Sheep Skerries

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Caithness

Scotland

Sheep Skerries

Stroma Lighthouse with Pentland Firth & Orkney in distance.
Stroma Lighthouse with Pentland Firth & Orkney in distance. Credit: Ron Ireland

Sheep Skerries is a prominent coastal feature located in Caithness, Scotland. It is a stunning headland that juts out into the North Sea, forming a distinctive point that attracts visitors and nature enthusiasts alike. The name "Sheep Skerries" is derived from the numerous small rocky islets, or skerries, that surround the headland and provide a unique habitat for marine wildlife.

The headland itself is characterized by rugged cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the open ocean. These cliffs are composed primarily of sandstone, which has been shaped over centuries by the relentless force of waves and wind, creating striking geological formations.

The area around Sheep Skerries is rich in biodiversity, serving as a haven for various species of seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, and puffins. It is also home to a diverse range of marine life, with seals often seen lounging on the skerries, while dolphins and porpoises are occasionally spotted swimming offshore.

Access to Sheep Skerries is limited due to its remote location and challenging terrain. However, for those willing to make the journey, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the raw beauty and tranquility of the Scottish coastline. Walking trails and viewpoints have been established to provide visitors with safe and accessible vantage points to appreciate the natural wonders of the area.

In summary, Sheep Skerries in Caithness is a captivating headland and point that showcases the raw power of nature. With its dramatic cliffs, unique skerries, and diverse wildlife, it is a destination that offers a truly memorable coastal experience.

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Sheep Skerries Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.696781/-3.1180363 or Grid Reference ND3579. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Stroma Lighthouse with Pentland Firth & Orkney in distance.
Stroma Lighthouse with Pentland Firth & Orkney in distance.
Stroma: the lighthouse The lighthouse on Stroma viewed from Duncansby Head.
Stroma: the lighthouse
The lighthouse on Stroma viewed from Duncansby Head.
Geo of Nethertown Pier Abandoned Stroma, island in the stream, now inhabited by sheep.
Geo of Nethertown Pier
Abandoned Stroma, island in the stream, now inhabited by sheep.
Collapsed Sea Cave Collapsed sea cave, creating a subterranean passage.  The photograph shows the cave opening and the land beyond.
Collapsed Sea Cave
Collapsed sea cave, creating a subterranean passage. The photograph shows the cave opening and the land beyond.
Coast of Stroma Abandoned house above rocky coastline of Stroma.
Coast of Stroma
Abandoned house above rocky coastline of Stroma.
Western cliffs of Stroma Looking north towards Orkney, the sea batters the cliffs and under cuts the cliffs creating caves/inlets.
Western cliffs of Stroma
Looking north towards Orkney, the sea batters the cliffs and under cuts the cliffs creating caves/inlets.
Cottage on Stroma A view of a derelict cottage on the uninhabited island of Stroma, situated in the Pentland Firth.
Cottage on Stroma
A view of a derelict cottage on the uninhabited island of Stroma, situated in the Pentland Firth.
Lighthouse on the Island of Stroma
Lighthouse on the Island of Stroma
Langaton Point, Stroma These skerries provide an ideal haul-out for Grey Atlantic seals. The rock is Old Red Sandstone. Very strong tidal streams provide a spectacular display of overfalls and whirlpools. Indeed, the name Stroma comes from the Norse, straum-oy, meaning island in the stream.
Langaton Point, Stroma
These skerries provide an ideal haul-out for Grey Atlantic seals. The rock is Old Red Sandstone. Very strong tidal streams provide a spectacular display of overfalls and whirlpools. Indeed, the name Stroma comes from the Norse, straum-oy, meaning island in the stream.
The Gloup Stroma Inland feature with access to the sea through underground cave.
The Gloup Stroma
Inland feature with access to the sea through underground cave.
Island of Stroma Nice cave in the cliff face on the Island of Stroma
Island of Stroma
Nice cave in the cliff face on the Island of Stroma
Ruined houses Some of the ruins on the east side of Stroma with the light house in the background
Ruined houses
Some of the ruins on the east side of Stroma with the light house in the background
Island dwelling This house was to be my home until 1955.
Island dwelling
This house was to be my home until 1955.
Island harbour This pier served the north end islanders to keep their boats in.
Island harbour
This pier served the north end islanders to keep their boats in.
All Lined Up All 9 vintage tractors lined up in the centre of the car deck of the Pentland Ferries Pentalina heading for Orkney and passing the now uninhabited island of Stroma.
All Lined Up
All 9 vintage tractors lined up in the centre of the car deck of the Pentland Ferries Pentalina heading for Orkney and passing the now uninhabited island of Stroma.
Stroma: the lighthouse from the ferry Looking from the Gills Bay to Orkney ferry towards the northern end of the island of Stroma. The stiff breeze today was illustrated well by the boat's flag.
Stroma: the lighthouse from the ferry
Looking from the Gills Bay to Orkney ferry towards the northern end of the island of Stroma. The stiff breeze today was illustrated well by the boat's flag.
Stroma: the church from the passing ferry Travelling from Gills Bay on the mainland to Orkney, we pass the abandoned island of Stroma which has many buildings remaining.
Stroma: the church from the passing ferry
Travelling from Gills Bay on the mainland to Orkney, we pass the abandoned island of Stroma which has many buildings remaining.
Stroma 2007: aerial On this northern part of the island and this piece of coastline alone are a chambered cairn, a place called "Little Gloup", a fort, caves and a subterranean passage.
Stroma 2007: aerial
On this northern part of the island and this piece of coastline alone are a chambered cairn, a place called "Little Gloup", a fort, caves and a subterranean passage.
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Sheep Skerries is located at Grid Ref: ND3579 (Lat: 58.696781, Lng: -3.1180363)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///inhales.browsers.nail. Near John o' Groats, Highland

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.696781,-3.1180363
Langaton Point
Natural: cape
Source: OS7
Lat/Long: 58.6945357/-3.1247389
Stroma Lighthouse
Man Made: lighthouse
Seamark Light Character: Fl
Seamark Light Colour: white
Seamark Light Group: 2
Seamark Light Height: 32
Seamark Light Period: 20
Seamark Light Range: 26
Seamark Light Reference: A 3568
Seamark Light Sequence: 0.3+(3.6)+0.3+(15.8)
Seamark Radio Station Category: ais
Seamark Radio Station Mmsi: 992351092
Seamark Type: light_major
Source: OS7
Wikidata: Q28831542
Lat/Long: 58.6958841/-3.1167909
Swilkie Point
Natural: cape
Lat/Long: 58.695975/-3.1138852
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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