Hellia Gibb

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Hellia Gibb

Skara Brae - 1979 Skara Brae is a large stone-built Neolithic settlement, located on the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of Mainland, Orkney, Scotland. It consists of ten clustered houses, and was occupied from roughly 3180 BC–2500 BC. Europe's most complete Neolithic village, Skara Brae gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status as one of four sites comprising "The Heart of Neolithic Orkney." Older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, it has been called the "Scottish Pompeii" because of its excellent preservation.
Skara Brae - 1979 Credit: Helmut Zozmann

Hellia Gibb is a notable coastal feature located in Orkney, a group of islands situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is specifically situated on the mainland of Orkney, near the town of Stromness. Hellia Gibb is categorized as a headland or point due to its prominence and unique geographical characteristics.

Rising approximately 50 meters above sea level, Hellia Gibb offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastal landscape. Its rugged cliffs and rock formations attract visitors and nature enthusiasts from all over the world. The headland is composed of sandstone and is predominantly covered in lush grass and heather, creating a striking contrast against the deep blue waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Hellia Gibb is also known for its rich biodiversity and serves as a habitat for various seabird species, including puffins, guillemots, and fulmars. These birds nest on the cliffs, providing a spectacular sight for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.

The headland is easily accessible by foot, with well-maintained trails leading visitors to the top. It is a popular destination for hikers and offers opportunities for coastal walks and exploration. The surrounding area is also home to other notable landmarks, such as the Old Man of Hoy sea stack, adding to the allure of Hellia Gibb.

In conclusion, Hellia Gibb is a stunning headland in Orkney, Scotland, offering breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Its natural beauty and significance make it a must-visit coastal feature for both locals and tourists alike.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Hellia Gibb Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.049281/-3.3448591 or Grid Reference HY2218. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Skara Brae - 1979 Skara Brae is a large stone-built Neolithic settlement, located on the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of Mainland, Orkney, Scotland. It consists of ten clustered houses, and was occupied from roughly 3180 BC–2500 BC. Europe's most complete Neolithic village, Skara Brae gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status as one of four sites comprising "The Heart of Neolithic Orkney." Older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, it has been called the "Scottish Pompeii" because of its excellent preservation.
Skara Brae - 1979
Skara Brae is a large stone-built Neolithic settlement, located on the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of Mainland, Orkney, Scotland. It consists of ten clustered houses, and was occupied from roughly 3180 BC–2500 BC. Europe's most complete Neolithic village, Skara Brae gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status as one of four sites comprising "The Heart of Neolithic Orkney." Older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, it has been called the "Scottish Pompeii" because of its excellent preservation.
Skara Brae - 1979 Skara Brae is a large stone-built Neolithic settlement, located on the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of Mainland, Orkney, Scotland. It consists of ten clustered houses, and was occupied from roughly 3180 BC–2500 BC. Europe's most complete Neolithic village, Skara Brae gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status as one of four sites comprising "The Heart of Neolithic Orkney." Older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, it has been called the "Scottish Pompeii" because of its excellent preservation.
Skara Brae - 1979
Skara Brae is a large stone-built Neolithic settlement, located on the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of Mainland, Orkney, Scotland. It consists of ten clustered houses, and was occupied from roughly 3180 BC–2500 BC. Europe's most complete Neolithic village, Skara Brae gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status as one of four sites comprising "The Heart of Neolithic Orkney." Older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, it has been called the "Scottish Pompeii" because of its excellent preservation.
Bay of Skaill - 1979 The Bay of Skaill is a small bay on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland, Scotland.
Bay of Skaill is the location of the famous Neolithic settlement, Skara Brae, and a large residence, Skaill House, the property of the laird on whose estate Skara Brae was discovered.
Bay of Skaill - 1979
The Bay of Skaill is a small bay on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland, Scotland. Bay of Skaill is the location of the famous Neolithic settlement, Skara Brae, and a large residence, Skaill House, the property of the laird on whose estate Skara Brae was discovered.
Bay of Skaill - 1979 The Bay of Skaill is a small bay on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland, Scotland.
Bay of Skaill is the location of the famous Neolithic settlement, Skara Brae, and a large residence, Skaill House, the property of the laird on whose estate Skara Brae was discovered.
Bay of Skaill - 1979
The Bay of Skaill is a small bay on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland, Scotland. Bay of Skaill is the location of the famous Neolithic settlement, Skara Brae, and a large residence, Skaill House, the property of the laird on whose estate Skara Brae was discovered.
Bay of Skaill - 1979 Bay of Skaill and Knowe of Verron seen from Skara Brae.
The Bay of Skaill is a small bay on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland, Scotland.
Bay of Skaill is the location of the famous Neolithic settlement, Skara Brae, and a large residence, Skaill House, the property of the laird on whose estate Skara Brae was discovered.
Bay of Skaill - 1979
Bay of Skaill and Knowe of Verron seen from Skara Brae. The Bay of Skaill is a small bay on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland, Scotland. Bay of Skaill is the location of the famous Neolithic settlement, Skara Brae, and a large residence, Skaill House, the property of the laird on whose estate Skara Brae was discovered.
Bay of Skaill Looking across the Bay from its rocky west end.
Bay of Skaill
Looking across the Bay from its rocky west end.
Bay of Skaill Balanced stones on the shore. Natural rock arch just visible in distant headland.
Bay of Skaill
Balanced stones on the shore. Natural rock arch just visible in distant headland.
Bay of Skaill Waves breaking onto the sandy beach below Skara Brae.
Bay of Skaill
Waves breaking onto the sandy beach below Skara Brae.
Skara Brae: Bay of Skaill beach Looking along the beach from above the Skara Brae archaeological site. Someone has created a shapely pillar of stones in the foreground.
Skara Brae: Bay of Skaill beach
Looking along the beach from above the Skara Brae archaeological site. Someone has created a shapely pillar of stones in the foreground.
Skara Brae: one of the houses A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition.

