Black Hillock

Cliff, Slope in Shetland

Scotland

Black Hillock

The Nev, Fitful Head, from the air With a view to Ward of Scousburgh — The Nev, Fitful Head, from the air Credit: Mike Pennington

Black Hillock is a prominent cliff located on the island of Shetland, Scotland. Situated on the coastline, it forms part of the rugged and picturesque landscape of this archipelago. The cliff is known for its sheer height and dramatic slopes, offering breathtaking views of the North Sea and the surrounding area.

Rising to an impressive height of approximately 200 meters (656 feet), Black Hillock presents a striking sight as it overlooks the crashing waves below. Its dark, weathered rock face is a result of millions of years of erosion and geological processes. The exposed layers of rock showcase the geological history of the region, with distinct strata visible to the keen observer.

The slope of Black Hillock is a challenging terrain, making it popular among hiking and climbing enthusiasts. Its steep incline provides an exciting and adventurous experience for those seeking outdoor activities. However, it should be noted that caution is required when accessing the cliff, as the rugged terrain can be treacherous.

The area surrounding Black Hillock is abundant in diverse flora and fauna, with seabirds often seen nesting on the cliff face. The cliff's proximity to the sea also offers opportunities for marine wildlife sightings, including seals and dolphins.

Black Hillock's natural beauty and striking presence make it a popular destination for nature lovers, photographers, and tourists visiting the Shetland Islands. Its imposing stature and breathtaking views make it a must-see attraction for anyone exploring the rugged coastlines of Scotland.

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Black Hillock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.905226/-1.387917 or Grid Reference HU3413. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Nev, Fitful Head, from the air With a view to Ward of Scousburgh

The Nev, Fitful Head, from the air

With a view to Ward of Scousburgh

Mike Pennington

Fitful Head from the air

Fitful Head from the air

Mike Pennington

Whales Wick, Fitful Head, from the air

Whales Wick, Fitful Head, from the air

Mike Pennington

The Ords, Fitful Head

The Ords, Fitful Head

Cliffs at The Nev, north of Fitful Head

Cliffs at The Nev, north of Fitful Head

The bend in the track There is a well-graded track up to the communications masts on Fitful Head. Clearly, it is not open to the public to drive up, but it is an easy walk from Quendale. At this point, there is a sharp bend. Coming down, I certainly would not want to lose control here, or miss the turn in mist. The consequences are pretty clear!

I think that the rocks just left of centre must be Swarta Skerry, in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU3415">HU3415</a>.

The bend in the track

There is a well-graded track up to the communications masts on Fitful Head. Clearly, it is not open to the public to drive up, but it is an easy walk from Quendale. At this point, there is a sharp bend. Coming down, I certainly would not want to lose control here, or miss the turn in mist. The consequences are pretty clear! I think that the rocks just left of centre must be Swarta Skerry, in HU3415.

The track from Fitful Head A well-graded track serves the communications station on Fitful Head. Clearly, it is not open to the public to drive, but it gives an easy walk. This is looking back downhill towards Quendale.

The track from Fitful Head

A well-graded track serves the communications station on Fitful Head. Clearly, it is not open to the public to drive, but it gives an easy walk. This is looking back downhill towards Quendale.

Siggar Ness and Fitful Head from the air

Siggar Ness and Fitful Head from the air

Mike Pennington

Siggar Ness and Fitful Head from the air Taken from a plane coming in to land at Sumburgh Airport.

Siggar Ness and Fitful Head from the air

Taken from a plane coming in to land at Sumburgh Airport.

Mike Pennington

Siggar Ness and Fitful Head from the air Taken from a plane just after take-off from Sumburgh Airport. There is snow on the west Mainland of Shetland in the distance.

Siggar Ness and Fitful Head from the air

Taken from a plane just after take-off from Sumburgh Airport. There is snow on the west Mainland of Shetland in the distance.

Mike Pennington

Siggar Ness and Fitful Head from the air

Siggar Ness and Fitful Head from the air

Mike Pennington

Fitful Head: view from a few miles east Looking out from the Northlink ferry to Aberdeen as cloud covers Fitful Head on a beautiful sunny evening.

