Urie Head

Island in Orkney

Scotland

Urie Head

Scapa Flow Seen from Olaf summit viewpoint on the A961. — Scapa Flow Credit: Graeme Yuill

Urie Head is a prominent headland located on the northern coast of the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Situated approximately seven miles northwest of the town of Stromness, Urie Head offers stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged Orkney coastline.

The headland is characterized by its towering cliffs, which rise steeply from the sea to a height of around 100 meters. These cliffs are composed of layers of sedimentary rock, showcasing a fascinating geological history dating back millions of years. Urie Head is also home to a diverse range of seabirds, including fulmars, guillemots, and puffins, which nest on the cliffs during the breeding season.

In addition to its natural beauty, Urie Head holds historical significance. It is the site of the Urie Loch, a small freshwater loch nestled at the top of the cliffs. This loch served as a vital water source for sailors during the 18th and 19th centuries. The remnants of a well and a stone-lined tunnel, known as the Urie Well, can still be seen today.

Visitors to Urie Head can enjoy picturesque walks along the cliff-top paths, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the chance to spot various seabirds and marine life. The headland is easily accessible by car or by hiking along the coastal trails from nearby Stromness. With its dramatic scenery and rich natural and historical heritage, Urie Head is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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Urie Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.76311/-2.9811712 or Grid Reference ND4386. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Scapa Flow

Seen from Olaf summit viewpoint on the A961.

Graeme Yuill

Eastward House, A961 near Barswick, South Ronaldsay

Built in 1873 by local residents for the Church of Scotland, it is now (2014) a home offering B & B.

Jo and Steve Turner

View west from the Olad summit viewpoint

Marred by rain

Eirian Evans

Farmland, Mossetter

Eirian Evans

Loch of Lythe

Small loch near Ossquoy, the farm on the right

Eirian Evans

Tomison's Academy

Founded under the will of William Tomison (1739-1829) of the Hudson's Bay Company. This former school is now empty and the adjacent buildings falling into dereliction

Eirian Evans

Road to somewhere

Beda Itin

Aerial view of southern South Ronaldsay

Taken from a flight to Shetland via Orkney this is the southern end of the southernmost of the main islands of Orkney, South Ronaldsay. Obviously aerial photos such as this cover many squares, so I have taken the subject reference as Barth Head, which is the little sticky-out point nearest the camera.

Rob Farrow

Towards Upper Serrigar

Extensive views of coastal scenery are available almost everywhere on the Orkney Islands and especially on South Ronaldsay.

Peter Church

Viewpoint on Olad Hill

The headland straight ahead is The Nev. A rain shower is sweeping in from the left.

Bill Boaden

Grassland on Olad Hill

Looking towards Ward Hill, with a sharp rain shower just starting. Several of the islands have a Ward Hill, signifying a good place to have a beacon.

Bill Boaden

The deserted croft of Greenvale

Deserted and derelict.

Ian Balcombe

Inside Greenvale

Looking into one of the rooms. A very similar atmosphere as in those on Swona, which Greenvale overlooks.

Ian Balcombe

Greenvale

Possibly the original dwelling. Swona on the horizon in the background.

Ian Balcombe

The Haven, Barswick

On Sundays, the inhabitants of Swona used to cross to South Ronaldsay in an open boat and would land here. This building is where they would then change into "Sunday Best" before walking across the fields to the kirk (ND441856). After the service, the process was reversed. What people!

Ian Balcombe