South Slett

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

South Slett

Scapa Flow Seen from Olaf summit viewpoint on the A961.
Scapa Flow Credit: Graeme Yuill

South Slett is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, a group of islands situated off the northeastern coast of mainland Scotland. This headland, also referred to as South Slett Head or South Slett Point, juts out into the North Sea and is known for its picturesque beauty and stunning views.

The headland is formed by a rugged and rocky coastline, characterized by steep cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea. These cliffs, composed mainly of sandstone and shale, can reach heights of up to 100 meters, offering an awe-inspiring sight for visitors. The geology of South Slett also reveals evidence of ancient volcanic activity, with basalt formations visible along the shoreline.

The area is renowned for its abundant wildlife and is a haven for birdwatchers. The cliffs provide nesting sites for various seabirds, including guillemots, puffins, and fulmars. Visitors to South Slett can often spot these beautiful creatures soaring above the waves or perched on the cliff edges. The surrounding waters are also home to a diverse array of marine life, making it a popular spot for fishing and diving enthusiasts.

South Slett is easily accessible by foot, with a well-maintained coastal path that allows visitors to explore the headland and enjoy its natural splendor. The path offers breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean, neighboring islands, and the distant Scottish mainland. On a clear day, one can even spot the famous Old Man of Hoy, a towering sea stack located to the northwest.

In conclusion, South Slett in Orkney is a captivating coastal feature, boasting stunning cliffs, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable vistas. Its natural beauty and tranquility make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a true Scottish coastal experience.

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South Slett Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.78155/-2.9833346 or Grid Reference ND4388. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Scapa Flow Seen from Olaf summit viewpoint on the A961.
Scapa Flow
Seen from Olaf summit viewpoint on the A961.
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.
View west from the Olad summit viewpoint Marred by rain
View west from the Olad summit viewpoint
Marred by rain
View to Ward Hill With a transmitter at the top
View to Ward Hill
With a transmitter at the top
Road to somewhere
Road to somewhere
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.
Viewpoint on Olad Hill The headland straight ahead is The Nev. A rain shower is sweeping in from the left.
Viewpoint on Olad Hill
The headland straight ahead is The Nev. A rain shower is sweeping in from the left.
Grassland on Olad Hill Looking towards Ward Hill, with a sharp rain shower just starting. Several of the islands have a Ward Hill, signifying a good place to have a beacon.
Grassland on Olad Hill
Looking towards Ward Hill, with a sharp rain shower just starting. Several of the islands have a Ward Hill, signifying a good place to have a beacon.
Rough country below Ward Hill A view in rather dull conditions. The rain came down before I reached the car, only 500 metres away!
Rough country below Ward Hill
A view in rather dull conditions. The rain came down before I reached the car, only 500 metres away!
Field, Greenquoy View towards the east coast of South Ronaldsay
Field, Greenquoy
View towards the east coast of South Ronaldsay
View from the A961 There is a viewpoint symbol on the map here, where the road crosses a spur off Ward Hill. There is a fine view of the southern approaches to Scapa Flow and Hoy.
View from the A961
There is a viewpoint symbol on the map here, where the road crosses a spur off Ward Hill. There is a fine view of the southern approaches to Scapa Flow and Hoy.
A961, South Ronaldsay A climb to a spur of Ward Hill.  I had just come down this hill.
A961, South Ronaldsay
A climb to a spur of Ward Hill. I had just come down this hill.
Near Cools, South Ronaldsay View westward from the A961.
Near Cools, South Ronaldsay
View westward from the A961.
Road to Lythes A pair of wire fences enclose a road leaving South Ronaldsay's spine road.
Road to Lythes
A pair of wire fences enclose a road leaving South Ronaldsay's spine road.
A961, South Ronaldsay
A961, South Ronaldsay
Cowfield from  A961 Cows enjoy grassland in South Ronaldsay. Visible in background to left is the mast on Wind Hill.
Cowfield from A961
Cows enjoy grassland in South Ronaldsay. Visible in background to left is the mast on Wind Hill.
View from the Viewpoint The car park at the highest point of the A961 on South Ronaldsay is both marked on the map and signposted as a panoramic view point, so we had to go and take a look. This is looking west towards Scapa Flow and the island of Hoy. All of the foreground is in this square, but the farm of Serrigar is in the next square.
View from the Viewpoint
The car park at the highest point of the A961 on South Ronaldsay is both marked on the map and signposted as a panoramic view point, so we had to go and take a look. This is looking west towards Scapa Flow and the island of Hoy. All of the foreground is in this square, but the farm of Serrigar is in the next square.
View from Olad Hill Viewpoint Looking south-east-ish from the highest point of the A961 on South Ronaldsay. The first 500 metres of foreground are in this square, but not as eye-catching as the vista to Wind Wick and beyond to assorted islets, skerries and the Scottish mainland.
View from Olad Hill Viewpoint
Looking south-east-ish from the highest point of the A961 on South Ronaldsay. The first 500 metres of foreground are in this square, but not as eye-catching as the vista to Wind Wick and beyond to assorted islets, skerries and the Scottish mainland.
Show me another place!

South Slett is located at Grid Ref: ND4388 (Lat: 58.78155, Lng: -2.9833346)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///soft.torn.horseshoe. Near St Margaret's Hope, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.78155,-2.9833346
The Cairns
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.7828456/-2.9787802
Sandwick Bay
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 58.7854667/-2.9842706
Weems Castle broch (remains of)
Historic: archaeological_site
Lat/Long: 58.7834753/-2.9814671
Generator Method: wind_turbine
Generator Source: wind
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 58.7797031/-2.9761863
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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