Taing Head

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Taing Head

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

Located on the mainland of Orkney, Scotland, Taing Head is a prominent coastal feature that stands out for its breathtaking beauty and geological significance. Taing Head is classified as a headland, which refers to a narrow piece of land that extends into the sea. Rising majestically above the North Sea, it forms a distinctive point that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The headland is characterized by its rugged cliffs that soar high above the crashing waves below. These cliffs are composed of Old Red Sandstone, a type of sedimentary rock that dates back millions of years. The layers of rock visible along the cliffs provide a fascinating glimpse into the area's geological history.

Taing Head is a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, as it supports a diverse range of fauna. The sea cliffs provide nesting sites for numerous seabird species, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. Visitors to the headland can often spot these colorful birds perched on the ledges or soaring gracefully through the air.

In addition to its natural beauty, Taing Head also carries historical and cultural significance. The headland is home to several archaeological sites, such as ancient burial mounds and remnants of Neolithic settlements. These archaeological treasures offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who inhabited the area thousands of years ago.

Overall, Taing Head is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the raw power of nature, offers an abundance of wildlife, and provides a glimpse into the rich history of Orkney. Whether exploring the dramatic cliffs, observing the diverse birdlife, or immersing oneself in the ancient history, Taing Head is a destination that captivates all who visit.

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Taing Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.761056/-2.9843632 or Grid Reference ND4386. 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.
View west from the Olad summit viewpoint Marred by rain
View west from the Olad summit viewpoint
Marred by rain
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
Road to somewhere
Road to somewhere
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.
Towards Upper Serrigar Extensive views of coastal scenery are available almost everywhere on the Orkney Islands and especially on South Ronaldsay.
Towards Upper Serrigar
Extensive views of coastal scenery are available almost everywhere on the Orkney Islands and especially on South Ronaldsay.
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
Show me another place!

Taing Head is located at Grid Ref: ND4386 (Lat: 58.761056, Lng: -2.9843632)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///lamplight.inspects.grew. Near St Margaret's Hope, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.761056,-2.9843632
Green Clivie
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.7637317/-2.9793126
Husanter Point
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.7614467/-2.9807911
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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