Spout Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Spout Geo

Vestra Fiold trig pillar
Vestra Fiold trig pillar Credit: John Ferguson

Spout Geo is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, a group of islands in Scotland. It is classified as a headland, also known as a point, due to its distinctive geographical characteristics. This coastal formation is situated on the eastern coast of the Mainland, Orkney's largest island.

Spout Geo is characterized by its dramatic cliff face that extends vertically from the sea, rising to a considerable height. The cliffs are composed of rugged sandstone, which gives the headland its distinctive reddish-brown color. These cliffs are subject to constant erosion by the relentless waves of the North Sea, causing them to undergo gradual changes over time.

At the base of the headland, there is a small rocky beach that is exposed during low tide. This beach is scattered with pebbles and provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the diverse marine life that inhabits the rock pools. The area surrounding the headland is also known for its rich birdlife, with various seabird species, such as guillemots and kittiwakes, nesting on the cliffs.

Spout Geo offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the vast expanse of the North Sea. It is a popular spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts who are drawn to its natural beauty and picturesque scenery. The headland is easily accessible via a well-maintained footpath, which allows visitors to navigate the undulating terrain and enjoy the stunning coastal vistas.

Overall, Spout Geo is a remarkable coastal feature in Orkney, known for its imposing cliffs, diverse wildlife, and stunning views. It serves as a testament to the dynamic forces of nature that have shaped the landscape of this captivating region.

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Spout Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.072131/-3.3473752 or Grid Reference HY2221. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Vestra Fiold trig pillar
Vestra Fiold trig pillar
Quoyloo: approaching from the north Looking along the B9056 as it heads down into Quoyloo, with the lofty island of Hoy looming large in the distance.
Quoyloo: approaching from the north
Looking along the B9056 as it heads down into Quoyloo, with the lofty island of Hoy looming large in the distance.
Quoyloo: the shop/post office Like many village stores in the northern isles, Isbister Bros. Ltd. is not just a shop but also a petrol filling station and (weekday mornings) a post office. It is situated on the crossroads on the B9056.
Quoyloo: the shop/post office
Like many village stores in the northern isles, Isbister Bros. Ltd. is not just a shop but also a petrol filling station and (weekday mornings) a post office. It is situated on the crossroads on the B9056.
Quoyloo: postbox № KW16 18 This Elizabeth II-reign postbox is attached to the wall of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2624174">HY2421 : Quoyloo: the shop/post office</a> and is emptied at 10:30 each weekday and Saturday morning.
Quoyloo: postbox № KW16 18
This Elizabeth II-reign postbox is attached to the wall of HY2421 : Quoyloo: the shop/post office and is emptied at 10:30 each weekday and Saturday morning.
Quoyloo: the church A simple, plain Victorian church on one of the back lanes.
Quoyloo: the church
A simple, plain Victorian church on one of the back lanes.
Well on farmland, Northdyke, Orkney The well is shown on the OS 1:25,000 map.

