Pantland Craigs

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Pantland Craigs

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

Pantland Craigs is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, an archipelago in the northern part of Scotland. Situated on the eastern coast of the Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney group, Pantland Craigs is a stunning headland that stretches out into the North Sea.

The headland is characterized by its rugged and dramatic cliffs, which rise to a height of approximately 30 meters (98 feet) above sea level. These cliffs are formed from layers of sandstone and reveal the geological history of the region, dating back millions of years. The sheer vertical drop of the cliffs provides a breeding ground for various seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Pantland Craigs offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the vast expanse of the North Sea. On clear days, visitors can see distant islands, such as Shapinsay and Stronsay, along with the occasional passing ship or fishing boat.

Access to Pantland Craigs is relatively easy, with a footpath leading from the nearby village of St. Mary's. The headland is a perfect spot for leisurely walks, picnics, and quiet contemplation of the natural beauty of Orkney's coastal landscape.

In summary, Pantland Craigs in Orkney is a stunning headland known for its rugged cliffs, diverse birdlife, and breathtaking views. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher or simply seeking a peaceful escape in nature, Pantland Craigs offers a memorable experience on the picturesque coast of Orkney.

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Pantland Craigs Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.153914/-3.2020689 or Grid Reference HY3130. 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.
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'.
Costa Head, Orkney Sea cliffs, here 100 m high.
Costa Head, Orkney
Sea cliffs, here 100 m high.
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.
Costa Head Thrift Just east of Costa Head a lovely carpet of thrift amongst the luss grass that the sheep were enjoying. Rousay in the distance.
Costa Head Thrift
Just east of Costa Head a lovely carpet of thrift amongst the luss grass that the sheep were enjoying. Rousay in the distance.
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.
Cliffs at Costa Head Impressive cliffs of Old Red Sandstone drop precipitously into the sea at the northernmost point of Mainland.
Cliffs at Costa Head
Impressive cliffs of Old Red Sandstone drop precipitously into the sea at the northernmost point of Mainland.
A966 near Upper Midhouse, Orkney
A966 near Upper Midhouse, Orkney
A966 near Crismo, Orkney
A966 near Crismo, Orkney
Costa: grazing cattle and Westray view Looking out across the northwestern end of Eynhallow Sound towards the western tip of the isle of Rousay. In the distance, the outline of Westray can be discerned.
Costa: grazing cattle and Westray view
Looking out across the northwestern end of Eynhallow Sound towards the western tip of the isle of Rousay. In the distance, the outline of Westray can be discerned.
Little Hut This hut, containing fishing gear, is not marked on the map and is only just inside the Grid Square.
This square is one of the three or four very last Orkney Mainland squares to be Geographed
Little Hut
This hut, containing fishing gear, is not marked on the map and is only just inside the Grid Square. This square is one of the three or four very last Orkney Mainland squares to be Geographed
Little Hut Inside the <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2698399">HY3229 : Little Hut</a>.
It is very cosy with even a small hearth. But it is perilously close to the eroding cliff edge.
Little Hut
Inside the HY3229 : Little Hut. It is very cosy with even a small hearth. But it is perilously close to the eroding cliff edge.
The phone at the farm This old public telephone box now sits in the corner of the garden.
What would you use yours for?
The phone at the farm
This old public telephone box now sits in the corner of the garden. What would you use yours for?
Fence, Costa Hill, Orkney Looking towards Eynhallow Sound, Eynhallow and Rousay.

The flagstone fence has been supplemented with a modern wire one.
Fence, Costa Hill, Orkney
Looking towards Eynhallow Sound, Eynhallow and Rousay. The flagstone fence has been supplemented with a modern wire one.
Show me another place!

Pantland Craigs is located at Grid Ref: HY3130 (Lat: 59.153914, Lng: -3.2020689)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///chains.causes.apart. Near Birsay, Orkney Islands

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