Nor Hellia

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Nor Hellia

Rousay: The Wirk The remains of a tower, thought to date from the 12th century, part of a larger rectangular building extending uphill. The building was perhaps a grand hall, and the Wirk itself may have been a bell tower, perhaps associated with the adjacent St. Mary&#039;s church.

As is the way with these things, there are a lot of maybes.

See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4716737">HY3730 : Rousay: The Wirk from the east</a> for a view from the back, better showing the curious upright stones, and <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://rousayremembered.moonfruit.com/st-marys-kirk-the-wirk/4590661954" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://rousayremembered.moonfruit.com/st-marys-kirk-the-wirk/4590661954">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> for pictures in better light and with less vegetation. — Rousay: The Wirk Credit: Chris Downer

Nor Hellia is a prominent coastal feature located in the Orkney Islands, a group of islands situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is classified as a headland or point due to its distinct shape and geographical characteristics. Nor Hellia is positioned on the northernmost tip of the island of Helliar Holm, which is part of the larger Orkney archipelago.

The headland of Nor Hellia stands out due to its rugged and rocky terrain, with steep cliffs that rise dramatically from the surrounding sea. These cliffs, which are composed of sedimentary rocks, reach heights of approximately 100 feet, providing a commanding view of the surrounding waters.

The location of Nor Hellia makes it an ideal spot for observing marine wildlife. The surrounding waters are abundant with various species of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. Seals can also be spotted basking on the rocks or swimming in the nearby waters.

In addition to its natural beauty, Nor Hellia is also of historical significance. The headland is home to the remains of an ancient Norse settlement, which dates back to the Viking era. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of settlements, including stone structures and artifacts, shedding light on the lives and culture of the Viking inhabitants.

Nor Hellia attracts both nature enthusiasts and history buffs, offering a unique blend of scenic beauty and historical intrigue. Its remote location and unspoiled surroundings make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Orkney experience.

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Nor Hellia Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.156527/-3.0997607 or Grid Reference HY3730. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rousay: The Wirk The remains of a tower, thought to date from the 12th century, part of a larger rectangular building extending uphill. The building was perhaps a grand hall, and the Wirk itself may have been a bell tower, perhaps associated with the adjacent St. Mary&#039;s church.

As is the way with these things, there are a lot of maybes.

See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4716737">HY3730 : Rousay: The Wirk from the east</a> for a view from the back, better showing the curious upright stones, and <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://rousayremembered.moonfruit.com/st-marys-kirk-the-wirk/4590661954" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://rousayremembered.moonfruit.com/st-marys-kirk-the-wirk/4590661954">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> for pictures in better light and with less vegetation.

Rousay: The Wirk

The remains of a tower, thought to date from the 12th century, part of a larger rectangular building extending uphill. The building was perhaps a grand hall, and the Wirk itself may have been a bell tower, perhaps associated with the adjacent St. Mary's church. As is the way with these things, there are a lot of maybes. See HY3730 : Rousay: The Wirk from the east for a view from the back, better showing the curious upright stones, and Link

for pictures in better light and with less vegetation.

Rousay: The Wirk from the east A view from the landward side of The Wirk, one of many very historic buildings along this short stretch of coast. This picture shows the four thin vertical stones which I have found no specific information on.

See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4716735">HY3730 : Rousay: The Wirk</a> for the &#039;front&#039; view and more discussion (much of it quite speculative) on building, and <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://rousayremembered.moonfruit.com/st-marys-kirk-the-wirk/4590661954" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://rousayremembered.moonfruit.com/st-marys-kirk-the-wirk/4590661954">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> for pictures in better light and with less vegetation.

Brough Head is in the background.

Rousay: The Wirk from the east

A view from the landward side of The Wirk, one of many very historic buildings along this short stretch of coast. This picture shows the four thin vertical stones which I have found no specific information on. See HY3730 : Rousay: The Wirk for the 'front' view and more discussion (much of it quite speculative) on building, and Link

for pictures in better light and with less vegetation. Brough Head is in the background.

Rousay: St. Maryâs church A sixteenth-century church which has been disused since 1815 when the new church was built at Brinian (near to the ferry pier).

Rousay: St. Maryâs church

A sixteenth-century church which has been disused since 1815 when the new church was built at Brinian (near to the ferry pier).

Rousay: the mossy walls of St. Maryâs church A close-up of part of the walls of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4716739">HY3730 : Rousay: St. Mary&rsquo;s church</a>, with a view of Brough Head for good measure.

