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Axnie Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Axnie Geo

Lane towards Breck Lane heading past Breck towards Faraclett and Scockness. A chapel is shown on the map here, but there's nothing resembling such a building amongst those to the right of the road.
Lane towards Breck Credit: Gordon Hatton

Axnie Geo is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, Scotland. It is classified as a headland or point, jutting out into the North Sea. The geo is situated on the eastern side of the Orkney mainland, near the village of Birsay.

Axnie Geo offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, characterized by dramatic cliffs and rugged terrain. The headland is formed by the erosive actions of the sea, which have carved out a deep and narrow inlet. This geological formation creates a visually striking contrast between the towering cliffs and the sparkling blue waters below.

The area surrounding Axnie Geo is rich in wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The rugged cliffs provide nesting sites for a variety of seabirds, including guillemots, puffins, and fulmars. Visitors can often spot these creatures soaring through the air or perched on the rocky ledges.

In addition to its natural beauty, Axnie Geo holds historical significance. It is believed to have been a site of human activity for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting occupation dating back to the Neolithic period. The nearby Birsay Bay contains remnants of Pictish and Viking settlements, adding to the area's historical allure.

Axnie Geo offers visitors the opportunity to experience the stunning beauty of the Orkney coastline, observe diverse wildlife, and explore the region's rich history. Whether one is an avid nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Axnie Geo is a captivating destination.

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Axnie Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.174941/-2.9539158 or Grid Reference HY4532. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Lane towards Breck Lane heading past Breck towards Faraclett and Scockness. A chapel is shown on the map here, but there's nothing resembling such a building amongst those to the right of the road.
Lane towards Breck
Lane heading past Breck towards Faraclett and Scockness. A chapel is shown on the map here, but there's nothing resembling such a building amongst those to the right of the road.
Hillside down to the Yetnasteen stone No an easy subject to photograph as access across nearby fields is discouraged. The stone - 'Jotunna-steinn' in old Norse, which simply means 'giant stone' is over 2m high and is said to be a giant who was turned into stone. The giant must still have a thirst as legend says that the stone makes a few strides down the nearby Loch of Scockness at Hogmanay for a drink before returning. I guess that most locals would prefer a rather stronger drink at Hogmanay.
Hillside down to the Yetnasteen stone
No an easy subject to photograph as access across nearby fields is discouraged. The stone - 'Jotunna-steinn' in old Norse, which simply means 'giant stone' is over 2m high and is said to be a giant who was turned into stone. The giant must still have a thirst as legend says that the stone makes a few strides down the nearby Loch of Scockness at Hogmanay for a drink before returning. I guess that most locals would prefer a rather stronger drink at Hogmanay.
Farmstead for superheros? The abandoned farmstead is shown as Pow on the map, but maybe that should read as 'POW!' if owned by a local superhero. Slowly decaying with roofs collapsing and weeds rampant.
Farmstead for superheros?
The abandoned farmstead is shown as Pow on the map, but maybe that should read as 'POW!' if owned by a local superhero. Slowly decaying with roofs collapsing and weeds rampant.
Fields down to the shore A near straight stone wall heads down the hillside towards the bar separating the Loch of Scockness from the sea.
Fields down to the shore
A near straight stone wall heads down the hillside towards the bar separating the Loch of Scockness from the sea.
Cairn on Faraclett Head The half mile or so between this point and the beginning of green fields further east is not a place to hang around during bird breeding season. Half a dozen arctic skuas, nasty characters at the best of times, take it in turns to fly aggressively at any human interloper. A trekking pole raised above the head fends off most attacks.
Cairn on Faraclett Head
The half mile or so between this point and the beginning of green fields further east is not a place to hang around during bird breeding season. Half a dozen arctic skuas, nasty characters at the best of times, take it in turns to fly aggressively at any human interloper. A trekking pole raised above the head fends off most attacks.
North west side of Faraclett Head A path makes a traverse of grassy slopes here, but the immediate coastal views of cliffs are disappointing due to the nature of the ground above. Views along the coast to the west are good.
North west side of Faraclett Head
A path makes a traverse of grassy slopes here, but the immediate coastal views of cliffs are disappointing due to the nature of the ground above. Views along the coast to the west are good.
Two chambered cairns by the path Green humps, shown as chambered cairns on the map, with only the nearer one being within the grid square. The nearby stile marks the way down towards the small parking area to the south of Faraclett farm, but the route is different to that shown on the 1:25000 map as it now heads directly down to the kink in the farm lane above the car park. Some expertise in gymnastics required to climb over two very high and part broken stiles on the way.
Two chambered cairns by the path
Green humps, shown as chambered cairns on the map, with only the nearer one being within the grid square. The nearby stile marks the way down towards the small parking area to the south of Faraclett farm, but the route is different to that shown on the 1:25000 map as it now heads directly down to the kink in the farm lane above the car park. Some expertise in gymnastics required to climb over two very high and part broken stiles on the way.
The minor road near Hurtiso
The minor road near Hurtiso
Looking down the road from the junction below the car park at Faraclett Head
Looking down the road from the junction below the car park at Faraclett Head
View across Faraclett Head
View across Faraclett Head
Rousay Mill, Orkney The mill is described on the RCAHMS website <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/2734/details/rousay+nethermill+sourin/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/2734/details/rousay+nethermill+sourin/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> as "19th century. A three-storey rubble building, harled on the main frontage, with an eight-spoke overshot wood and iron wheel. The lade is carried on a drystone wall."
Rousay Mill, Orkney
The mill is described on the RCAHMS website LinkExternal link as "19th century. A three-storey rubble building, harled on the main frontage, with an eight-spoke overshot wood and iron wheel. The lade is carried on a drystone wall."
Tidal pond, Scock Ness, Rousay, Orkney
Tidal pond, Scock Ness, Rousay, Orkney
Bow of Cavequoy, Rousay, Orkney Looking towards Eday.
Bow of Cavequoy, Rousay, Orkney
Looking towards Eday.
Coastline, Egilsay, Orkney Looking towards Smithy Sound and Kili Holm.
Coastline, Egilsay, Orkney
Looking towards Smithy Sound and Kili Holm.
Bay of Ham from the car park at Faraclett
Bay of Ham from the car park at Faraclett
Rousay: looking down to Bigland from above Swartafiold Across the sound lies the small island of the Holm of Scockness and beyond that the larger Egilsay: on the horizon is Eday.
Rousay: looking down to Bigland from above Swartafiold
Across the sound lies the small island of the Holm of Scockness and beyond that the larger Egilsay: on the horizon is Eday.
Coastline, Egilsay, Orkney
Coastline, Egilsay, Orkney
Shoreline, Scock Ness, Rousay, Orkney The water on the left is Ham Bay and the high ground is Blotchnie Fiold to the left and Kierfea Hill to the right.
Shoreline, Scock Ness, Rousay, Orkney
The water on the left is Ham Bay and the high ground is Blotchnie Fiold to the left and Kierfea Hill to the right.
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Axnie Geo is located at Grid Ref: HY4532 (Lat: 59.174941, Lng: -2.9539158)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///crunched.sheepish.swerving. Near Brinian, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Point of the Clett The Clett Cuthin Geo Little Peat Geo Loch of Scockness Scrimpo

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