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Point of Hisber

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Point of Hisber

Wind Turbine, Burgar Hill With Loch of Swannay in the background
Wind Turbine, Burgar Hill Credit: Graeme Yuill

Point of Hisber is a prominent coastal feature located on the northeastern coast of Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney archipelago, Scotland. It is classified as a headland due to its distinctive jutting shape into the North Sea. This geographical formation is situated approximately 6 kilometers northeast of the town of Kirkwall.

The Point of Hisber boasts stunning natural beauty and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. It is characterized by rugged cliffs that rise steeply from the sea, reaching heights of up to 30 meters. These cliffs are composed of sedimentary rock formations, displaying layers of sandstone and conglomerate, shaped over millions of years by the erosive forces of wind and water.

The headland serves as an important landmark for maritime navigation, guiding ships through the treacherous waters of the Pentland Firth. Its strategic location also offers panoramic vistas of nearby islands, such as Shapinsay and Stronsay, as well as distant views of the Scottish mainland.

The Point of Hisber is renowned for its rich biodiversity, supporting a variety of seabird colonies. Species such as fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, and puffins can be observed nesting on the cliffs during the breeding season. The surrounding waters are also home to seals and dolphins, providing visitors with a chance to witness these marine mammals in their natural habitat.

Access to the Point of Hisber is facilitated by a coastal path that winds its way along the clifftops, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the area's natural wonders. The site is a popular destination for hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers, who are drawn to its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.

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Point of Hisber Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.131929/-3.1351598 or Grid Reference HY3527. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Wind Turbine, Burgar Hill With Loch of Swannay in the background
Wind Turbine, Burgar Hill
With Loch of Swannay in the background
Wind Turbines, Burgar Hill
Wind Turbines, Burgar Hill
Castlehill, Evie, Orkney The Ordnance Survey Name Book of 1879-80 describes Castlehill as a croft house. At that time it had a thatched roof and was in good repair. It was owned by a Dr Still.
Castlehill, Evie, Orkney
The Ordnance Survey Name Book of 1879-80 describes Castlehill as a croft house. At that time it had a thatched roof and was in good repair. It was owned by a Dr Still.
Eynhallow from the Sands of Evie
Eynhallow from the Sands of Evie
A966 by Burgar House, Orkney
A966 by Burgar House, Orkney
A966 at Muckle Pow, Orkney
A966 at Muckle Pow, Orkney
Looking from Eynhallow Sound towards Burgar Hill In the foreground are Long-tailed Ducks (Clangula hyemalis), known as Calloos in Orkney and Shetland. On the hillside are the houses at Nidgarth in Evie and in the background is the Hill of Burgar. There would be aerogenerators on the skyline these days, and although the windfarm did exist at the time of this photo, there were clearly fewer or smaller turbines.
Looking from Eynhallow Sound towards Burgar Hill
In the foreground are Long-tailed Ducks (Clangula hyemalis), known as Calloos in Orkney and Shetland. On the hillside are the houses at Nidgarth in Evie and in the background is the Hill of Burgar. There would be aerogenerators on the skyline these days, and although the windfarm did exist at the time of this photo, there were clearly fewer or smaller turbines.
Shoreline rocks at Buckquoy
Shoreline rocks at Buckquoy
Burgar: postbox № KW17 70 A George V-reign postbox set into a wall by the main road, emptied at noon daily, except Sunday.
Burgar: postbox № KW17 70
A George V-reign postbox set into a wall by the main road, emptied at noon daily, except Sunday.
Howe View along the track to the farm with the wind turbines on Burgar Hill on the horizon.
Howe
View along the track to the farm with the wind turbines on Burgar Hill on the horizon.
Coast Track Drops down to Grit Ness with Rousay on the horizon.
Coast Track
Drops down to Grit Ness with Rousay on the horizon.
Burn of Woo Long view across farmland towards Eynhallow Sound with Eynhallow centre horizon.
Burn of Woo
Long view across farmland towards Eynhallow Sound with Eynhallow centre horizon.
Track in Evie Runs down to Buckquoy and Eynhallow Sound with Rousay on the horizon.
Track in Evie
Runs down to Buckquoy and Eynhallow Sound with Rousay on the horizon.
Georth Farm Track to the farm off the A966 with Burgar Hill on the horizon.
Georth Farm
Track to the farm off the A966 with Burgar Hill on the horizon.
RSPB Burgar Hill Hide Track off the A966 to the right leads to the hide.
RSPB Burgar Hill Hide
Track off the A966 to the right leads to the hide.
Georth View across grazing fields towards Eynhallow centre horizon.
Georth
View across grazing fields towards Eynhallow centre horizon.
View past Burgar House Looking by the dwelling towards Eynhallow.
View past Burgar House
Looking by the dwelling towards Eynhallow.
A966 by Burgar House Seen here looking in the direction of Burgar Farm on the horizon.
A966 by Burgar House
Seen here looking in the direction of Burgar Farm on the horizon.
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Point of Hisber is located at Grid Ref: HY3527 (Lat: 59.131929, Lng: -3.1351598)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///discloses.campfires.poker. Near Evie, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.131929,-3.1351598
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1284701/-3.140626
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1289823/-3.1396068
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Generator Method: wind_turbine
Generator Source: wind
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 59.1288977/-3.1343501
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Post Box
Operator: Royal Mail
Post Box Type: wall
Ref: KW17 70
Royal Cypher: GR
Royal Cypher Wikidata: Q33102273
Lat/Long: 59.1293302/-3.1388408
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Powe Caithness
Riera Geo Caithness

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