Tirrack Stacks

Island in Shetland

Scotland

Tirrack Stacks

Papa Stour and Foula Taken on the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking out towards the islands of Papa Stour (left of shot) and Foula beyond.
Papa Stour and Foula Credit: Carroll Pierce

Tirrack Stacks is a group of towering sea stacks located on the remote and rugged west coast of Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland. Situated near the village of Sandness, these spectacular natural formations have become an iconic landmark of the region.

Comprised of three distinct stacks, Tirrack Stacks are formed from layers of ancient sandstone and shale that have been eroded over centuries by the relentless power of the North Atlantic Ocean. The tallest stack rises approximately 148 feet (45 meters) above the crashing waves, creating a dramatic sight against the backdrop of the dramatic coastal cliffs.

Access to Tirrack Stacks can be challenging due to the remote location and treacherous terrain. Visitors must navigate steep and uneven paths, often requiring a fair amount of hiking and scrambling. However, the effort is well worth it, as the stunning views and awe-inspiring beauty of the stacks leave visitors in awe.

The area surrounding Tirrack Stacks is rich in wildlife, providing a habitat for various seabird species, including puffins, guillemots, and fulmars. These birds can often be seen nesting on the cliffs or circling the stacks, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Tirrack Stacks is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a sense of adventure. The dramatic landscape, combined with the power of the crashing waves, offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to Shetland.

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Tirrack Stacks Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.481024/-1.5077504 or Grid Reference HU2777. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Papa Stour and Foula Taken on the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking out towards the islands of Papa Stour (left of shot) and Foula beyond.
Papa Stour and Foula
Taken on the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking out towards the islands of Papa Stour (left of shot) and Foula beyond.
The Drongs Taken from the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking across Sand Wick to the sea stacks known at The Drongs. Papa Stour can be seen in the distance.
The Drongs
Taken from the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking across Sand Wick to the sea stacks known at The Drongs. Papa Stour can be seen in the distance.
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland Built in 1900 by the North of Scotland Ferry company. Still functioning, just [in 2004], but the absentee landlord is clearly not interested in maintaining it as a hotel, which is sad.
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland
Built in 1900 by the North of Scotland Ferry company. Still functioning, just [in 2004], but the absentee landlord is clearly not interested in maintaining it as a hotel, which is sad.
Hillswick Fire Station, Shetland With local retained firefighters the Hillswick Fire Station is little more than a large garage, just big enough to house the small appliance based on a large van.
Hillswick Fire Station, Shetland
With local retained firefighters the Hillswick Fire Station is little more than a large garage, just big enough to house the small appliance based on a large van.
Hillswick, Shetland Large traditionally built houses at Hillswick. In the background is Findlins House and Findlins Farm.
Hillswick, Shetland
Large traditionally built houses at Hillswick. In the background is Findlins House and Findlins Farm.
Hillswick, Shetland Houses at Hillswick, the large two storey house with mansard roof is called Laarsund.
Hillswick, Shetland
Houses at Hillswick, the large two storey house with mansard roof is called Laarsund.
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland This hotel was built as a kit in Norway, dis-assembled and transported to Hillswick where it was constructed on its present site in 1900 by the North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Co.. Sadly it is currently closed (April 2006) although the local community wish to see it opened again. For more information on Hillswick and surrounding area visit <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/shetland/hillswick/index.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/shetland/hillswick/index.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

