Shortie Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Shortie Geo

Eastward House, A961 near Barswick, South Ronaldsay Built in 1873 by local residents for the Church of Scotland, it is now (2014) a home offering B & B.
Eastward House, A961 near Barswick, South Ronaldsay Credit: Jo and Steve Turner

Shortie Geo is a prominent coastal feature located on the Orkney Islands, a group of islands situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. This coastal feature takes the form of a headland or point, jutting out into the North Sea. It is situated on the western coast of Sanday, one of the larger islands in the Orkney archipelago.

Shortie Geo is characterized by its distinctive rugged cliffs, which rise steeply from the sea, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape. The cliffs are composed of sedimentary rocks, primarily sandstone and shale, which have been shaped and eroded by the relentless force of the ocean waves. This erosion has resulted in the formation of caves, arches, and other geological features that can be observed along the coastline.

The headland offers breathtaking views of the surrounding natural scenery, with its panoramic vistas of the North Sea and the neighboring islands. It is also a popular spot for birdwatching, as numerous seabirds nest along the cliffs, including fulmars, guillemots, and puffins. Visitors can often spot these birds soaring through the air or perched on the ledges of the cliffs.

Access to Shortie Geo is relatively straightforward, with a designated walking path leading from the nearby village of Kettletoft. However, caution is advised when approaching the cliff edges due to their steep and unstable nature. The headland is best visited during calm weather conditions, as the strong winds and rough seas common in this region may pose risks to visitors.

In conclusion, Shortie Geo is a captivating coastal feature on the Orkney Islands, offering stunning views, unique geological formations, and a diverse array of birdlife. It is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking to experience the raw beauty of Scotland's coastal landscapes.

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Shortie Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.75954/-2.9899555 or Grid Reference ND4286. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Eastward House, A961 near Barswick, South Ronaldsay Built in 1873 by local residents for the Church of Scotland, it is now (2014) a home offering B & B.
Eastward House, A961 near Barswick, South Ronaldsay
Built in 1873 by local residents for the Church of Scotland, it is now (2014) a home offering B & B.
Farmland, Mossetter
Farmland, Mossetter
Loch of Lythe  Small loch near Ossquoy, the farm on the right
Loch of Lythe
Small loch near Ossquoy, the farm on the right
Tomison's Academy Founded under the will of William Tomison (1739-1829) of the Hudson's Bay Company. 
This former school is now empty and the adjacent buildings falling into dereliction
Tomison's Academy
Founded under the will of William Tomison (1739-1829) of the Hudson's Bay Company. This former school is now empty and the adjacent buildings falling into dereliction
Aerial view of southern South Ronaldsay Taken from a flight to Shetland via Orkney this is the southern end of the southernmost of the main islands of Orkney, South Ronaldsay.
Obviously aerial photos such as this cover many squares, so I have taken the subject reference as Barth Head, which is the little sticky-out point nearest the camera.
Aerial view of southern South Ronaldsay
Taken from a flight to Shetland via Orkney this is the southern end of the southernmost of the main islands of Orkney, South Ronaldsay. Obviously aerial photos such as this cover many squares, so I have taken the subject reference as Barth Head, which is the little sticky-out point nearest the camera.
Castle Skerry
Castle Skerry
The deserted croft of Greenvale Deserted and derelict.
The deserted croft of Greenvale
Deserted and derelict.
Inside Greenvale Looking into one of the rooms. A very similar atmosphere as in those on Swona, which Greenvale overlooks.
Inside Greenvale
Looking into one of the rooms. A very similar atmosphere as in those on Swona, which Greenvale overlooks.
Greenvale Possibly the original dwelling. Swona on the horizon in the background.
Greenvale
Possibly the original dwelling. Swona on the horizon in the background.
The Haven, Barswick On Sundays, the inhabitants of Swona used to cross to South Ronaldsay in an open boat and would land here. This building is where they would then change into "Sunday Best" before walking across the fields to the kirk (ND441856). After the service, the process was reversed. What people!
The Haven, Barswick
On Sundays, the inhabitants of Swona used to cross to South Ronaldsay in an open boat and would land here. This building is where they would then change into "Sunday Best" before walking across the fields to the kirk (ND441856). After the service, the process was reversed. What people!
Dunda House
Dunda House
Osquoy Farm on South Ronaldsay.
Osquoy
Farm on South Ronaldsay.
Old school, Cleat A former school building on South Ronaldsay.
Old school, Cleat
A former school building on South Ronaldsay.
Hay field, Lythe The deep muddy ruts illustrate what an appalling Summer it was in 2015.  Orkney had a particularly hard time and hay and straw had to be bought in for the Winter.
Hay field, Lythe
The deep muddy ruts illustrate what an appalling Summer it was in 2015. Orkney had a particularly hard time and hay and straw had to be bought in for the Winter.
Greenquoy
Greenquoy
A961 passing Lythe A fast and empty road, ideal for a calm evening.  Unfortunately it is extremely rare in Orkney for milages to be displayed and I had no idea how far it was to St Margaret's Hope.
A961 passing Lythe
A fast and empty road, ideal for a calm evening. Unfortunately it is extremely rare in Orkney for milages to be displayed and I had no idea how far it was to St Margaret's Hope.
Field, Greenquoy View towards the east coast of South Ronaldsay
Field, Greenquoy
View towards the east coast of South Ronaldsay
Track to Beedies This has been a smithy and more recently operates as a Garden Furniture shop.
Track to Beedies
This has been a smithy and more recently operates as a Garden Furniture shop.
Show me another place!

Shortie Geo is located at Grid Ref: ND4286 (Lat: 58.75954, Lng: -2.9899555)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///enrolling.trending.club. Near St Margaret's Hope, Orkney Islands

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