Rousay: the mossy walls of St. Maryâs church

A close-up of part of the walls of HY3730 : Rousay: St. Mary’s church, with a view of Brough Head for good measure.

Rousay: west end of St. Maryâs church A close look at a buttress, added at the end of the 19th century, which is doing its best to hold up <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4716739">HY3730 : Rousay: St. Mary&rsquo;s church</a>.

Rousay: west end of St. Maryâs church

A close look at a buttress, added at the end of the 19th century, which is doing its best to hold up HY3730 : Rousay: St. Mary’s church.

Rousay: stile to St. Maryâs church Another view of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4716739">HY3730 : Rousay: St. Mary&rsquo;s church</a>, from the same angle but from outside rather than inside the churchyard.

Rousay: stile to St. Maryâs church

Another view of HY3730 : Rousay: St. Mary’s church, from the same angle but from outside rather than inside the churchyard.

Rousay: path to Midhowe The path runs steeply from the car park to the historic sites at the coastline, firstly zigzagging down this segment before going down the edge of the lower field.

Rousay: path to Midhowe

The path runs steeply from the car park to the historic sites at the coastline, firstly zigzagging down this segment before going down the edge of the lower field.

Rousay: signpost for the Midhowe antiquities An old-fashioned sign halfway down the path from the car park. The broch is visible below.

Rousay: signpost for the Midhowe antiquities

An old-fashioned sign halfway down the path from the car park. The broch is visible below.

Rousay: Midhowe chambered cairn This extraordinary, 32-metre-long burial chamber is well preserved and was built around 5,000 years ago. It consists of several chambers separated by vertical slabs, and the complete structure was filled in with stones at some unknown date between then and now, to prevent further use.

The cairn was excavated by the landowner, Walter Grant, in 1932, and it was he who provided the building which now protects the cairn from the elements and allows it to be freely accessed.

Rousay: Midhowe chambered cairn

This extraordinary, 32-metre-long burial chamber is well preserved and was built around 5,000 years ago. It consists of several chambers separated by vertical slabs, and the complete structure was filled in with stones at some unknown date between then and now, to prevent further use. The cairn was excavated by the landowner, Walter Grant, in 1932, and it was he who provided the building which now protects the cairn from the elements and allows it to be freely accessed.

Rousay: the building housing Midhowe cairn This building was constructed in the 1930s to protect <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4717177">HY3730 : Rousay: Midhowe chambered cairn</a> shortly after it was excavated.

Rousay: the building housing Midhowe cairn

This building was constructed in the 1930s to protect HY3730 : Rousay: Midhowe chambered cairn shortly after it was excavated.

Rousay: looking down on Midhowe cairn The suspended walkways allow the visitor to closely inspect <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4717177">HY3730 : Rousay: Midhowe chambered cairn</a> without interfering with the fabric of the structure. This view also gives a good impression of the size of the cairn.

Rousay: looking down on Midhowe cairn

The suspended walkways allow the visitor to closely inspect HY3730 : Rousay: Midhowe chambered cairn without interfering with the fabric of the structure. This view also gives a good impression of the size of the cairn.

Rousay: Midhowe Broch Occupying a spectacular stretch of the Rousay coast, the broch was built some time around the first century BC, and its position very much points to defensive purpose - a ditch has been cut around the landward side of the broch, and it nestles between two small inlets on the seaward side.

Brough Head is in the distance.

Rousay: Midhowe Broch

Occupying a spectacular stretch of the Rousay coast, the broch was built some time around the first century BC, and its position very much points to defensive purpose - a ditch has been cut around the landward side of the broch, and it nestles between two small inlets on the seaward side. Brough Head is in the distance.

Rousay: Midhowe Broch from the seaward side A view of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4717198">HY3730 : Rousay: Midhowe Broch</a> from the rocks directly in front - a similar picture to Wayne Easton&#039;s 2008 photo <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3007031">HY3730 : Midhowe,Rousay, seaward view-point</a>, but in better weather.

Rousay: Midhowe Broch from the seaward side

A view of HY3730 : Rousay: Midhowe Broch from the rocks directly in front - a similar picture to Wayne Easton's 2008 photo HY3730 : Midhowe,Rousay, seaward view-point, but in better weather.

Rousay: inside Midhowe Broch Some of the larger flagstones found when the broch was excavated in the 1930s have been positioned to recreate what the ground floor may have looked like when the area was partitioned. A stone hearth is in the centre here.

Rousay: inside Midhowe Broch

Some of the larger flagstones found when the broch was excavated in the 1930s have been positioned to recreate what the ground floor may have looked like when the area was partitioned. A stone hearth is in the centre here.