The stile is on the coastal footpath which runs the length of mainland Orkney's west coast.
Well on farmland, Northdyke, Orkney
The well is shown on the OS 1:25,000 map. The stile is on the coastal footpath which runs the length of mainland Orkney's west coast.
Quarried slabs below Vestra Fiold, Orkney From <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/1923/details/vestrafiold" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/1923/details/vestrafiold">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> : "What is believed to be an ancient quarry from which slabs have been taken for circles and standing stones lies on the S slope of Vestra Fiold; a quarter of a mile N of the farm-house of Breck. Across the shoulder of the hill, in two groups, a large number of massive slabs are still to be seen. In the upper group typical slabs measure 4ft 6in by 3ft 6in and 5ft by 3ft, but in the lower group some are much bigger, three in particular measuring 14ft 9in by 5ft 3in by 6in thick; 18ft 6in by 5ft 6in; 16ft by 6ft. The last mentioned stone appears to have been roughly wedged up as if in readiness for removal."
Quarried slabs below Vestra Fiold, Orkney
From LinkExternal link : "What is believed to be an ancient quarry from which slabs have been taken for circles and standing stones lies on the S slope of Vestra Fiold; a quarter of a mile N of the farm-house of Breck. Across the shoulder of the hill, in two groups, a large number of massive slabs are still to be seen. In the upper group typical slabs measure 4ft 6in by 3ft 6in and 5ft by 3ft, but in the lower group some are much bigger, three in particular measuring 14ft 9in by 5ft 3in by 6in thick; 18ft 6in by 5ft 6in; 16ft by 6ft. The last mentioned stone appears to have been roughly wedged up as if in readiness for removal."
Power lines crossing farmland below Vestra Fiold, Orkney Looking towards Loch of Skaill on the left and Bay of Skaill on the right.  Beyond are the northern cliffs of Hoy.
Power lines crossing farmland below Vestra Fiold, Orkney
Looking towards Loch of Skaill on the left and Bay of Skaill on the right. Beyond are the northern cliffs of Hoy.
Vestra Fiold Thirteenth TuMP of the day with Jim Bloomer and Tricky Speirs on a sunny afternoon.
Name: Vestra Fiold
Hill number: 4928
Height: 129m / 423ft
Parent (Ma/M): 1555  Milldoe - Mid Tooin
Area:23: Orkney Islands
Class: Hu,1
Grid ref: HY 24157 22106
Summit feature:most southerly of two cairns 60m S of trig point
Drop: 110m
Col: 19m  HY274243
Vestra Fiold
Thirteenth TuMP of the day with Jim Bloomer and Tricky Speirs on a sunny afternoon. Name: Vestra Fiold Hill number: 4928 Height: 129m / 423ft Parent (Ma/M): 1555 Milldoe - Mid Tooin Area:23: Orkney Islands Class: Hu,1 Grid ref: HY 24157 22106 Summit feature:most southerly of two cairns 60m S of trig point Drop: 110m Col: 19m HY274243
The Spord sea stack A stormy sea and stack just off West mainland
The Spord sea stack
A stormy sea and stack just off West mainland
Minor road in Scarwell Heading for Dounby.
Minor road in Scarwell
Heading for Dounby.
Fields at Northdyke The ground rises gently from the Bay of Skaill, providing good grazing.
Fields at Northdyke
The ground rises gently from the Bay of Skaill, providing good grazing.
Isbister Bros This business offers a range of services including shop, post office, filling station and garage for the people of Sandwick.
Isbister Bros
This business offers a range of services including shop, post office, filling station and garage for the people of Sandwick.
Fields near Scarwell Grazing for sheep, with drystane dykes and a view over the Bay of Skaill towards the distant island of Hoy.
Fields near Scarwell
Grazing for sheep, with drystane dykes and a view over the Bay of Skaill towards the distant island of Hoy.
Former Kirk One of numerous redundant kirks now in use as housing. It was originally a United Presbyterian kirk.
Former Kirk
One of numerous redundant kirks now in use as housing. It was originally a United Presbyterian kirk.
House near Quoyloo This isn't Quoyloo House, but a traditional stone house, probably of the late 18th or early 19th century.
House near Quoyloo
This isn't Quoyloo House, but a traditional stone house, probably of the late 18th or early 19th century.
Derelict Cottages One close to the road, the other set back among fields. Perhaps someone will come along and restore them one day before they fall down altogether. One can but hope.
Derelict Cottages
One close to the road, the other set back among fields. Perhaps someone will come along and restore them one day before they fall down altogether. One can but hope.
Ruined Cottages These have gon a bit beyond being merely derelict, and would be a much greater challenge to restore.
Ruined Cottages
These have gon a bit beyond being merely derelict, and would be a much greater challenge to restore.
Show me another place!

Spout Geo is located at Grid Ref: HY2221 (Lat: 59.072131, Lng: -3.3473752)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///spicy.cupboards.rainwater. Near Sandwick, Orkney Islands

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