UPDATE Oct 07: this hotel is now owned by a local couple and open every day - More information can be found at the official website <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.stmagnusbayhotel.co.uk" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.stmagnusbayhotel.co.uk">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland
This hotel was built as a kit in Norway, dis-assembled and transported to Hillswick where it was constructed on its present site in 1900 by the North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Co.. Sadly it is currently closed (April 2006) although the local community wish to see it opened again. For more information on Hillswick and surrounding area visit LinkExternal link UPDATE Oct 07: this hotel is now owned by a local couple and open every day - More information can be found at the official website LinkExternal link
View over Heads of Grocken, Eshaness, Shetland Looking out over the Heads of Grocken with 'The Drongs' the sea stacks in the distance.
View over Heads of Grocken, Eshaness, Shetland
Looking out over the Heads of Grocken with 'The Drongs' the sea stacks in the distance.
Helga water, near Hillswick, Shetland Shetland is unlikely ever to have a hosepipe ban, there are many many lochs and plentiful rainfall. This is Helga Water near the road to Eshaness.
Helga water, near Hillswick, Shetland
Shetland is unlikely ever to have a hosepipe ban, there are many many lochs and plentiful rainfall. This is Helga Water near the road to Eshaness.
Heads of Grocken Looking across the square from above Hillswick on a stormy winter's day. The pony was very inquisitive, and didn't want to be photographed in profile!
Heads of Grocken
Looking across the square from above Hillswick on a stormy winter's day. The pony was very inquisitive, and didn't want to be photographed in profile!
Heads of Grocken Small sea-stacks off the Heads of Grocken, with the Drongs in the distance.
Heads of Grocken
Small sea-stacks off the Heads of Grocken, with the Drongs in the distance.
Beach between Heads of Grocken and the Neap
Beach between Heads of Grocken and the Neap
Entering Eshaness
Entering Eshaness
Cliffs and stack The view south from this point is spectacular.

(The stack and the point to the right lie in this grid square, while the cliff to the left is in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU2775">HU2775</a>).
Cliffs and stack
The view south from this point is spectacular. (The stack and the point to the right lie in this grid square, while the cliff to the left is in HU2775).
The bay at Hillswick Looking across the bay with the main settlement on the far shore.
The bay at Hillswick
Looking across the bay with the main settlement on the far shore.
Conflicting signs A waymarked stile gives access to the coast, while a "beware of the bull" sign warns of danger. We crossed through this field on a clockwise circuit of Ness of Hillswick without seeing any warning in the other direction (or a bull).
Conflicting signs
A waymarked stile gives access to the coast, while a "beware of the bull" sign warns of danger. We crossed through this field on a clockwise circuit of Ness of Hillswick without seeing any warning in the other direction (or a bull).
Opposite a red cliff Looking across the short turf of this promontory at a red cliff across the bay.
Opposite a red cliff
Looking across the short turf of this promontory at a red cliff across the bay.
Marsh marigolds Looking across a marshy area towards Hillswick. The marsh marigolds currently in flower will be succeeded by the yellow flags behind them, not yet in bud.
Marsh marigolds
Looking across a marshy area towards Hillswick. The marsh marigolds currently in flower will be succeeded by the yellow flags behind them, not yet in bud.
Show me another place!

Tirrack Stacks is located at Grid Ref: HU2777 (Lat: 60.481024, Lng: -1.5077504)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///manhole.bypassed.massive. Near Brae, Shetland Islands

Related Wikis

Hillswick

Hillswick is a small village in Northmavine, on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean and lies to the north-north west of Mainland, Shetland, the most northerly...

The Drongs

The Drongs are a group of sea stacks off the coast of Hillswick Ness, Northmavine, Shetland, Scotland. They lie to the west of the Isle of Westerhouse...

Assater

Assater (also spelled Assetter) is a hamlet on Mainland, in Shetland, Scotland. Assater is situated in the parish of Northmaven. It is about 1.3 miles...

Braehoulland

Braehoulland is a hamlet on Mainland, in Shetland, Scotland. Braehoulland is situated within the parish of Northmaven. Eshaness Community Centre is located...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.481024,-1.5077504
Sand Wick
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 60.4797458/-1.5033246
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4844181/-1.5133732
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4844523/-1.5121749
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4845054/-1.5103894
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4838761/-1.5099269
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4833235/-1.5095458
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.482752/-1.5102672
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4830354/-1.5099125
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4837214/-1.5090329
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4840957/-1.5085608
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4844995/-1.5080671
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4848632/-1.5075901
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4848974/-1.5095841
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.485293/-1.5088124
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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