Kings Hard

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Kings Hard

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

Kings Hard is a prominent coastal feature located on the island of Orkney, Scotland. Situated on the northeastern coast of the mainland, it is recognized as a headland or point that juts out into the North Sea. The area surrounding Kings Hard is known for its rugged and picturesque landscape, with cliffs rising dramatically from the sea.

The headland itself is characterized by its rocky terrain, consisting of sandstone and other sedimentary rocks that have been shaped by erosion over thousands of years. The cliffs at Kings Hard reach impressive heights, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the open sea beyond.

The name "Kings Hard" is believed to have historical significance, possibly referencing its use as a landing point for Viking ships or as a strategic location for defense during medieval times. The area is also known for its rich biodiversity, with various seabirds nesting along the cliffs and marine life thriving in the waters below.

Access to Kings Hard is relatively easy, with a coastal path leading visitors to the headland. Upon reaching the point, visitors are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding seascape. The area is popular with hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers, who come to admire the rugged beauty of this coastal feature.

In summary, Kings Hard is a striking headland located on the northeastern coast of Orkney, Scotland. Its rocky cliffs, historical significance, and stunning views make it a popular destination for visitors seeking to experience the natural beauty of this coastal region.

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Kings Hard Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.819231/-3.0804526 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

Stone jetty, Flotta, Orkney

Looking across Pan Hope to the Flotta oil terminal and the hills of Hoy beyond.

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: shipwreck on the shore of Pan Hope

The remains of a boat on the shore, perhaps abandoned rather than grounded.

Chris Downer

Flotta: an old chapel on the shore

This forlorn, disused building appears on some old mapping (1930s) as a chapel, and even earlier maps going back to the 1880s mark a building here as a hospital. The door has a northing of 94003 according to my GPS, so it almost all stands in this gridsquare. See ND3694 : Flotta: inside the former chapel on the shore of Pan Hope for the view inside which does indeed suggest use as a chapel.

Chris Downer

Flotta: inside the former chapel on the shore of Pan Hope

The interior of ND3694 : Flotta: an old chapel on the shore does indeed resemble a religious building, especially with a few stacked pews against the back wall. The slight remains of a notice on the back wall has what looks like a capital C and the start of possibly a lowercase h - perhaps the word Christ.

Chris Downer