Vamh

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Vamh

Farm near Croo Taing
Farm near Croo Taing Credit: David Dixon

Vamh is a prominent headland located in Orkney, a group of islands in Scotland. Situated along the rugged and picturesque coastline, this coastal feature offers stunning views of the North Sea and the surrounding landscape. Vamh is known for its dramatic cliffs that rise steeply from the sea, creating a striking and imposing sight.

The headland is characterized by its rocky terrain, which is composed of layers of sedimentary rocks formed millions of years ago. These rocks exhibit various colors, ranging from shades of gray to brown, and are often covered in vibrant green moss and hardy vegetation.

Vamh serves as an important geographical landmark in the area, providing a natural boundary between two adjacent bays. Its strategic location has made it a significant navigational point for sailors and fishermen throughout history.

The headland is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including various seabird species such as gannets, puffins, and fulmars. The cliffs provide ideal nesting sites for these birds, making Vamh an important breeding ground and a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Due to its natural beauty and ecological significance, Vamh has become a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the headland by following well-maintained walking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the open sea. The area also offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, photography, and wildlife observation.

In summary, Vamh is a majestic headland located in Orkney, Scotland. Its towering cliffs, diverse wildlife, and captivating views make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

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Vamh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.818871/-3.022122 or Grid Reference ND4192. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Farm near Croo Taing
Farm near Croo Taing
Uppertown, South Ronaldsay
Uppertown, South Ronaldsay
Coastal Buildings and Slipway, South Ronaldsay
Coastal Buildings and Slipway, South Ronaldsay
Hoxa Head Lighthouse and Balfour Battery Hoxa Head overlooks the main entrance into Scapa Flow through Hoxa Sound. Hoxa Battery (<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/133661/south-ronaldsay-hoxa-head-hoxa-battery" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/133661/south-ronaldsay-hoxa-head-hoxa-battery">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> Canmore ID 133661) was built in the First World War at the southern tip of the peninsula and equipped with 6-inch gun emplacements and magazines. These defences were strengthened in 1940-1 by the addition of another battery to the north, alongside the lighthouse built in 1901. This is the Balfour Battery, which is now the better preserved of the two.

A cast iron, gas-powered lighthouse of 1901 was built to guide ships into Scapa Flow. The superstructure has been removed, leaving a solid concrete plinth, which formed the base. A modern lighthouse, with solar panels, has been built nearby (<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/74483/south-ronaldsay-hoxa-head-lighthouse" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/74483/south-ronaldsay-hoxa-head-lighthouse">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> Canmore ID 74483).
Hoxa Head Lighthouse and Balfour Battery
Hoxa Head overlooks the main entrance into Scapa Flow through Hoxa Sound. Hoxa Battery (LinkExternal link Canmore ID 133661) was built in the First World War at the southern tip of the peninsula and equipped with 6-inch gun emplacements and magazines. These defences were strengthened in 1940-1 by the addition of another battery to the north, alongside the lighthouse built in 1901. This is the Balfour Battery, which is now the better preserved of the two. A cast iron, gas-powered lighthouse of 1901 was built to guide ships into Scapa Flow. The superstructure has been removed, leaving a solid concrete plinth, which formed the base. A modern lighthouse, with solar panels, has been built nearby (LinkExternal link Canmore ID 74483).
Hoxa Head Lighthouse A cast iron, gas-powered lighthouse was built in 1901 to guide ships into Scapa Flow. The superstructure has since been removed, leaving just the solid concrete plinth which formed the base. It has been replaced with a modern lighthouse, with solar panels, built nearby (<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/74483/south-ronaldsay-hoxa-head-lighthouse" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/74483/south-ronaldsay-hoxa-head-lighthouse">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> Canmore ID 74483).
Hoxa Head Lighthouse
A cast iron, gas-powered lighthouse was built in 1901 to guide ships into Scapa Flow. The superstructure has since been removed, leaving just the solid concrete plinth which formed the base. It has been replaced with a modern lighthouse, with solar panels, built nearby (LinkExternal link Canmore ID 74483).
South Ronaldsay, Hoxa Head Hoxa Head overlooks the main entrance into Scapa Flow through Hoxa Sound. Hoxa Battery was built in the First World War at the southern tip of the peninsula and equipped with 6-inch gun emplacements and magazines. In the Second World War, it was rebuilt with two 6-inch gun emplacements and magazines, an observation post, an engine room and footings for searchlights (<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/133661/south-ronaldsay-hoxa-head-hoxa-battery" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/133661/south-ronaldsay-hoxa-head-hoxa-battery">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> Canmore ID 133661)
South Ronaldsay, Hoxa Head
Hoxa Head overlooks the main entrance into Scapa Flow through Hoxa Sound. Hoxa Battery was built in the First World War at the southern tip of the peninsula and equipped with 6-inch gun emplacements and magazines. In the Second World War, it was rebuilt with two 6-inch gun emplacements and magazines, an observation post, an engine room and footings for searchlights (LinkExternal link Canmore ID 133661)
Balfour Coastal Battery
Balfour Coastal Battery
Coastline near Hoxa Head, South Ronaldsay
Coastline near Hoxa Head, South Ronaldsay
Headland at Croo Taing, South Ronaldsay
Headland at Croo Taing, South Ronaldsay
Howe Taing, South Ronaldsay
Howe Taing, South Ronaldsay
Hoxa Head: Coastal battery The interior of a searchlight emplacement at Hoxa Head, overlooking Hoxa Sound. A gun battery defended the Hoxa Sound passage into the Scapa Flow, the base of the Grand (Home) fleet, during during both world wars.

