Park Head

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Park Head

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

Park Head is a prominent coastal feature located on the Orkney Islands, an archipelago in the northern part of Scotland. This headland, also referred to as a point, is situated on the eastern coast of the Orkney Mainland, the largest island in the group. Park Head is positioned between the villages of St. Mary's and St. Margaret's Hope and juts out into the North Sea.

The headland is characterized by its rugged and steep cliffs, which provide breathtaking views of the surrounding coastal landscape. These cliffs, composed mainly of sandstone, reach heights of up to 100 meters in some areas. The exposed nature of Park Head makes it a popular spot for birdwatching, as numerous seabirds nest on the cliff ledges, including guillemots, fulmars, and puffins.

Park Head is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The surrounding grassy slopes and heathland are dotted with wildflowers, while the surrounding waters are teeming with marine life such as seals, dolphins, and occasionally even whales.

Visitors to Park Head can take advantage of the well-maintained paths and trails that wind their way around the headland, providing stunning views at every turn. These paths offer opportunities for leisurely walks and hikes, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of the area up close. Additionally, Park Head is easily accessible by car, with a car park located nearby for convenience.

Overall, Park Head is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the untamed beauty of the Orkney Islands. Its dramatic cliffs, diverse wildlife, and picturesque views make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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Park Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.766405/-2.9813505 or Grid Reference ND4386. 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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Dunda House
Dunda House
Osquoy Farm on South Ronaldsay.
Osquoy
Farm on South Ronaldsay.
Show me another place!

Park Head is located at Grid Ref: ND4386 (Lat: 58.766405, Lng: -2.9813505)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///valve.sharp.choppers. Near St Margaret's Hope, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.766405,-2.9813505
Green Clivie
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.7637317/-2.9793126
Natural Arch Stackabank
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.7653328/-2.979327
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.7636452/-2.9752725
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.763552/-2.97667
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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