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Geo of Etherhellia

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Geo of Etherhellia

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

Geo of Etherhellia is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, Scotland. It is a headland that juts out into the North Sea, forming a distinctive point along the rugged coastline. The name "Geo of Etherhellia" derives from the Old Norse word "geo," meaning a narrow inlet or cove, and "Etherhellia," which is believed to be a reference to the local folklore or historical significance of the area.

This headland is characterized by its steep cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The cliffs are composed of ancient sandstone and have been shaped over centuries by the relentless forces of wind and water, creating a striking geological formation that attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

The Geo of Etherhellia is also renowned for its rich biodiversity. The coastal waters surrounding the headland are teeming with marine life, including various species of fish, dolphins, seals, and occasionally even whales. The area is a haven for seabirds, with colonies of puffins, guillemots, and razorbills nesting on the cliffs during the breeding season.

Access to the Geo of Etherhellia is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath that winds its way along the cliff tops. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, observing the stunning coastal scenery and the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. The headland is a popular destination for birdwatching, photography, and simply immersing oneself in the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Orkney's coastline.

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Geo of Etherhellia Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.179959/-2.9529708 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.
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
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
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.
Faraclett Head Parking for 3 cars at the lane end of Faraclett. Then a footpath which aids access to the summit with Chris Bienkowski, Jum Bloomer and Tricky Speirs. Name: Faraclett Head Hill number: 12211 Height: 107m / 351ft Parent (Ma/M): 1553 Blotchnie Fiold Area:23: Orkney Islands Class: 1 Grid ref: HY437330 (est) Drop: 80m Col: 27m HY423326
Faraclett Head
Parking for 3 cars at the lane end of Faraclett. Then a footpath which aids access to the summit with Chris Bienkowski, Jum Bloomer and Tricky Speirs. Name: Faraclett Head Hill number: 12211 Height: 107m / 351ft Parent (Ma/M): 1553 Blotchnie Fiold Area:23: Orkney Islands Class: 1 Grid ref: HY437330 (est) Drop: 80m Col: 27m HY423326
Footpath Towards Faraclett Head
Footpath Towards Faraclett Head
Faraclett Head, Rousay A waymarked circular walk around Faraclett Head on Rousay takes in splendid views across to the island Westray, which can be seen in the distance across Westray Firth.
Faraclett Head, Rousay
A waymarked circular walk around Faraclett Head on Rousay takes in splendid views across to the island Westray, which can be seen in the distance across Westray Firth.
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Geo of Etherhellia is located at Grid Ref: HY4532 (Lat: 59.179959, Lng: -2.9529708)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///hoped.yield.dime. Near Brinian, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Muckle Peat Geo Tainga Sker Gunnies Geo Links of Scockness Little Peat Geo Scrimpo

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