Castle Taing

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Castle Taing

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

Castle Taing is a prominent coastal feature located on the Orkney Islands, Scotland. Situated on a headland, it stands proudly at the end of a rugged point, jutting out into the North Sea. The castle itself is perched atop the headland, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.

Constructed in the 16th century, Castle Taing is a fortified tower house that served as a defensive structure during the turbulent times of Scottish history. Made from local stone, the castle boasts a sturdy and imposing appearance, with thick walls and small windows. Its strategic position allowed it to guard the coastline and provide a vantage point for monitoring any approaching ships or potential threats.

Today, Castle Taing stands as an intriguing historical landmark, attracting visitors keen to explore Scotland's rich heritage. The castle is accessible via a footpath that winds its way along the rugged coastline, offering visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. As they approach the castle, visitors are greeted with breathtaking views of the crashing waves, sheer cliffs, and the vast expanse of the North Sea.

Castle Taing serves as a reminder of the region's historical importance and the role it played in defending the Orkney Islands. Its location on a headland provides a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape and offers visitors a chance to experience the untamed beauty of the Orkney coastline. Whether for history enthusiasts or nature lovers, Castle Taing is a must-visit destination in Orkney.

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Castle Taing Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.783296/-2.9828477 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!

Castle Taing is located at Grid Ref: ND4388 (Lat: 58.783296, Lng: -2.9828477)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///dabbling.flinches.closes. Near St Margaret's Hope, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.783296,-2.9828477
The Cairns
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.7828456/-2.9787802
Sandwick Bay
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 58.7854667/-2.9842706
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.7857718/-2.9769006
Old landing point, pier and slipway (C20)
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.7873632/-2.9845839
Leisure: slipway
Lat/Long: 58.7874315/-2.9843963
Weems Castle broch (remains of)
Historic: archaeological_site
Lat/Long: 58.7834753/-2.9814671
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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