Maes Taing

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Maes Taing

Seal Skerry A small lighthouse on the Seal Skerry - but no seals! — Seal Skerry Credit: Graeme Smith

Maes Taing is a prominent coastal feature located on the west coast of the Orkney Islands in Scotland. It is a headland that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, forming a distinctive point that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The name "Maes Taing" is derived from the Old Norse language, meaning "field of the isthmus." This is fitting, as the headland is formed by a narrow strip of land that connects to the main Orkney mainland. The area is characterized by rugged cliffs, with the highest point reaching approximately 50 meters above sea level.

The headland is a haven for wildlife, with numerous seabirds including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills nesting along the cliffs. Visitors to Maes Taing can often spot seals basking on the rocks or swimming in the surrounding waters.

The landscape surrounding Maes Taing is a mix of grassy fields, heather-covered moorland, and rocky outcrops. This diverse habitat supports a variety of plant species, including sea pinks, thrift, and wild orchids.

Access to Maes Taing is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading to the headland. The location is a popular spot for hiking and photography, as it provides stunning panoramic views of the coastline, the Atlantic Ocean, and the nearby islands of Hoy and Graemsay.

Overall, Maes Taing is a remarkable coastal feature that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

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Maes Taing Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.076464/-2.9771221 or Grid Reference HY4421. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Seal Skerry

A small lighthouse on the Seal Skerry - but no seals!

Graeme Smith

Holm of Rendall

The eastern edge of the Holm of Rendall

Graeme Smith

View of Gairsay, from the ferry terminal at Tingwall

Christopher Hilton

Rendall Doocot, Hall of Rendall, Mainland

This dovecot is the only such one on Orkney, although dovecots are relatively common at medieval or early modern sites, as a way of keeping a supply of protein on site. The ridged sides apparently are to make it difficult for rats to scale the dovecot.

Christopher Hilton

Holm of Boray

As seen from the ferry to the Northern Isles. West Mainland stands behind.

Bill Boaden

Closer view of the Holm of Boray

The southern end of the island showing the colony of cormorants.

Bill Boaden

Hen of Gairsay

As seen from the ferry to Westray, with Rousay standing behind.

Bill Boaden

Rendall doocot

Peter Turner

Rendall doocot

17th Century beehive-type dovecote, 10 ft in diameter at the top, 18 ft high.

David Hawgood

North Head, Gairsay

North Head, Gairsay with a view towards Sweyn Holm.

Rude Health

Ward of Gairsay

Bagged this island on an Alan Holmes boat trip as a group of twelve via Harvey's boat the Charles Ann from Tingwall. Name: Ward of Gairsay Hill number: 4930 Height: 102m / 335ft Parent (Ma/M): none Area: 23: Orkney Islands Class: Hu,1 Grid ref: HY441223 (est) Drop: 102m Col: Sea

Rude Health

View Towards Ward of Gairsay

A taste of the moorland on the island of Gairsay as I head towards its summit.

Rude Health

Jetty At Gairsay

Gairsay (Old Norse: Gáreksey) is a small island in Orkney, Scotland, located in the parish of Rendall, 1.5 miles (2.4 km) off the coast, astride one of the approaches to the bays of Firth and Kirkwall. It is about 2 miles (3.2 km) long and 1 mile (1.6 km) wide and includes one conical hill and a small harbour called Millburn Bay, which is sheltered by the peninsula known as the Hen of Gairsay.

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