Hovie Score

Cliff, Slope in Shetland

Scotland

Hovie Score

Bard Head Taken from the Marco Polo cruise ship on the way out of Lerwick. — Bard Head Credit: Ian S

Hovie Score, located in Shetland, is a prominent cliff and slope formation that offers stunning views and is known for its natural beauty. Situated on the western coast of the Shetland Islands, Hovie Score is a popular tourist attraction, drawing nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

The cliff face of Hovie Score is characterized by its sheer vertical drop, which reaches heights of up to 200 meters (656 feet). The rugged and dramatic landscape is a result of centuries of erosion caused by the relentless power of the North Atlantic Ocean. The exposed rock formations, composed mainly of sandstone and shale, showcase layers of different geological periods, providing a glimpse into the earth's history.

The cliff offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape, including the vast expanse of the ocean, neighboring islands, and the scenic coastline. Visitors can often spot a variety of seabirds that inhabit the area, such as puffins, fulmars, and guillemots, nesting on the cliff ledges.

The slope leading up to the cliff is covered in lush vegetation, including heather, grasses, and wildflowers. This vibrant flora provides a striking contrast to the ruggedness of the cliff face.

Due to its geographical characteristics, Hovie Score is a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and photography. However, it is important to exercise caution while exploring the area, as the cliff edges can be dangerous and unpredictable, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

Overall, Hovie Score in Shetland offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, with its towering cliffs, breathtaking views, and diverse wildlife.

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Hovie Score Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.107684/-1.0743923 or Grid Reference HU5136. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bard Head

Taken from the Marco Polo cruise ship on the way out of Lerwick.

Ian S

Bard Head

View from the Lerwick to Aberdeen Ferry.

Sandy Gerrard

Mills of the Ord, Bressay, from the sea

Mike Pennington

Coastline at the Orkneyman's Cave, the Bard, Bressay

Mike Pennington

Orkneyman's Cave, the Bard, Bressay

Although labelled as the Cave of the Bard on OS maps, this is the name by which everyone in Shetland knows it.

Mike Pennington

The Giant's Leg, The Bard, Bressay

Mike Pennington

Bard Head, Bressay, from the sea

Mike Pennington

In the Orkneyman's Cave, Bard Head, Bressay, looking out

Mike Pennington

Orkneyman's Cave, Bard Head, Bressay

Labelled as Cave of the Bard on the map, but no-one locally uses that name.

Mike Pennington

Mills of the Ord, Bressay, from the sea

Mike Pennington

Guillemot (Uria aalge), Bard Head, Bressay

Mike Pennington

Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), Bard Head, Bressay

Mike Pennington

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus), Bard Head, Bressay

Mike Pennington

Shag (Gulusus aristotelis), Bard Head, Bressay

Mike Pennington

The Orkneyman's Cave, Bressay

Known locally as the Orkneyman's Cave*, this is the Cave of the Bard on the headland of the same name, Bressay, Shetland. *A popular myth is that this cave was used as a hiding place for a man from Orkney evading a press-gang; although his boat is said to have washed away in a storm, he managed to climb the cliffs onto Bressay and make his escape.

Carroll Pierce