The Lee Stack

Island in Shetland

Scotland

The Lee Stack

Gloup Holm from Valla Field The holm is on the right, with the mainland of Yell to the left.
Gloup Holm from Valla Field Credit: Mike Pennington

The Lee Stack is a prominent geological feature located off the coast of Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland. It is a towering sea stack that rises majestically from the North Sea, standing at an impressive height of approximately 61 meters (200 feet). The stack is a result of years of erosion caused by powerful waves crashing against the cliffs, gradually wearing away the softer rock layers and leaving behind this striking formation.

Situated near the village of Eshaness on the mainland of Shetland, The Lee Stack is a popular tourist attraction and a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. Its sheer height and isolated location make it an ideal nesting site for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and fulmars. Visitors can observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat, creating a memorable wildlife experience.

Accessing The Lee Stack requires a short hike along the rugged coastal cliffs, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is well-maintained, but caution is advised due to the steep drop-offs and potentially treacherous conditions during inclement weather.

The Lee Stack is not only a natural wonder but also a testament to the power of nature's forces. Its imposing presence and the unique ecosystem it supports make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers exploring the Shetland Islands.

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The Lee Stack Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.730586/-1.0783259 or Grid Reference HP5005. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gloup Holm from Valla Field The holm is on the right, with the mainland of Yell to the left.
Gloup Holm from Valla Field
The holm is on the right, with the mainland of Yell to the left.
Gloup Holm and waves from Westing
Gloup Holm and waves from Westing
Gloup Holm Seen from Scordaback Hill.
Gloup Holm
Seen from Scordaback Hill.
Gloup Holm With the Clapper on the left. Taken from one of the Yell Sound ferries on a North Isles cruise.
Gloup Holm
With the Clapper on the left. Taken from one of the Yell Sound ferries on a North Isles cruise.
Gru Dale This burn drains the moorland at North Neaps.
Gru Dale
This burn drains the moorland at North Neaps.
Ruined croft, West-a-Firth In 1867, there were 16 families (nearly 120 folk) crofting in West-a-Firth.  By 1871, after the evictions by factor John Walker, there were only four folk left and the land had been converted to sheep pasture.
Ruined croft, West-a-Firth
In 1867, there were 16 families (nearly 120 folk) crofting in West-a-Firth. By 1871, after the evictions by factor John Walker, there were only four folk left and the land had been converted to sheep pasture.
Bligg  from Thistliba These sheltered geos hold a number of seals.
Bligg from Thistliba
These sheltered geos hold a number of seals.
Stouraba from The Smeid
Stouraba from The Smeid
Red Gates at Gloup The farm here has invested in some red paint and brightened up all their gates.
Red Gates at Gloup
The farm here has invested in some red paint and brightened up all their gates.
On a wall at Gloup This is close to the Fishermen's Memorial.
A load of old metal spheres on top of a wall.
Are they old floats for fishing nets? 
The closest I've seen to this was in Italy where they were ripening pumpkins.
That's not much help really.
On a wall at Gloup
This is close to the Fishermen's Memorial. A load of old metal spheres on top of a wall. Are they old floats for fishing nets? The closest I've seen to this was in Italy where they were ripening pumpkins. That's not much help really.
Fishermen's Memorial Sign The memorial is a short walk from the road.
Hay cutting going on in the background.
Fishermen's Memorial Sign
The memorial is a short walk from the road. Hay cutting going on in the background.
On The Point Of Whack The Point of Whack on Gloup Ness, to be precise.
This is a small promontory off the main headland, with the Geo of Whack on the left.
Am I being over imaginative, or is there something sheep-like about that rock?
On The Point Of Whack
The Point of Whack on Gloup Ness, to be precise. This is a small promontory off the main headland, with the Geo of Whack on the left. Am I being over imaginative, or is there something sheep-like about that rock?
Looking at the view, Gloup Ness The name Gloup comes from Old Norse for a ravine.
Looking at the view, Gloup Ness
The name Gloup comes from Old Norse for a ravine.
Inside the Coastguard Hut This is fairly surreal. 
Inside the flimsy hut tied down with wires shown in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/792324">HP5005 : Coastguard hut</a>, you look through the salt stained windows expecting to see dead flies and old beer cans, and there's himself on the phone in his nice pullover. 
A fine effort from somebody in this out of the way place.
Inside the Coastguard Hut
This is fairly surreal. Inside the flimsy hut tied down with wires shown in HP5005 : Coastguard hut, you look through the salt stained windows expecting to see dead flies and old beer cans, and there's himself on the phone in his nice pullover. A fine effort from somebody in this out of the way place.
Inside the Coastguard Hut Again I was so impressed with this I've done two pictures of the same thing. See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4675951">HP5005 : Inside the Coastguard Hut</a>
Inside the Coastguard Hut Again
I was so impressed with this I've done two pictures of the same thing. See also HP5005 : Inside the Coastguard Hut
Gates onto the Beach All the gates on this farm have been painted this cheerful red colour.
This is the Burn and Wick of Whallerie.
Gates onto the Beach
All the gates on this farm have been painted this cheerful red colour. This is the Burn and Wick of Whallerie.
Fields beside Gloup Voe View north west from the Fishermans' Memorial.
Fields beside Gloup Voe
View north west from the Fishermans' Memorial.
Cattle Grid at Gloup
Cattle Grid at Gloup
Show me another place!

The Lee Stack is located at Grid Ref: HP5005 (Lat: 60.730586, Lng: -1.0783259)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///joins.caramel.geologist. Near Gutcher, Shetland Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.730586,-1.0783259
Bench
Backrest: no
Seats: 2
Lat/Long: 60.7311507/-1.0736103
Bench
Backrest: no
Lat/Long: 60.7308039/-1.0746047
Artwork Type: sculpture
Tourism: artwork
Lat/Long: 60.7307539/-1.0746317
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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