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Da Broken Heads

Island in Shetland

Scotland

Da Broken Heads

Gaada Stack The stack has two separate arches. This is the eastern arch.
Gaada Stack Credit: Julian Paren

Da Broken Heads is a remote and picturesque coastal area situated on the Shetland Islands, an archipelago located in the northeastern part of Scotland. Nestled on the island's west coast, Da Broken Heads offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, serene beaches, and the vast expanse of the North Atlantic Ocean.

The area is named after the distinctive rock formations that resemble broken heads, which have been shaped by centuries of erosion. These unique geological features make Da Broken Heads a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, geologists, and photographers alike.

Nature lovers will be enthralled by the diverse flora and fauna found in this region. The cliffs provide nesting grounds for numerous seabird colonies, including puffins, guillemots, and fulmars. It's also not uncommon to spot seals basking on the shores or dolphins frolicking in the surrounding waters.

For those interested in history, Da Broken Heads has an intriguing past. The area is home to several archaeological sites, including ancient settlements and burial grounds. These remnants offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who once inhabited the island.

Access to Da Broken Heads can be challenging due to its remote location, but the journey is well worth it. Visitors can explore the area by hiking along the coastal trails, taking in the awe-inspiring views, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.

Overall, Da Broken Heads is a hidden gem on the Shetland Islands, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage that will leave visitors with lasting memories.

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Da Broken Heads Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.157947/-2.0731403 or Grid Reference HT9641. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gaada Stack The stack has two separate arches. This is the eastern arch.
Gaada Stack
The stack has two separate arches. This is the eastern arch.
The croft of Harrier 1964 The skuas did not attack if you were on the island road, but it was always useful to carry a long bonxie stick, and wave it in the air above your head when they sized you up.
The croft of Harrier 1964
The skuas did not attack if you were on the island road, but it was always useful to carry a long bonxie stick, and wave it in the air above your head when they sized you up.
Hiorawick and Strem Ness A storm prevented our leaving by boat or plane but created massive breakers in Hiorawick Bay
Hiorawick and Strem Ness
A storm prevented our leaving by boat or plane but created massive breakers in Hiorawick Bay
South Harrier Rough and improved grazings at South Harrier. The hill at extreme left is The Kame, the second highest seacliffs in UK.
South Harrier
Rough and improved grazings at South Harrier. The hill at extreme left is The Kame, the second highest seacliffs in UK.
Da Baas o Stremness Waves were reaching tops of cliffs on this stormy day
Da Baas o Stremness
Waves were reaching tops of cliffs on this stormy day
Cliffs NE coast of Foula Stunted, salt-sprayed clifftop vegetation meets cliffs
Cliffs NE coast of Foula
Stunted, salt-sprayed clifftop vegetation meets cliffs
Gaada Stack from Hamnafield, Foula The house on the left is North Harrier and further back towards the coast is Ristie.
Gaada Stack from Hamnafield, Foula
The house on the left is North Harrier and further back towards the coast is Ristie.
Aerial view, Stremness, Harrier
Aerial view, Stremness, Harrier
Gaada Stack, Foula Gaada Stack's three pillars tower over the rugged north coast of the island of Foula, with its stacks, steep-sided geos, and a storm beach called Da Stanes.
Gaada Stack, Foula
Gaada Stack's three pillars tower over the rugged north coast of the island of Foula, with its stacks, steep-sided geos, and a storm beach called Da Stanes.
Hiorawick Coastal View Foula (population: 30) is one of Britain's most remote inhabited islands and leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits. Foula's natural heritage is exceptionally rich and diverse for such a small area. The name means 'Bird Island' in Old Norse and Foula is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds, a National Scenic Area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its plants, birds and geology.
Hiorawick Coastal View
Foula (population: 30) is one of Britain's most remote inhabited islands and leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits. Foula's natural heritage is exceptionally rich and diverse for such a small area. The name means 'Bird Island' in Old Norse and Foula is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds, a National Scenic Area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its plants, birds and geology.
Fulmars Attack This is one of a number of Fulmars that decided to attack Tricky Speirs and me as we descended beside Blobers Burn.
Fulmars Attack
This is one of a number of Fulmars that decided to attack Tricky Speirs and me as we descended beside Blobers Burn.
Skiordar Memorial And Seat A modest ridge in the N of the island of Foula in Shetland, Skiordar rises to around 75m (246 feet) 1¼ miles (2 km) north northwest of Ham. Extending out from the steep slopes characteristic of the west of the island, it is crossed by the road which runs to the north of the island. There is a memorial at its summit. A great view today towards Gaada Stack.
Skiordar Memorial And Seat
A modest ridge in the N of the island of Foula in Shetland, Skiordar rises to around 75m (246 feet) 1¼ miles (2 km) north northwest of Ham. Extending out from the steep slopes characteristic of the west of the island, it is crossed by the road which runs to the north of the island. There is a memorial at its summit. A great view today towards Gaada Stack.
Ristie and the Foula stacks from the side of Soberlie Gaada Stack and da Sheepie are the prominent stacks. Ristie is the isolated croft house.
Ristie and the Foula stacks from the side of Soberlie
Gaada Stack and da Sheepie are the prominent stacks. Ristie is the isolated croft house.
Below Da Nort Bank Beneath the steep straight coastline of Da Nort Bank. No GPS in 1964 so this is my best estimate.
Below Da Nort Bank
Beneath the steep straight coastline of Da Nort Bank. No GPS in 1964 so this is my best estimate.
Da Est Hoevdi The sharp coastline of Foula close to the Gaada Stack (reputedly the best known rock arch in Scotland).
Da Est Hoevdi
The sharp coastline of Foula close to the Gaada Stack (reputedly the best known rock arch in Scotland).
Fishing boat off the northern coast of Foula A dramatic coastline for the local fishermen to work. The area is known locally as North Bay.
Fishing boat off the northern coast of Foula
A dramatic coastline for the local fishermen to work. The area is known locally as North Bay.
Descending from Da Kame Note the ponies on the cliff edge near the circular lochan
Descending from Da Kame
Note the ponies on the cliff edge near the circular lochan
Northern end of the Foula Road Heading for Da North Toons on a foggy morning.
Northern end of the Foula Road
Heading for Da North Toons on a foggy morning.
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Da Broken Heads is located at Grid Ref: HT9641 (Lat: 60.157947, Lng: -2.0731403)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///plenty.surprise.unicorns. Near Walls, Shetland Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.157947,-2.0731403
Gaada Stack
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 60.1581505/-2.0771498
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Hiora Wick
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 60.1557087/-2.0679644
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Da Sheepie
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 60.1588654/-2.0745651
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Ristie Acommodation
Tourism: guest_house
Lat/Long: 60.1556078/-2.0764133
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Da Sheepie Shetland
Da Broch Shetland

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