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Oyce

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Oyce

Inyamehellya (Inyama Hellier on OS map) A large geo near Costa Head with a rock stack called Standard
Inyamehellya (Inyama Hellier on OS map) Credit: John Comloquoy

Oyce is a prominent coastal feature located in the Orkney Islands, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is classified as a headland, also known as a point, due to its distinctive geographical formation. Oyce juts out into the North Sea, providing a breathtaking view of the surrounding waters and the rugged coastline.

The headland is characterized by its tall cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea, reaching heights of up to 100 meters (330 feet). These cliffs are composed of sedimentary rocks, including sandstone and shale, which have been shaped by years of erosion from the relentless ocean waves. The exposed rock layers reveal a rich geological history, dating back millions of years.

Oyce is known for its diverse wildlife, with seabird colonies nesting on the cliffs. Species such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills can be observed in large numbers, adding a vibrant touch to the headland's natural beauty. The surrounding waters are also home to a variety of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and occasional sightings of whales.

Visitors to Oyce can explore the headland by following the well-maintained coastal paths that wind their way along the cliff tops. These paths offer stunning panoramic views of the sea, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Additionally, Oyce provides an excellent vantage point for witnessing the dramatic sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant hues, creating a truly mesmerizing experience.

Oyce, with its rugged cliffs, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views, is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the natural wonders of the Orkney Islands.

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Oyce Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.149434/-3.2457065 or Grid Reference HY2829. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Inyamehellya (Inyama Hellier on OS map) A large geo near Costa Head with a rock stack called Standard
Inyamehellya (Inyama Hellier on OS map)
A large geo near Costa Head with a rock stack called Standard
Clifftop View Dramatic clifftop view of the geo of Inyama Hellia, sea stack of Standard and far away Westray, with Fulmars and Thrift in the foreground.
Clifftop View
Dramatic clifftop view of the geo of Inyama Hellia, sea stack of Standard and far away Westray, with Fulmars and Thrift in the foreground.
Skea Looking West Curiously named clifftop of Skea. At the southeast corner of this tiny Geograph looking west towards the Brough of Birsay. My GPS told me this square is 9m east to west and 7m north to south - so the whole square is in this photograph.
Skea Looking West
Curiously named clifftop of Skea. At the southeast corner of this tiny Geograph looking west towards the Brough of Birsay. My GPS told me this square is 9m east to west and 7m north to south - so the whole square is in this photograph.
Skea Looking East Clifftop at Skea looking east on this tiny Geograph - 9m by 7m. In the distance is Westray. - see also <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1928246" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1928246">Link</a>
Skea Looking East
Clifftop at Skea looking east on this tiny Geograph - 9m by 7m. In the distance is Westray. - see also Link
Ramna Geo, below Costa Hill Looking northeast to north isles
Ramna Geo, below Costa Hill
Looking northeast to north isles
Standard A large outlying sea stack at Inyamehellya
Standard
A large outlying sea stack at Inyamehellya
The Standard The Standard photographed from the Shapinsay fishing boat 'Flourish'.
The Standard
The Standard photographed from the Shapinsay fishing boat 'Flourish'.
The Standard is High But not as high as me! - Curiously un-orcadian sounding sea stack called Standard which is about 170ft tall - my vantage point is over 300ft.
The Standard is High
But not as high as me! - Curiously un-orcadian sounding sea stack called Standard which is about 170ft tall - my vantage point is over 300ft.
Ramna Geo Looking down into the depths of Ramna Geo from the cliff edge - in the distance is Rousay and Westray.
Ramna Geo
Looking down into the depths of Ramna Geo from the cliff edge - in the distance is Rousay and Westray.
All Lined Up Guillemots on one of the many ledges of the sea stack called Standard.
All Lined Up
Guillemots on one of the many ledges of the sea stack called Standard.
A966 near Swannay Farm, Orkney
A966 near Swannay Farm, Orkney
A966 near Swannay Farm, Orkney
A966 near Swannay Farm, Orkney
Manse and fields at Abune-the-hill, Orkney
Manse and fields at Abune-the-hill, Orkney
Boat by the Loch of Swannay View across the loch from the northern shoreline by the A966.
Boat by the Loch of Swannay
View across the loch from the northern shoreline by the A966.
Jetty on Loch Swannay Looking south from the top of the loch by the A966.
Jetty on Loch Swannay
Looking south from the top of the loch by the A966.
Top of Loch Swannay View to the A966 with Costa Hill on the horizon.
Top of Loch Swannay
View to the A966 with Costa Hill on the horizon.
Loch of Swannay Looking across the top end of the loch towards Swannay Farm centre horizon.
Loch of Swannay
Looking across the top end of the loch towards Swannay Farm centre horizon.
Down by the Swannay This pile of rocks at the top of the Loch of Swannay is optimistically described by OS Mapping as a jetty, personally I wouldn't fancy my chances at launching much from it, still, it makes a nice foreground feature for the picture. Note the three sunken tyres used to tie up to.
Down by the Swannay
This pile of rocks at the top of the Loch of Swannay is optimistically described by OS Mapping as a jetty, personally I wouldn't fancy my chances at launching much from it, still, it makes a nice foreground feature for the picture. Note the three sunken tyres used to tie up to.
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Oyce is located at Grid Ref: HY2829 (Lat: 59.149434, Lng: -3.2457065)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///fluctuate.haggis.managed. Near Birsay, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Oyce Castle of Oyce Smosabar

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