Outer Ganges

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Outer Ganges

West Winni Skerry on Swona
West Winni Skerry on Swona Credit: John Ferguson

Outer Ganges is a prominent coastal feature located in the Orkney Islands of Scotland. Situated on the eastern coast of the Mainland, the largest island in the archipelago, it is specifically positioned on the northeastern tip of the island. Outer Ganges is classified as a headland, also commonly referred to as a point due to its elongated shape and protrusion into the North Sea.

The headland is characterized by its rugged and dramatic cliffs, which rise steeply from the sea to a considerable height. These cliffs are composed of sedimentary rocks such as sandstone and limestone, providing a picturesque backdrop to the surrounding landscape. The constant erosion caused by the crashing waves has shaped the cliffs over time, creating intricate formations and caves along the shoreline.

Outer Ganges offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the vast expanse of the North Sea. The headland is also known for its abundant wildlife, including various seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, which nest in the cliffs during the breeding season. Additionally, seals can often be spotted basking on the rocky shores or swimming in the waters below.

Due to its natural beauty and ecological significance, Outer Ganges is a popular destination among nature enthusiasts, hikers, and birdwatchers. Visitors can explore the headland by following coastal paths, providing opportunities for leisurely walks and exploration of the diverse flora and fauna.

Overall, Outer Ganges stands as a striking coastal feature, offering a unique blend of stunning landscapes, wildlife, and recreational opportunities for visitors to the Orkney Islands.

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Outer Ganges Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.743692/-3.0637844 or Grid Reference ND3884. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

West Winni Skerry on Swona
West Winni Skerry on Swona
The North Head, Swona
The North Head, Swona
Beacon on Swona, Pentland Firth, at dawn
Beacon on Swona, Pentland Firth, at dawn
Dawn over Swona, Pentland Firth
Dawn over Swona, Pentland Firth
Dawn over Swona, Pentland Firth
Dawn over Swona, Pentland Firth
Dawn over Swona, Pentland Firth South Ronaldsay in the background.
Dawn over Swona, Pentland Firth
South Ronaldsay in the background.
Beacon on the Tarf, Swona, Pentland Firth
Beacon on the Tarf, Swona, Pentland Firth
Swona from the south Taken from about ND 3922
Swona from the south
Taken from about ND 3922
The Tarf, Swona, from the south
The Tarf, Swona, from the south
Sooth Clett, Swona, from the sea Taken from about ND 3681
Sooth Clett, Swona, from the sea
Taken from about ND 3681
Swona, Orkney, from the air
Swona, Orkney, from the air
Skerries at SW tip of Swona The navigation light visible in the background.

Photo taken from "Pentalina" ferry between Gills Bay and St Margaret's Hope.
Skerries at SW tip of Swona
The navigation light visible in the background. Photo taken from "Pentalina" ferry between Gills Bay and St Margaret's Hope.
Buildings on Swona
Buildings on Swona
Tails of the Tarf The disturbed water shows some of the dangers of the Pentland Firth for small vessels. Only a small part of the tip of the island of Swona is in this square.
Tails of the Tarf
The disturbed water shows some of the dangers of the Pentland Firth for small vessels. Only a small part of the tip of the island of Swona is in this square.
The Tarf, Swona A navigation beacon at the southern end of the island.
The Tarf, Swona
A navigation beacon at the southern end of the island.
Tails of the Tarf Skerries on the southern tip of Swona, Pentland Firth.
Tails of the Tarf
Skerries on the southern tip of Swona, Pentland Firth.
Swona View from the Pentland Ferries boat passing to the west.
Swona
View from the Pentland Ferries boat passing to the west.
Swona The island is situated in the Pentland Firth where it creates an obstruction to the strong tides producing tidal races, over-falls and whirlpools. One of these whirlpools is known as the ‘Wells of Swona’, and legend has it is caused by a witch struggling to save herself. To quote directly from Westwood and Kingshill’s book “The Lore of Scotland: A guide to Scottish legends”:

"A witch once took a fancy to a dark and handsome young man and wanted him for her lover. When she asked him to go to the beach with her, however, he refused, as his sweetheart was at that moment on her way to join him. Concealing her anger, the witch persuaded the young man and his girl to come out with her in her boat. As they approached Swona, she worked a spell on the boat and it overturned. The young man caught his girl’s hand in an attempt to save her, but at the same moment the witch caught hold of his to drag him under the waves and into her power. The three were so entangled that they could not be pulled apart. The young man and his sweetheart were drowned, but the witch is still struggling to get free, and it is her frantic churning of the waters that causes the Wells of Swona."

Adapted from my daily photo diary <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.fhithich.uk/?p=25760" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.fhithich.uk/?p=25760">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>
Swona
The island is situated in the Pentland Firth where it creates an obstruction to the strong tides producing tidal races, over-falls and whirlpools. One of these whirlpools is known as the ‘Wells of Swona’, and legend has it is caused by a witch struggling to save herself. To quote directly from Westwood and Kingshill’s book “The Lore of Scotland: A guide to Scottish legends”: "A witch once took a fancy to a dark and handsome young man and wanted him for her lover. When she asked him to go to the beach with her, however, he refused, as his sweetheart was at that moment on her way to join him. Concealing her anger, the witch persuaded the young man and his girl to come out with her in her boat. As they approached Swona, she worked a spell on the boat and it overturned. The young man caught his girl’s hand in an attempt to save her, but at the same moment the witch caught hold of his to drag him under the waves and into her power. The three were so entangled that they could not be pulled apart. The young man and his sweetheart were drowned, but the witch is still struggling to get free, and it is her frantic churning of the waters that causes the Wells of Swona." Adapted from my daily photo diary LinkExternal link
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Outer Ganges is located at Grid Ref: ND3884 (Lat: 58.743692, Lng: -3.0637844)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///salt.line.severe. Near St Margaret's Hope, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.743692,-3.0637844
Created By: almien_coastlines mod
Lat/Long: 58.739677/-3.064921
Created By: almien_coastlines mod
Lat/Long: 58.739421/-3.065413
Created By: almien_coastlines mod
Lat/Long: 58.740189/-3.06443
Created By: almien_coastlines mod
Lat/Long: 58.745822/-3.059761
Keefa Hill
Place: locality
Source: OS map
Lat/Long: 58.7430212/-3.0571041
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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