Minna Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Minna Geo

Mar Wick bay, Orkney
Mar Wick bay, Orkney Credit: John Ferguson

Minna Geo is a prominent coastal feature located on the island of Orkney in Scotland. It is classified as a headland, or a narrow piece of land that extends out into the sea, forming a point. The name "Minna Geo" is derived from the Old Norse word "gegir," meaning a "cleft or fissure," which accurately describes the geological formation of this coastal feature.

Minna Geo is situated on the western coast of Orkney, near the village of Stromness. It is characterized by its rugged cliffs and steep slopes, which provide stunning views of the surrounding sea and nearby islands. The headland is composed of layers of sandstone and shale, which have been eroded over time by the relentless power of the waves, creating deep crevices and caves along its coastline.

The area around Minna Geo is rich in biodiversity, with a variety of marine and bird species making it their home. Seals can often be spotted basking on the rocks, while seabirds like puffins and guillemots nest in the cliffs during the breeding season. The surrounding waters are also known for their abundance of fish, attracting fishermen and nature enthusiasts alike.

Minna Geo is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, who are drawn to its dramatic coastal scenery and the sense of tranquility it offers. There are several walking trails that allow visitors to explore the headland and its surroundings, providing ample opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography.

Overall, Minna Geo is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the raw beauty of nature in Orkney. Its rugged cliffs, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and immersive coastal experience.

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Minna Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.099448/-3.3538239 or Grid Reference HY2224. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mar Wick bay, Orkney
Mar Wick bay, Orkney
Kitchener Memorial, Orkney
Kitchener Memorial, Orkney
Cliffs at Marwick Head The cliffs here are a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds reserve, being used for nesting by birds of many species. The tower is the Kitchener Monument.
Cliffs at Marwick Head
The cliffs here are a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds reserve, being used for nesting by birds of many species. The tower is the Kitchener Monument.
Path to Marwick Head The path leads from the car park at Mid Comloquoy to the cliff edge north of Marwick Head.
Path to Marwick Head
The path leads from the car park at Mid Comloquoy to the cliff edge north of Marwick Head.
Rabbit There's no shortage of rabbits here, and plenty of evidence of burrows on the cliff tops.
Rabbit
There's no shortage of rabbits here, and plenty of evidence of burrows on the cliff tops.
Cattle at Comloquoy A herd apparently of mixed breeds of cattle.
Cattle at Comloquoy
A herd apparently of mixed breeds of cattle.
Cliffs at Marwick Head The cliffs here are getting on for 100 metres in height.
Cliffs at Marwick Head
The cliffs here are getting on for 100 metres in height.
Kitchener Memorial The memorial is a prominent feature on Marwick Head.
Kitchener Memorial
The memorial is a prominent feature on Marwick Head.
Bird Monitoring Camera The camera is aimed at the nesting seabirds on the cliffs at Marwick Head. Notice how it is weighed down with stones against westerly gales.
Bird Monitoring Camera
The camera is aimed at the nesting seabirds on the cliffs at Marwick Head. Notice how it is weighed down with stones against westerly gales.
Plaque on Kitchener Memorial The plaque on <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7585917">HY2225 : Kitchener Memorial</a> is self-explanatory.
Plaque on Kitchener Memorial
The plaque on HY2225 : Kitchener Memorial is self-explanatory.
Memorial Wall The <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7585917">HY2225 : Kitchener Memorial</a> on Marwick Head originally mentioned only Field Marshal Earl Kitchener by name. This wall, erected only as recently as 2016, finally commemorates 737 other officers and men lost when HMS 'Hampshire' was sunk by a mine on 5 June 1916. Only twelve men survived.
Memorial Wall
The HY2225 : Kitchener Memorial on Marwick Head originally mentioned only Field Marshal Earl Kitchener by name. This wall, erected only as recently as 2016, finally commemorates 737 other officers and men lost when HMS 'Hampshire' was sunk by a mine on 5 June 1916. Only twelve men survived.
Photographer and Rabbit The photographer was hoping for photographs of birds, but was, for the moment, targeting a rabbit. We managed to avoid spooking it and I hope he got a good image.
Photographer and Rabbit
The photographer was hoping for photographs of birds, but was, for the moment, targeting a rabbit. We managed to avoid spooking it and I hope he got a good image.
Boundary Marker I assume that the stone is a boundary marker between two properties. In the distance are the cliffs around Yesnaby and, further away, the hills on the island of Hoy.
Boundary Marker
I assume that the stone is a boundary marker between two properties. In the distance are the cliffs around Yesnaby and, further away, the hills on the island of Hoy.
Cliffs at Marwick Head A long line of cliffs makes up Marwick Head, on top of which stands the Kitchener Monument.
Cliffs at Marwick Head
A long line of cliffs makes up Marwick Head, on top of which stands the Kitchener Monument.
Standing Stone by the Path The path starts to descend here from Marwick head to sea level, and the stone is one of several that stand beside it. I don't think they are ancient.
Standing Stone by the Path
The path starts to descend here from Marwick head to sea level, and the stone is one of several that stand beside it. I don't think they are ancient.
Standing Stones I don't think these stones are ancient monuments. They are beside the path down from Marwick Head to the beach.
Standing Stones
I don't think these stones are ancient monuments. They are beside the path down from Marwick Head to the beach.
Storm Beach The rock strata on the cliff top have been progressively stripped away by winter storms.
Storm Beach
The rock strata on the cliff top have been progressively stripped away by winter storms.
Dipping Strata On the south side of Marwick Head, with a view south to Yesnaby and the island of Hoy.
Dipping Strata
On the south side of Marwick Head, with a view south to Yesnaby and the island of Hoy.
Show me another place!

Minna Geo is located at Grid Ref: HY2224 (Lat: 59.099448, Lng: -3.3538239)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///announce.jaunts.generally. Near Birsay, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.099448,-3.3538239
Parking
Capacity: 3
Parking: surface
Surface: unpaved
Lat/Long: 59.1002617/-3.3488642
Marwick Head
Addr City: Orkney
Addr Postcode: KW17 2NB
Leisure: nature_reserve
Operator: RSPB
Lat/Long: 59.0988345/-3.3469738
Leisure: picnic_table
Lat/Long: 59.0967108/-3.3469544
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1018065/-3.3490934
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.101954/-3.3479886
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1021002/-3.3469555
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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