Croo Skerry

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Croo Skerry

Farm near Croo Taing Credit: David Dixon

Croo Skerry is a notable coastal feature located on the Orkney Islands, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is specifically found on the western side of the island of Westray, which is the northernmost of the inhabited islands in the Orkney group. Croo Skerry is classified as a headland or point due to its prominent, rocky outcrop that juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean.

The headland is characterized by its rugged and dramatic landscape, consisting of steep cliffs that rise up from the crashing waves below. The cliffs at Croo Skerry reach impressive heights, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding seascape. The exposed nature of the headland also means that it is often buffeted by strong winds and powerful swells, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Speaking of wildlife, Croo Skerry is home to a diverse range of seabirds, which find sanctuary on the cliffs and rocky ledges. Species such as puffins, razorbills, guillemots, and fulmars can often be spotted nesting here during the breeding season. Additionally, seals can occasionally be seen basking on the rocks or swimming in the waters around the headland.

Croo Skerry is a place of natural beauty and offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the rugged coastal environment of Orkney. Its striking cliffs, abundant birdlife, and wild seas make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the island of Westray or seeking an authentic coastal experience in the Orkney Islands.

Show me another place!

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

Croo Skerry Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.813758/-3.0122415 or Grid Reference ND4192. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Farm near Croo Taing

David Dixon

Uppertown, South Ronaldsay

David Dixon

Coastal Buildings and Slipway, South Ronaldsay

David Dixon

Hoxa Head Lighthouse and Balfour Battery

Hoxa Head overlooks the main entrance into Scapa Flow through Hoxa Sound. Hoxa Battery (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 (Link

Canmore ID 74483).

David Dixon

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 (Link

Canmore ID 74483).

David Dixon

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 (Link

Canmore ID 133661)

David Dixon

Balfour Coastal Battery

Graeme Yuill

Coastline near Hoxa Head, South Ronaldsay

Alpin Stewart

Howe Taing, South Ronaldsay

Alpin Stewart

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?

Martyn Gorman

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.

Martyn Gorman

Chapel and the Oyce of Herston

I think that the old chapel has been renovated within the last few years.

Ian Balcombe

Farmland and the Oyce of Herston

Looking northwards toward the old chapel.

Ian Balcombe

Clifftops and pebble beach

Looking westwards toward The Altar, Harrabrough Head.

Ian Balcombe

The Altar, Cavernous Triptych

Unusual geomorphology at Harra Brough with three, almost parallel tunnels, running through the headland.

Ian Balcombe

Looking westwards towards The Altar

Coastal scenery en-route to Harrabrough Head.

Ian Balcombe

Coastal Erosion

The cliffs are being undercut and mass-wasting is taking place.

Ian Balcombe

The Altar, Harra Brough

Two of the three tunnels are clearly visible here. As the third one opens the second one closes making it hard to get a view through all three tunnels simultaneously.

Ian Balcombe

Show me another place!

Croo Skerry is located at Grid Ref: ND4192 (Lat: 58.813758, Lng: -3.0122415)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands