The Steis

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

The Steis

Cloddyhall Standing Stone A standing stone on South Ronaldsay measuring 8'6" in height.
Cloddyhall Standing Stone Credit: David Bremner

The Steis is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, Scotland. It is a headland that juts out into the North Sea, forming a point that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Steis is situated on the eastern coast of Orkney Mainland, near the village of St. Margaret's Hope.

This coastal feature is characterized by its rugged cliffs, which are composed of sandstone and reveal layers of geological history. The cliffs of The Steis are known for their dramatic formations and provide a habitat for various seabird species, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. The area is also home to a diverse range of marine life, with seals often spotted basking on the rocks below.

The Steis is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers, who are drawn to its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the cliff-top paths, taking in panoramic views of the ocean and nearby islands. The headland also offers an ideal vantage point for watching the sunset, as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the water.

In addition to its natural attractions, The Steis also holds historical significance. It is believed to have been a defensive site during ancient times, with remnants of a fortification still visible today. The area is steeped in folklore and legends, adding to its mystique and allure.

Overall, The Steis is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the raw beauty of Orkney's rugged coastline. Its stunning vistas, rich wildlife, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the region.

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The Steis Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.79747/-3.0071294 or Grid Reference ND4190. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cloddyhall Standing Stone A standing stone on South Ronaldsay measuring 8'6" in height.
Cloddyhall Standing Stone
A standing stone on South Ronaldsay measuring 8'6" in height.
Nev Hill Incipient hay or, more likely, silage on the slopes of Nev Hill, with a view towards the mountains of Hoy.
Nev Hill
Incipient hay or, more likely, silage on the slopes of Nev Hill, with a view towards the mountains of Hoy.
Standing Stone Neolithic foreground, with an oil tanker emerging from behind the island (Swona) in the background.
Standing Stone
Neolithic foreground, with an oil tanker emerging from behind the island (Swona) in the background.
Cloudiehall Farm buildings overlooking Sandwick Bay. Same red as at Sandwick House!
Cloudiehall
Farm buildings overlooking Sandwick Bay. Same red as at Sandwick House!
West Shaird Typical Orkney features include the one-and-a-half stories, and the cemented strips on the gable ends below the chimneys. The style of the original skylight is a common feature too.
West Shaird
Typical Orkney features include the one-and-a-half stories, and the cemented strips on the gable ends below the chimneys. The style of the original skylight is a common feature too.
New house built by West Shaird Similar to West Shaird in style, but missing the lovely upper windows. It lies right by West Shaird.
New house built by West Shaird
Similar to West Shaird in style, but missing the lovely upper windows. It lies right by West Shaird.
Nev Hill The low, undulating land leading to Nev Hill. Note the one remaining stone field boundary, (known locally as dykes).
Nev Hill
The low, undulating land leading to Nev Hill. Note the one remaining stone field boundary, (known locally as dykes).
Stone dyke on Nev Hill Looking northwards from Nev Hill. One remaining traditional stone dyke undulates across the fields, amid the wire fences.
Stone dyke on Nev Hill
Looking northwards from Nev Hill. One remaining traditional stone dyke undulates across the fields, amid the wire fences.
Chapel and the Oyce of Herston I think that the old chapel has been renovated within the last few years.
Chapel and the Oyce of Herston
I think that the old chapel has been renovated within the last few years.
Farmland and the Oyce of Herston Looking northwards toward the old chapel.
Farmland and the Oyce of Herston
Looking northwards toward the old chapel.
Clifftops and pebble beach Looking westwards toward The Altar, Harrabrough Head.
Clifftops and pebble beach
Looking westwards toward The Altar, Harrabrough Head.
The Altar, Cavernous Triptych Unusual geomorphology at Harra Brough with three, almost parallel tunnels, running through the headland.
The Altar, Cavernous Triptych
Unusual geomorphology at Harra Brough with three, almost parallel tunnels, running through the headland.
Looking westwards towards The Altar Coastal scenery en-route to Harrabrough Head.
Looking westwards towards The Altar
Coastal scenery en-route to Harrabrough Head.
Coastal Erosion The cliffs are being undercut and mass-wasting is taking place.
Coastal Erosion
The cliffs are being undercut and mass-wasting is taking place.
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.
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.
The Altar, Harra Brough Once more, two of the three tunnels showing clear through.
The Altar, Harra Brough
Once more, two of the three tunnels showing clear through.
Looking eastwards from Murka Hole Winter landscape, but the days are at last beginning to lengthen.
Looking eastwards from Murka Hole
Winter landscape, but the days are at last beginning to lengthen.
Murka Hole Looking southwest toward the blowhole. This will be a geo in a few centuries, maybe even decades.
Murka Hole
Looking southwest toward the blowhole. This will be a geo in a few centuries, maybe even decades.
Show me another place!

The Steis is located at Grid Ref: ND4190 (Lat: 58.79747, Lng: -3.0071294)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///hands.inspected.flipper. Near St Margaret's Hope, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.79747,-3.0071294
The Altar
Natural: cliff
Lat/Long: 58.796945/-3.0125909
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.8007252/-3.0106455
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.8007516/-3.0095458
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.8007989/-3.0083361
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.8008656/-3.007054
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.8009225/-3.0057934
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.7991746/-2.99945
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.7993441/-3.0006194
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.7995831/-3.0021161
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.7997554/-3.0033392
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.7999527/-3.0046266
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.8003251/-3.0045891
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.800992/-3.0045676
Burnt Mound
Historic: ruins
Lat/Long: 58.8001632/-3.0047218
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.7967293/-2.9997559
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.7971718/-2.998706
Generator Method: wind_turbine
Generator Source: wind
Generator Type: horizontal_axis
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 58.8008636/-3.0121225
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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