Fitful Head: view from a few miles east

Looking out from the Northlink ferry to Aberdeen as cloud covers Fitful Head on a beautiful sunny evening.

Mystery Feature An absolute mystery when first located, but close investigation revealed its identity.
It turns out to be a Protective Wall for a Target Zone on an old disused firing range (some evidence here <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2622204">HU3513 : Blitzed Target Zone</a>.
It faces another Target Zone (down-range) about 450 metres away; see - <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2622226">HU3613 : Unmarked Feature</a>.
The platform (maybe planks) on which the targets stood, is missing.

Mystery Feature

An absolute mystery when first located, but close investigation revealed its identity. It turns out to be a Protective Wall for a Target Zone on an old disused firing range (some evidence here HU3513 : Blitzed Target Zone. It faces another Target Zone (down-range) about 450 metres away; see - HU3613 : Unmarked Feature. The platform (maybe planks) on which the targets stood, is missing.

Fire Wall This is the protective wall at a Target Zone on an old disused firing range.
There are no names, nor designations, on the map, nor references (that I could find) on the Internet.
Looking from this protective wall, across the valley, one can see another obvious Target Zone <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2622226">HU3613 : Unmarked Feature</a> - centre and to the right of the quarry.
This Fire Wall but not the Target Zone is shown on the OS map.

Fire Wall

This is the protective wall at a Target Zone on an old disused firing range. There are no names, nor designations, on the map, nor references (that I could find) on the Internet. Looking from this protective wall, across the valley, one can see another obvious Target Zone HU3613 : Unmarked Feature - centre and to the right of the quarry. This Fire Wall but not the Target Zone is shown on the OS map.

Blitzed Target Zone The front edge of the protective wall, behind which, on a raised platform I assume, targets stood.
The &#039;blitzing&#039; suggests that a lot of &#039;incoming fire&#039; had raked the wall, as the rear edges and the protected front ones appear as sharp as new. The whole area must have been used for weapon training.

Blitzed Target Zone

The front edge of the protective wall, behind which, on a raised platform I assume, targets stood. The 'blitzing' suggests that a lot of 'incoming fire' had raked the wall, as the rear edges and the protected front ones appear as sharp as new. The whole area must have been used for weapon training.

Unmarked Feature In the field I could find no direct evidence on the OS maps for such an obvious feature (unlike the one mentioned below). A later desktop search found a small trace-mark on the larger-scale maps.
It is the sheltered Target Zone on a rifle range and linked to - <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2622169">HU3513 : Mystery Feature</a>.

Unmarked Feature

In the field I could find no direct evidence on the OS maps for such an obvious feature (unlike the one mentioned below). A later desktop search found a small trace-mark on the larger-scale maps. It is the sheltered Target Zone on a rifle range and linked to - HU3513 : Mystery Feature.

Claypotts A row of tiny derelict &#039;cells&#039;. Reminiscent of quarrymen&#039;s barracks I have seen elsewhere. Very neat layout about five rooms, all identical.

Claypotts

A row of tiny derelict 'cells'. Reminiscent of quarrymen's barracks I have seen elsewhere. Very neat layout about five rooms, all identical.

Crooellmires A small group of ruins at the head of The Burn of Garth

Crooellmires

A small group of ruins at the head of The Burn of Garth

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Black Hillock is located at Grid Ref: HU3413 (Lat: 59.905226, Lng: -1.387917)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///trickled.plantings.pits. Near Sumburgh, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

Geo of Bruntlee Black Hillock Brunt Head Geo Muller Roo The Ords Thief's House

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.905226,-1.387917

Fitful Head

Corbett: no

Ele: 283

Graham: no

Marilyn: yes

Munro: no

Natural: peak

Prominence: 270

Lat/Long: 59.9058125/-1.3821974

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 59.9052913/-1.3812837

Barrier: cattle_grid

Lat/Long: 59.9062031/-1.382083

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 59.9050721/-1.3801733

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 59.9048555/-1.3792184

Man Made: survey_point

Lat/Long: 59.9055535/-1.3826624

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 59.9054702/-1.3820884

The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

The Clifts Shetland

Stony Heugh Durham

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