide, just outside Housa...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.33421,-1.6833021
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.331034/-1.679524
Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 60.330661/-1.6816115
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3321824/-1.6757529
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3304253/-1.6801032
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3313862/-1.6783681
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3317824/-1.6770595
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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