Rousay: Midhowe Broch from the northeast This picture of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4717198">HY3730 : Rousay: Midhowe Broch</a> shows the landward ditch and wall which suggest a defensive purpose to the broch.

Rousay: Midhowe Broch from the northeast

This picture of HY3730 : Rousay: Midhowe Broch shows the landward ditch and wall which suggest a defensive purpose to the broch.

Rousay: Stenchna Geo A very narrow sea inlet, at the immediate side of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4717198">HY3730 : Rousay: Midhowe Broch</a> whose stonework just creeps into the right edge of the picture.

Ahead of us is Brough Head.

Rousay: Stenchna Geo

A very narrow sea inlet, at the immediate side of HY3730 : Rousay: Midhowe Broch whose stonework just creeps into the right edge of the picture. Ahead of us is Brough Head.

Rousay: tiny sandy beach at Midhowe Surely a contender for the world&#039;s smallest sandy beach, it is literally a few feet wide.

It is also possibly a contender for the smallest inlet to have a name - the name Sand Geo appears on the map in such a position that this is all it can really refer to.

Rousay: tiny sandy beach at Midhowe

Surely a contender for the world's smallest sandy beach, it is literally a few feet wide. It is also possibly a contender for the smallest inlet to have a name - the name Sand Geo appears on the map in such a position that this is all it can really refer to.

Rainbow over Scabra Head, Rousay Seen from Eynhallow.

Rainbow over Scabra Head, Rousay

Seen from Eynhallow.

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Nor Hellia is located at Grid Ref: HY3730 (Lat: 59.156527, Lng: -3.0997607)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///park.adjusting.alternate. Near Evie, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Backsillars Sand Geo Nor Hellia Marywell Geo of Brough Curly Geo

Related Wikis

Midhowe Chambered Cairn

Midhowe Chambered Cairn

Midhowe Chambered Cairn is a large Neolithic chambered cairn located on the south shore of the island of Rousay, Orkney, Scotland. The name "Midhowe" comes...

Midhowe Broch

Midhowe Broch

Midhowe Broch () is an Iron Age broch located on the west coast of the island of Rousay in the Orkney Islands, in Scotland. == Description == Midhowe...

Knowe of Swandro

Knowe of Swandro

The Knowe of Swandro is an archaeological site located on the Bay of Swandro on Rousay in Orkney, Scotland. The site consists of a 5000-year-old Neolithic...

Eynhallow

Eynhallow

Eynhallow (Scots: Eynhallow; Old Norse: Eyinhelga; Norn: Øjinhellig) is a small, presently uninhabited island, part of Orkney, off the north coast of mainland...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.156527,-3.0997607

Midhowe Chambered Cairn - 3,500 BC

Historic: archaeological_site

Historic Era: neolithic

Name Ru: Мидхау

Source: GPS tracks, photos

Wikidata: Q568592

Wikipedia: en:Midhowe Chambered Cairn

Lat/Long: 59.1565434/-3.0991385

St Mary's Church burial ground (post medieval)

Historic: archaeological_site

Source: rough GPS survey

Lat/Long: 59.1537815/-3.0968022

Barrier: kissing_gate

Bicycle: no

Foot: yes

Source: GPS tracks, photos

Lat/Long: 59.1572253/-3.0996721

North Howe broch (Iron Age?)

Historic: archaeological_site

Lat/Long: 59.1586847/-3.1025065

Midhowe Heritage Walk (2.3km return) - OIC Orkney Walks

Tourism: attraction

Lat/Long: 59.1590993/-3.0932353

Barrier: stile

Lat/Long: 59.1537623/-3.096473

Brough Farm 16th century - uninhabited since 1845

Historic: archaeological_site

Lat/Long: 59.1556598/-3.0982358

The Wirk 11th Century tower - either a hall or church tower

Historic: archaeological_site

Lat/Long: 59.1539051/-3.0965575

Information: board

Tourism: information

Lat/Long: 59.1538716/-3.0966744

Information: board

Tourism: information

Lat/Long: 59.1538095/-3.0964438

Information: board

Tourism: information

Lat/Long: 59.1532052/-3.0965569

Information: board

Tourism: information

Lat/Long: 59.156357/-3.0991797

Brough Farm information board

Information: board

Tourism: information

Lat/Long: 59.1554991/-3.0983583

Skaill Farm 18th Century - empty since the clearances C19

Historic: archaeological_site

Lat/Long: 59.1529569/-3.0965805

The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Greenie Geo Caithness

House Geo Orkney

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