I'm not at all sure what purpose the metal "artificial leg"  served. Perhaps someone knows?
Hoxa Head: Coastal battery
The interior of a searchlight emplacement at Hoxa Head, overlooking Hoxa Sound. A gun battery defended the Hoxa Sound passage into the Scapa Flow, the base of the Grand (Home) fleet, during during both world wars. I'm not at all sure what purpose the metal "artificial leg" served. Perhaps someone knows?
Hoxa Head: Scapa Flow defences During both world wars Scapa Flow was safe anchorage for the Royal Navy's Home Fleet. The main entrances to the flow were heavily defended by booms and metal nets, mine fields and coastal gun batteries. This is part of the complex battery at Hoxa Head. The hillside is covered with concrete; two director towers, with their 6 inch gun houses, magazines and shelters; a fighting searchlight and three dispersed beam lights; several engine houses and lots of hut bases. The battery was designed to cover the Hoxa boom, anchored just north of the battery, with close range and rapid fire against the threat of MTBs.
Hoxa Head: Scapa Flow defences
During both world wars Scapa Flow was safe anchorage for the Royal Navy's Home Fleet. The main entrances to the flow were heavily defended by booms and metal nets, mine fields and coastal gun batteries. This is part of the complex battery at Hoxa Head. The hillside is covered with concrete; two director towers, with their 6 inch gun houses, magazines and shelters; a fighting searchlight and three dispersed beam lights; several engine houses and lots of hut bases. The battery was designed to cover the Hoxa boom, anchored just north of the battery, with close range and rapid fire against the threat of MTBs.
Sand of Wright
Sand of Wright
Pentalina, heading towards Scrabster, from Hoxa The catamaran Pentalina has left St Margaret's Hope and is heading towards Scrabster.  This shows her travelling between Flotta and Hoxa, taken from Hoxa near the Gun Batteries.
Pentalina, heading towards Scrabster, from Hoxa
The catamaran Pentalina has left St Margaret's Hope and is heading towards Scrabster. This shows her travelling between Flotta and Hoxa, taken from Hoxa near the Gun Batteries.
WW2 Gun Batteries on Hoxa Head Long abandoned, these are open for anyone to wander around in.
WW2 Gun Batteries on Hoxa Head
Long abandoned, these are open for anyone to wander around in.
The Sand of Wright
The Sand of Wright
Towards the Dam of Hoxa
Towards the Dam of Hoxa
Sand of Wright Across the wet sands and along towards Hoxa Head
Sand of Wright
Across the wet sands and along towards Hoxa Head
Show me another place!

Vamh is located at Grid Ref: ND4192 (Lat: 58.818871, Lng: -3.022122)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///bottled.hairstyle.screaming. Near St Margaret's Hope, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.818871,-3.022122
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.8218091/-3.0231053
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.8223149/-3.0234218
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.8230704/-3.0239191
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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