Clifts of Otterswick

Cliff, Slope in Shetland

Scotland

Clifts of Otterswick

The Clifts of Otterswick, located in Shetland, Scotland, are an awe-inspiring natural wonder that captivates visitors with its stunning cliffs and slopes. Situated on the western coast of the Shetland mainland, the cliffs offer breathtaking panoramic views of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Rising to a height of approximately 48 meters (157 feet), the Clifts of Otterswick showcase dramatic vertical rock formations that have been shaped by centuries of geological processes. The cliffs are composed mainly of sandstone, which has been eroded over time by wind and waves, resulting in striking formations and intricate layers of sedimentary rock.

The slopes leading up to the cliffs are covered in lush green vegetation, creating a beautiful contrast against the ruggedness of the cliffs. This diverse flora provides a habitat for a wide range of plant species, including sea pinks, heather, and wildflowers.

The Clifts of Otterswick are a haven for birdwatchers, as the area is home to a variety of seabirds. Visitors can spot species such as puffins, fulmars, and guillemots nesting on the cliff ledges. The cliffs also serve as an important breeding ground for seabirds during the summer months.

Access to the Clifts of Otterswick is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading visitors to the edge of the cliffs. However, caution should be exercised when exploring the area, as the cliffs can be unstable and the wind can be strong.

Overall, the Clifts of Otterswick in Shetland offer a mesmerizing natural spectacle, showcasing the power of nature and providing a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of Scotland's coastal landscape.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Clifts of Otterswick Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.545523/-1.0484636 or Grid Reference HU5285. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Driveway to Gudon

Oliver Dixon

Gudon

With the Wick of Gossabrough.

Oliver Dixon

Small beach at Bottom

On the Wick of Gossabrough.

Oliver Dixon

Ruin at Bottom

Above the beach on the Wick of Gossabrough.

Oliver Dixon

Ness of Queyon

Taken on the B9081 as we pass through East Yell, Yell, Shetland, I am looking across Otters Wick to the Ness of Queyon, the croft of the same name and the Hill of Queyon. The cliffs of Hascosay and Mid Yell can be seen beyond.

Carroll Pierce

Black Skerry

Taken on the B9081 as we pass through East Yell, Yell, Shetland, I am looking east across common cotton-grass and the water of Otters Wick to Black Skerry. The Ness of Queyon is to the left of shot in the middle distance with Mid Yell beyond.

Carroll Pierce

View over Gossabrough

Hay stooks dot the field in front of a bay called the Wick of Gossabrough, named after the small collection of crofts and houses that surround it. The row of buildings on the far side of the bay seems to be called "Bottom" according to the map, and I think that the ruined building in front of them is Gossabrough Haa. Beyond them, in the distance, can be seen a wall on the Ness of Gossabrough, it is in the adjacent square to the east (as are all the building that can be seen), and runs from HU53588307 to HU53508315

Rob Farrow

East Yell: postbox № ZE2 38, Holligarth

A small, lonely postbox serving the hamlet of Gossabrough, which lies alongside the shore of the bay, Wick of Gossabrough, which we see in the background. The box is emptied at 9:30am daily, except Sunday.

Chris Downer

East Yell: postbox № ZE2 59

A small postbox alongside a bus shelter at the junction, a short distance from the post office. The box is emptied at half past nine on weekday and Saturday mornigs.

Chris Downer

East Yell: the White Wife

This unusual monument commemorates a shipping disaster in April 1924. Setting sail from Gothenburg, bound for Chile, the 'Bohus' had been sailing for three days when a navigational error resulted in the ship becoming grounded a short distance from here, some 60 miles off her intended course. Within half an hour most of the ship had broken up. Four of the 39 on board perished, and the survivors owed a lot to the men of Yell who acted swiftly when they saw the tragedy emerging. The ship's figurehead was washed ashore in September 1924 and this is what we see here: erected by local people as a memorial to the tragedy, within sight of where it occurred.

Chris Downer

East Yell: the White Wife looks out

Another view of HU5285 : East Yell: the White Wife, from behind her as she looks out across Otters Wick. Black Skerry is the rock in the centre of the picture. This unusual monument commemorates a shipping disaster in April 1924. Setting sail from Gothenburg, bound for Chile, the 'Bohus' had been sailing for three days when a navigational error resulted in the ship becoming grounded a short distance from here, some 60 miles off her intended course. Within half an hour most of the ship had broken up. Four of the 39 on board perished, and the survivors owed a lot to the men of Yell who acted swiftly when they saw the tragedy emerging. The ship's figurehead was washed ashore in September 1924 and this is what we see here: erected by local people as a memorial to the tragedy, within sight of where it occurred.

Chris Downer

East Yell: north edge of Otters Wick

Looking down on the head of Otters Wick.

Chris Downer

East Yell: the Methodist chapel

A small chapel in the Otterswick area of East Yell.

Chris Downer

Wick of Gossabrough

Looking towards the beach

Graeme Smith

Small Church

A small church near Otterswick

Graeme Smith

Otterswick: Burn of the Mires of Queyintiptins

The course of this, surely one of the longest named streams, can be seen running across the picture left-to-right and then coming towards us into the North Burn of Otterswick, whose northern bank is more prominent across the bottom of the picture.

Chris Downer