Cletts

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Cletts

Penny farthing sculpture, Flotta, Orkney This is one of several sculptures made of recycled materials which can be found on Flotta. See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/882445">ND3494 : Oystercatchers on Flotta</a> and <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1864035">ND3793 : Doodlebug</a>.

In the distance to the left can be seen Flotta Kirk which also lies within the grid square. — Penny farthing sculpture, Flotta, Orkney Credit: Claire Pegrum

Cletts is a prominent headland located on the northern coast of the Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney archipelago. Situated in the northeastern part of Orkney, Cletts offers breathtaking views of the North Sea and is known for its rugged and dramatic coastal landscape.

This headland is characterized by its steep cliffs, which rise dramatically from the sea, providing a nesting site for a variety of bird species such as fulmars, kittiwakes, and razorbills. These cliffs are a popular destination for birdwatchers, who flock to Cletts to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

Cletts is also famous for its geological features, with exposed layers of sedimentary rock showcasing millions of years of Earth's history. The headland's rocky shoreline is dotted with sea stacks and caves, adding to its charm and intrigue.

Access to Cletts is relatively straightforward, with a footpath leading visitors from the nearby village of Birsay to the headland. The walk offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and the opportunity to spot seals and other marine wildlife in the waters below. However, caution is advised when visiting Cletts, as the cliffs can be unstable and dangerous.

Overall, Cletts is a remarkable coastal feature that showcases the natural beauty and geological diversity of Orkney. Its stunning cliffs, nesting seabirds, and captivating views make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking to experience the wild charm of the Orkney Islands.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Cletts Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.814507/-3.081483 or Grid Reference ND3792. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Penny farthing sculpture, Flotta, Orkney

This is one of several sculptures made of recycled materials which can be found on Flotta. See also ND3494 : Oystercatchers on Flotta and ND3793 : Doodlebug. In the distance to the left can be seen Flotta Kirk which also lies within the grid square.

Claire Pegrum

Kirkie Taing, Flotta, Orkney

Looking across Kirk Bay towards the farm called Banks which also lies within the grid square. This rocky outcrop, which is covered at high tide, lies to the south east of Flotta's church, or kirk. Taing is derived from the Old Norse word Tangi meaning tongue.

Claire Pegrum

Stanger Head, Flotta

The control tower for the WW2 coastal defences at Stanger Head is conspicuous in the sunlight. Flotta wind turbine beyond and the high hills of Hoy in the distance.

Ian Balcombe

Flotta; Walking E across the island about to join B904

Colin Park

Flotta; the Peerie Museum

An excellent little museum with an in-depth history of the island and much World Wars 1 and 2 memorabilia.

Colin Park

Flotta; The Buchanan Battery

Colin Park

Flotta; The Cletts, Rock stacks at Stanger Head

Colin Park

Flotta; Signal station above Stanger Head

Colin Park

Kenzie's Tower

Arrived by ferry to bag both TuMPs on Flotta with Alex Cameron, Jim Bloomer and Tricky Speirs on a sunny afternoon. Name: Kenzie's Tower Hill number: 12252 Height: 42m / 138ft Parent (Ma/M): none Area: 23: Orkney Islands Class: 0 Grid ref: ND371933 (est) Drop: 30m Col: 12m ND365938

Rude Health

A Small Kirk On Flotta

A small Kirk on Flotta with a view of Kirk Bay.

Rude Health

Isle of Flotta

A relic of the World War II defences of Scapa Flow can be seen on Stanger Head in the foreground. Beyond is the wind turbine on West Hill ND3593 whilst the hills of Hoy can be seen in the distance. Viewed from the MV Pentalina at ND388912.

Oliver Dixon

Isle of Flotta

A giant wind turbine crowns West Hill. The hills of Hoy beyond.

Oliver Dixon

Flotta: west side of Kirk Bay

Looking along the stony western shore of this bay on the southern side of the island.

Chris Downer

Flotta: the B9046 heads across the island

Looking along this straight B road, the main road across the island, from the crossroads to the west of the main village.

Chris Downer

Flotta: the post office

The stores and post office are contained within this outbuilding behind the subpostmaster's house; the current postmaster, David Sinclair, whose name is featured on the sign, has been in the post for 50 years, having taken over in 1965. This is about as much of the building that can easily be photographed as the house is right alongside us.

Chris Downer

Flotta: the telephone box

The K8 design of phone box came in in the late 1960s and became a prominent sight up to the late 80s. However, they have diminished to such an extent that there are thought to be only around a dozen still in use today. Orkney has two of them, one being this one by the crossroads in the centre of Flotta. In the background is the ND3593 : Flotta: wind turbine on West Hill.

Chris Downer

Flotta: postbox № KW16 49

The island's postbox occupies a central location with regard to the majority of the residences, unlike the post office. It is set into a stone pillar by the school and may have once had some kind of rain-cover fitted - there are two small holes in the canopy over the slot.

Chris Downer

Flotta: the kirk

The church occupies a scenic setting just above the shore of Kirk Bay, and was built in 1871. See ND3693 : Flotta: inside the kirk for an interior view.

Chris Downer

Show me another place!

Cletts is located at Grid Ref: ND3792 (Lat: 58.814507, Lng: -3.081483)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands