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Grunnels Stack

Island in Shetland

Scotland

Grunnels Stack

Southern Whalsay Looking from near the summit of Ward of Clett across to the uninhabited islet of East Linga in the distance.
Southern Whalsay Credit: David Purchase

Grunnels Stack is a small island located in the Shetland archipelago, situated off the coast of Scotland. It is part of the larger island of Shetland and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and unique geological features.

The island is characterized by its towering sea stack, which stands prominently on its western side. The stack is a striking rock formation that rises steeply from the surrounding sea, reaching a height of approximately 39 meters (128 feet). It is composed of layers of sandstone and conglomerate, showcasing the geological history of the region.

Grunnels Stack is a haven for a variety of seabird species, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. These birds nest on the cliffs and use the surrounding waters for feeding, creating a vibrant and bustling wildlife spectacle. The island is recognized as an important breeding site for seabirds and is protected as part of the Shetland Islands Special Protection Area.

Access to Grunnels Stack is limited due to its remote location and challenging terrain. Visitors can admire the stack and its surrounding beauty from the nearby coastline, or by taking a boat trip around the island. The rugged cliffs, dramatic seascapes, and diverse wildlife make Grunnels Stack a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Overall, Grunnels Stack is a remarkable island in the Shetland archipelago, offering a glimpse into the region's geological past and serving as a vital habitat for an array of seabird species. Its natural beauty and remote location make it a true gem for those seeking an authentic wilderness experience.

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Grunnels Stack Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.330465/-0.98404479 or Grid Reference HU5661. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Southern Whalsay Looking from near the summit of Ward of Clett across to the uninhabited islet of East Linga in the distance.
Southern Whalsay
Looking from near the summit of Ward of Clett across to the uninhabited islet of East Linga in the distance.
The summit of Ward of Clett, Whalsay Well, this is what everyone would think is the summit. But the purists maintain that the true highest point is a little way to the north-east, at HU55046148.
The summit of Ward of Clett, Whalsay
Well, this is what everyone would think is the summit. But the purists maintain that the true highest point is a little way to the north-east, at HU55046148.
Descending to Clate On the way down from Ward of Clett, the highest point on Whalsay.
Descending to Clate
On the way down from Ward of Clett, the highest point on Whalsay.
Loch of Huxter, Whalsay One of four lochs on Whalsay of similar size. I would estimate that this is the largest.
Loch of Huxter, Whalsay
One of four lochs on Whalsay of similar size. I would estimate that this is the largest.
The valley of the Falsa Burn Looking out to sea from near Huxter. I suspect that, had the weather not been so dry for the last month, this ground would be very damp.
The valley of the Falsa Burn
Looking out to sea from near Huxter. I suspect that, had the weather not been so dry for the last month, this ground would be very damp.
A Cottage A Cottage at the turning space, Clate, Whalsay
A Cottage
A Cottage at the turning space, Clate, Whalsay
Ruined House at Treawick One of the houses in the deserted community of Treawick. Another is visible in the distance.
Ruined House at Treawick
One of the houses in the deserted community of Treawick. Another is visible in the distance.
Rocks and Old Iron, Loch of Huxter A beautiful small loch near Symbister. The thing on the rock looks like part of an old stove.
Rocks and Old Iron, Loch of Huxter
A beautiful small loch near Symbister. The thing on the rock looks like part of an old stove.
Loch of Huxter
Loch of Huxter
View at Symbister The eastern part of Symbister. Sodom, according to the map.
View at Symbister
The eastern part of Symbister. Sodom, according to the map.
Three Sheep at Treawick Probably wondering what I'm doing. I get the impression nobody comes down here much.
Three Sheep at Treawick
Probably wondering what I'm doing. I get the impression nobody comes down here much.
Old Walls at Treawick The abandoned settlement of Treawick.
Old Walls at Treawick
The abandoned settlement of Treawick.
Walls by Falsa Burn Once these were the fields of Treawick, a now deserted village. The Falsa Burn is a small coastal stream just over 1 km in length.
Walls by Falsa Burn
Once these were the fields of Treawick, a now deserted village. The Falsa Burn is a small coastal stream just over 1 km in length.
Huxter Loch, bridge across the outflow burn
Huxter Loch, bridge across the outflow burn
Huxter Loch, east shore View to an area known locally as the 'Clease Holm'
Huxter Loch, east shore
View to an area known locally as the 'Clease Holm'
Whalsay: Loch of Huxter A bedraggled sheep stands by the side-turning to the hamlet of Huxter on a horribly wet day, as we look beyond towards the loch and the lane winding towards Symbister.
Whalsay: Loch of Huxter
A bedraggled sheep stands by the side-turning to the hamlet of Huxter on a horribly wet day, as we look beyond towards the loch and the lane winding towards Symbister.
Whalsay: a bedraggled sheep This chap features in the picture <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2757149">HU5562 : Whalsay: Loch of Huxter</a>, and has a quizzical look as if he wonders why anyone would be passing these parts on such a foul, wet day.
Whalsay: a bedraggled sheep
This chap features in the picture HU5562 : Whalsay: Loch of Huxter, and has a quizzical look as if he wonders why anyone would be passing these parts on such a foul, wet day.
Vanessa Trig On Ward of Clett A beautiful view from the Vanessa Trig on Ward of Clett, Whalsay towards Bressay.
Vanessa Trig On Ward of Clett
A beautiful view from the Vanessa Trig on Ward of Clett, Whalsay towards Bressay.
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Grunnels Stack is located at Grid Ref: HU5661 (Lat: 60.330465, Lng: -0.98404479)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///clarifies.stiffly.asking. Near Symbister, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

Guttald Geos Grunnels Stack East Meoness Geo Hevda Hevda Skerry Conni Geo

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