Here, we look across one of the houses, with typical central hearth and a few rooms and stone furniture surrounding it.

Skaill Bay is in the background.
Skara Brae: one of the houses
A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. Here, we look across one of the houses, with typical central hearth and a few rooms and stone furniture surrounding it. Skaill Bay is in the background.
Skara Brae: earthworks A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition.

Here we look across the site, towards Skaill Bay, with one of the passageways of the village in the foreground.
Skara Brae: earthworks
A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. Here we look across the site, towards Skaill Bay, with one of the passageways of the village in the foreground.
Skara Brae: one house and a bay view A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition.

Here, we look towards Skaill Bay across one of the dwellings at the western edge of the site.
Skara Brae: one house and a bay view
A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. Here, we look towards Skaill Bay across one of the dwellings at the western edge of the site.
Skara Brae: westernmost house A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition.

This is the most westerly house, displayed particularly intact, with the hearth as the typical centrepiece and stone furniture and various small rooms surrounding it. The southern shore of the Bay of Skaill is in the background.
Skara Brae: westernmost house
A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. This is the most westerly house, displayed particularly intact, with the hearth as the typical centrepiece and stone furniture and various small rooms surrounding it. The southern shore of the Bay of Skaill is in the background.
Skara Brae: inside a Neolithic house Skara Brae is a truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition.

Here, by the visitor centre a short distance from the site itself, a simulation dwelling has been reconstructed to give an impression of what the house would have been like in its original, covered state. We are looking through the doorway and see in front of us the central hearth, with a stone cupboard facing us.
Skara Brae: inside a Neolithic house
Skara Brae is a truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. Here, by the visitor centre a short distance from the site itself, a simulation dwelling has been reconstructed to give an impression of what the house would have been like in its original, covered state. We are looking through the doorway and see in front of us the central hearth, with a stone cupboard facing us.
Gateway to Skaill House The house dates back to the 17th century. Extensive alterations were made during the 1950s and the parts that are open to the public reflect that era.
Gateway to Skaill House
The house dates back to the 17th century. Extensive alterations were made during the 1950s and the parts that are open to the public reflect that era.
Bay of Skaill The Bay of Skaill,Orkney taken from the Neolithic site of Skara Brae.
Bay of Skaill
The Bay of Skaill,Orkney taken from the Neolithic site of Skara Brae.
Bay of Skaill from Skara Brae
Bay of Skaill from Skara Brae
Skara Brae Part of the Neolithic Village near Bay of Skaill, Orkney
Skara Brae
Part of the Neolithic Village near Bay of Skaill, Orkney
Show me another place!

Hellia Gibb is located at Grid Ref: HY2218 (Lat: 59.049281, Lng: -3.3448591)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///choppers.soup.treaties. Near Sandwick, Orkney Islands

Related Wikis

Skara Brae

Skara Brae is a stone-built Neolithic settlement, located on the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney archipelago...

Skaill House

Skaill House is a historic manor house in Sandwick parish on Mainland, the largest of the Orkney Islands, Scotland. The house overlooks the neolithic site...

Bay of Skaill

The Bay of Skaill (from Old Norse Bugr Skála) is a small bay on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland, Scotland. == Visitor attractions == Bay of Skaill...

Loch of Skaill

The Loch of Skaill is a small somewhat triangular, freshwater loch in the parish of Sandwick, Orkney on Mainland Orkney, Scotland. It lies 0.5 mi (0.80...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.049281,-3.3448591
Bench
Backrest: yes
Lat/Long: 59.0492404/-3.3387068
Bench
Backrest: yes
Lat/Long: 59.0489134/-3.3396598
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0467951/-3.3409382
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Hellia Gibb?

Leave your review of Hellia Gibb below (or comments, questions and feedback).