Stack of the Graves

Island in Shetland

Scotland

Stack of the Graves

European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) and Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), Norwick
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) and Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), Norwick Credit: Mike Pennington

Stack of the Graves is a distinctive natural rock formation located on the remote Shetland Islands, which are part of Scotland, United Kingdom. This geological wonder is situated on the west coast of the island, near the village of Eshaness. Rising dramatically from the tumultuous North Atlantic Ocean, the stack is a testament to the raw power of nature.

The Stack of the Graves is composed of towering sea cliffs that reach a height of around 60 meters (200 feet). The stack itself is a vertical pillar of rock that stands separate from the mainland, resembling a solitary sentinel amidst the crashing waves. Its name is derived from the dangerous nature of the area, which has claimed the lives of many sailors throughout history.

Formed over countless millennia by the relentless forces of wind and water erosion, the stack is a striking example of the unique geology of the Shetland Islands. The rock is predominantly composed of ancient sedimentary layers, displaying a rich tapestry of colors and textures. The rugged and jagged cliffs surrounding the stack provide nesting grounds for numerous seabird species, including puffins, fulmars, and guillemots.

The Stack of the Graves has become an iconic landmark and a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. Its dramatic beauty and remote location make it a must-see for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. However, caution is advised when visiting, as the area is exposed to strong winds and treacherous waves.

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Stack of the Graves Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.819656/-0.78006146 or Grid Reference HP6615. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) and Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), Norwick
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) and Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), Norwick
Shore Lark (Eremophila alpestris), Norwick
Shore Lark (Eremophila alpestris), Norwick
It must be somewhere tropical: Norwick Blue skies, azure seas, palm trees, exotic birds, passing cruise liners? It must be somewhere tropical? But it's actually a migrant Bee-eater on Unst in Shetland with the Faroe ferry Norrona passing in the background.
It must be somewhere tropical: Norwick
Blue skies, azure seas, palm trees, exotic birds, passing cruise liners? It must be somewhere tropical? But it's actually a migrant Bee-eater on Unst in Shetland with the Faroe ferry Norrona passing in the background.
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster), Norwick A rare bird this far north, this was the fifth seen on Unst.
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster), Norwick
A rare bird this far north, this was the fifth seen on Unst.
Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia) and Black-headed Gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), Norwick Bonaparte's Gull is a rare visitor from America, here visiting its transatlantic cousins.
Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia) and Black-headed Gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), Norwick
Bonaparte's Gull is a rare visitor from America, here visiting its transatlantic cousins.
Common Gulls (Larus canus), Baltasound
Common Gulls (Larus canus), Baltasound
Burn of Norwick on Norwick beach
Burn of Norwick on Norwick beach
First-summer male Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), Wick of Skaw
First-summer male Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), Wick of Skaw
The ever-changing profile of Norwick beach The burn now flows well north of the Taing again.
The ever-changing profile of Norwick beach
The burn now flows well north of the Taing again.
Burn of Norwick on Norwick beach This is about as far north as the burn has ever flowed in at least 30 years.
Burn of Norwick on Norwick beach
This is about as far north as the burn has ever flowed in at least 30 years.
Norwick beach
Norwick beach
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceous), Norwick A very rare visitor from North America. This was the first one ever seen in Shetland.
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceous), Norwick
A very rare visitor from North America. This was the first one ever seen in Shetland.
Red-rumped Swallow (Cecropis daurica), Skaw A scarce migrant from the Mediterranean.
Red-rumped Swallow (Cecropis daurica), Skaw
A scarce migrant from the Mediterranean.
North end of Norwick beach
North end of Norwick beach
North end of Norwick beach
North end of Norwick beach
Britain's most northerly graffiti, Skaw The tag appears to be 'Dias'.
Britain's most northerly graffiti, Skaw
The tag appears to be 'Dias'.
Holm of Skaw
Holm of Skaw
Norwick beach from Braehead
Norwick beach from Braehead
Show me another place!

Stack of the Graves is located at Grid Ref: HP6615 (Lat: 60.819656, Lng: -0.78006146)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///giggled.eggplants.basher. Near Haroldswick, Shetland Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.819656,-0.78006146
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.8162993/-0.7854899
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.816366/-0.7841086
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.816434/-0.7827299
The Garths
Place: locality
Source: OS
Lat/Long: 60.8170603/-0.7735372
Man Made: tower
Tower Type: launch_tower
Lat/Long: 60.8188025/-0.7742844
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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