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Grit Ness

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Grit Ness

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 Credit: Claire Pegrum

Grit Ness is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, a group of islands situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is specifically classified as a headland or point, protruding into the North Sea.

Grit Ness is known for its rugged and rocky terrain, formed by the constant erosion of the waves crashing against its shores. The headland is characterized by steep cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea, providing a picturesque and awe-inspiring landscape. The rocks that comprise Grit Ness are predominantly composed of sedimentary materials, including sandstone and shale, giving it its distinctive appearance.

The area surrounding Grit Ness is rich in biodiversity, attracting a variety of bird species and marine life. It is a popular spot for birdwatching, with species such as puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes frequenting the cliffs. Seals and dolphins can also be spotted swimming in the waters nearby.

Grit Ness holds historical significance as well, with remnants of ancient settlements and archaeological sites scattered across the headland. These sites provide evidence of human occupation dating back thousands of years, contributing to the historical and cultural heritage of the region.

The headland is easily accessible and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding sea and landscape. It is a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers, offering opportunities for exploration, wildlife observation, and appreciation of the natural beauty of Orkney.

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Grit Ness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.12286/-3.1068044 or Grid Reference HY3626. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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.
Entrance to the Broch of Gurness The broch is surrounded by the stonework of neolithic dwellings.
Entrance to the Broch of Gurness
The broch is surrounded by the stonework of neolithic dwellings.
Neolithic dwellings at the Broch of Gurness Looking across Eynhallow Sound to Rousay.
Neolithic dwellings at the Broch of Gurness
Looking across Eynhallow Sound to Rousay.
Neolithic dwellings at the Broch of Gurness
Neolithic dwellings at the Broch of Gurness
A966 at Georth, Orkney
A966 at Georth, Orkney
A966 by Burgar House, Orkney
A966 by Burgar House, Orkney
A vegetated verge by the storage area
A vegetated verge by the storage area
Two figures on the Sands of Evie
Two figures on the Sands of Evie
Shattered sandstone slabs at the Point of Hellia
Shattered sandstone slabs at the Point of Hellia
Sand and slabs below the car park
Sand and slabs below the car park
The wall and ditch of the Broch of Gurness
The wall and ditch of the Broch of Gurness
The complex interior of the Broch of Gurness With Eynhallow Sound in the background.
The complex interior of the Broch of Gurness
With Eynhallow Sound in the background.
Broch of Gurness - Ancillary building - foundations These foundations belong to an ancillary building on the western edge of the Broch of Gurness site near to the (modern) reception building. They are roughly circular in shape and probably belong to the Viking period of around 500AD as opposed to the Broch itself which is around a thousand years older. See also shared description below:
Broch of Gurness - Ancillary building - foundations
These foundations belong to an ancillary building on the western edge of the Broch of Gurness site near to the (modern) reception building. They are roughly circular in shape and probably belong to the Viking period of around 500AD as opposed to the Broch itself which is around a thousand years older. See also shared description below:
Broch of Gurness - Ancillary building with cist-like chamber This building is near to the entrance to the Broch of Gurness site. The most interesting feature of this structure is the stone-lined 'box' in the midst of it. It looks like a cist (see shared description below) but may have actually been for storage or some other purpose.
Broch of Gurness - Ancillary building with cist-like chamber
This building is near to the entrance to the Broch of Gurness site. The most interesting feature of this structure is the stone-lined 'box' in the midst of it. It looks like a cist (see shared description below) but may have actually been for storage or some other purpose.
Broch of Gurness - Northern aspect Looking from near to <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7561702">HY3826 : Broch of Gurness - Ancillary building with cist-like chamber</a> eastwards along the northern side of the Broch of Gurness complex with the coast along Eynhallow Sound to the left.
Broch of Gurness - Northern aspect
Looking from near to HY3826 : Broch of Gurness - Ancillary building with cist-like chamber eastwards along the northern side of the Broch of Gurness complex with the coast along Eynhallow Sound to the left.
Broch of Gurness - Site from the west Looking from near to the entrance to the Broch of Gurness site (but on the opposite side to the entrance to the broch itself) directly eastwards with the central mound of the broch directly ahead. The Pictish/Iron Age broch is the oldest known part of the site with the mainly Viking "village" having grown up around it. See shared descriptions below for more information and links:
Broch of Gurness - Site from the west
Looking from near to the entrance to the Broch of Gurness site (but on the opposite side to the entrance to the broch itself) directly eastwards with the central mound of the broch directly ahead. The Pictish/Iron Age broch is the oldest known part of the site with the mainly Viking "village" having grown up around it. See shared descriptions below for more information and links:
Broch of Gurness - View along southern aspect with ditch There are several ditches which surround the central Pictish/Iron Age broch at the Broch of Gurness site with the Viking village interspersed among them. This view is along the mid-southern section of the site, there is a further outer ditch beyond this one.
Broch of Gurness - View along southern aspect with ditch
There are several ditches which surround the central Pictish/Iron Age broch at the Broch of Gurness site with the Viking village interspersed among them. This view is along the mid-southern section of the site, there is a further outer ditch beyond this one.
Broch of Gurness - Ditch with side and cross walls This section of the ditch surrounding the Pictish/Iron Age broch has stonework both on its sides and crossing it. The masonry is likely later than the broch itself perhaps by as much as a thousand years. For a closer view of these walls, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7561723">HY3826 : Broch of Gurness - Stone walls across ditch</a>
Broch of Gurness - Ditch with side and cross walls
This section of the ditch surrounding the Pictish/Iron Age broch has stonework both on its sides and crossing it. The masonry is likely later than the broch itself perhaps by as much as a thousand years. For a closer view of these walls, see HY3826 : Broch of Gurness - Stone walls across ditch
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Grit Ness is located at Grid Ref: HY3626 (Lat: 59.12286, Lng: -3.1068044)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///relaxing.whisker.ourselves. Near Evie, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Gressy Geo Robie's Knowe Stooun Grit Ness

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