Bucks Hellia

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Bucks Hellia

Noup Head
Noup Head Credit: Alex McGregor

Bucks Hellia is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is specifically classified as a headland or point due to its distinctive geographical formation and prominent position along the Orkney coastline.

Rising steeply from the surrounding sea, Bucks Hellia offers breathtaking panoramic views of the North Sea and the rugged Orkney landscape. Its prominent cliffs, which reach heights of approximately 50 meters, are composed of sandstone and provide nesting sites for a variety of seabirds such as fulmars, guillemots, and puffins.

The headland is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with heather, grasses, and wildflowers adorning its slopes during the summer months. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, including seals, dolphins, and various species of fish.

Access to Bucks Hellia is possible via a coastal path that winds its way along the rugged coastline, offering visitors a chance to explore the headland's natural beauty and observe its abundant wildlife up close. The path provides an opportunity for hikers and nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the peaceful and untouched environment that characterizes this remote area of Orkney.

Bucks Hellia is not only a natural marvel but also holds historical significance. The headland is believed to have been settled by humans since prehistoric times, with archaeological remains and structures from different periods found in its vicinity. These include a broch, an ancient stone tower, and a burial mound, offering a glimpse into the rich history of human occupation in this part of Orkney.

Overall, Bucks Hellia is a captivating coastal feature that seamlessly combines natural beauty, wildlife diversity, and historical importance, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the enchanting Orkney islands.

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Bucks Hellia Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.327083/-3.068275 or Grid Reference HY3949. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Noup Head
Noup Head
Noup Head Lighthouse From the summit of Noup Head, Westray, Orkney Islands.
Noup Head Lighthouse
From the summit of Noup Head, Westray, Orkney Islands.
Westray - cliffs at Noup Head
Westray - cliffs at Noup Head
Natural arch at Kelda Bar, Noup Head, westray
Natural arch at Kelda Bar, Noup Head, westray
Cliff scenery at Kelda Bar, Noup Head, Westray
Cliff scenery at Kelda Bar, Noup Head, Westray
Westray - Noup Head Lighthouse
Westray - Noup Head Lighthouse
Cliffs at Noup Head
Cliffs at Noup Head
Stack of Noup Looking down the cliff face to The Less a group of rocks off Noup Head which is home to dozens of basking seals. Although this looks a tough descent there is a better route which is less steep through grass and plated rocks that gets you down there.
Stack of Noup
Looking down the cliff face to The Less a group of rocks off Noup Head which is home to dozens of basking seals. Although this looks a tough descent there is a better route which is less steep through grass and plated rocks that gets you down there.
Rock Formations on the Stack of Noup Climbing down the cliffs to the shore I came across several examples of this layered rock formation.
Rock Formations on the Stack of Noup
Climbing down the cliffs to the shore I came across several examples of this layered rock formation.
Stack of Noup I didn't exactly climb down this cliff face but took a detour to the left through grass and plated rocks which was much less steep and doable. Nicholas Mutton took a great shot of the route to give you an idea <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/953560" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/953560">Link</a>
Stack of Noup
I didn't exactly climb down this cliff face but took a detour to the left through grass and plated rocks which was much less steep and doable. Nicholas Mutton took a great shot of the route to give you an idea Link
Plated Rock at Noup Head Picture here of an easier route down the cliffs from the lighthouse to the shore.
Plated Rock at Noup Head
Picture here of an easier route down the cliffs from the lighthouse to the shore.
Grip of Cleaton As far down to the shore as I wanted to go. Straight ahead is The Less rocks off Noup Head with dozens of basking seals (foreground on the green coloured rocks), safe in the knowledge that their home is pretty inaccessible for most.
Grip of Cleaton
As far down to the shore as I wanted to go. Straight ahead is The Less rocks off Noup Head with dozens of basking seals (foreground on the green coloured rocks), safe in the knowledge that their home is pretty inaccessible for most.
The only way is up Now remind me, how did I get down here? This is the Stack of Noup with Noup Head lighthouse peeking over the top of the cliffs and I have to get back there to my vehicle, to drive to the ferry, to get off Westray and back to my holiday accommodation on mainland Orkney - simples! A great example of plated rocks.
The only way is up
Now remind me, how did I get down here? This is the Stack of Noup with Noup Head lighthouse peeking over the top of the cliffs and I have to get back there to my vehicle, to drive to the ferry, to get off Westray and back to my holiday accommodation on mainland Orkney - simples! A great example of plated rocks.
Noup Head Looking down from the higher ground near the lighthouse.
Noup Head
Looking down from the higher ground near the lighthouse.
Hauled out seals, Noup Head A wave cut platform beneath Noup Head, Westray.
Hauled out seals, Noup Head
A wave cut platform beneath Noup Head, Westray.
Cliffs at Noup Head, Westray There is a flat grassy area beneath the cliff, and it is easy descend and see the cliff from the seaward side. The top of the lighthouse can just be seen over the top of the cliff.
Cliffs at Noup Head, Westray
There is a flat grassy area beneath the cliff, and it is easy descend and see the cliff from the seaward side. The top of the lighthouse can just be seen over the top of the cliff.
Rock off Noup Head This rock sits below Noup Head lighthouse.  A few years ago a fishing boat ran aground here - the crew were saved, but the boat sank.
Rock off Noup Head
This rock sits below Noup Head lighthouse. A few years ago a fishing boat ran aground here - the crew were saved, but the boat sank.
A seal colony at rest on the skerry off  Noup Head.
A seal colony at rest on the skerry off Noup Head.
Show me another place!

Bucks Hellia is located at Grid Ref: HY3949 (Lat: 59.327083, Lng: -3.068275)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///exclusive.appetite.megawatt. Near Pierowall, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.327083,-3.068275
Noup Head Lighthouse
Man Made: lighthouse
Seamark Light 1 Character: Fl
Seamark Light 1 Colour: white
Seamark Light 1 Height: 79
Seamark Light 1 Period: 30
Seamark Light 1 Range: 20
Seamark Light 1 Sector End: 242
Seamark Light 1 Sector Start: 335
Seamark Light 1 Sequence: 0.6+(29.4)
Seamark Light Reference: A 3736
Seamark Name: Noup Head
Seamark Type: light_major
Wikidata: Q7063872
Wikipedia: en:Noup Head Lighthouse
Lat/Long: 59.3310822/-3.0701863
Ele: 80
Man Made: survey_point
Survey Point Structure: pillar
Lat/Long: 59.3296631/-3.0703074
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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