1. Home
  2. Scotland
  3. Highlands and Islands
  4. Orkney Islands
  5. Orkney
  6. The Clett

The Clett

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

The Clett

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

The Clett is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, a group of islands off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is specifically situated on the island of Westray, which is known for its rugged cliffs and stunning coastal landscapes. The Clett is a headland, or a narrow strip of land that extends out into the sea, forming a distinctive point.

The headland is characterized by its dramatic cliffs that rise steeply from the sea, reaching heights of up to 30 meters (98 feet) in some areas. These cliffs are composed of layers of sedimentary rocks, including sandstone and limestone, which have been shaped by the relentless pounding of the waves over thousands of years. The constant erosion has created fascinating geological formations, such as sea stacks and natural arches, that add to the headland's allure.

The Clett also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline, with panoramic vistas of the North Sea and neighboring islands. Its exposed location makes it an ideal spot for birdwatching, as it attracts a wide variety of seabirds, including puffins, fulmars, and guillemots. Visitors often flock to the headland to witness the impressive displays of these seabirds as they nest and feed in the area.

Access to The Clett is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading to the headland from the nearby village of Pierowall. The path allows visitors to explore the rugged coastline and appreciate the natural beauty of this unique coastal feature. It is advisable to wear appropriate footwear and take caution near the cliff edges, as they can be unstable and dangerous. Overall, The Clett is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking awe-inspiring coastal scenery in Orkney.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

The Clett Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.17928/-2.9524794 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.
Show me another place!

The Clett is located at Grid Ref: HY4532 (Lat: 59.17928, Lng: -2.9524794)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///mashing.classmate.casual. Near Brinian, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Sound of Longataing Gunnies Geo Scock Ness Geo of Etherhellia Links of Scockness Axnie Geo

Related Wikis

Holm of Scockness
Holm of Scockness

The Holm of Scockness is a small island in the Orkney Islands, between Rousay and Egilsay. It is currently used for grazing. Its name is Norse in origin...

Rinyo
Rinyo

Rinyo was a Neolithic settlement on Rousay in Orkney, Scotland. The site was discovered in the winter of 1837–38 on the lands of Bigland Farm in the north...

Kili Holm
Kili Holm

Kili Holm is a tidal island in the Orkney Islands, linked to Egilsay. Unusually, like its neighbour Egilsay, it may have a partly Gaelic etymology, in...

St Magnus Church, Egilsay
St Magnus Church, Egilsay

St Magnus's Church is a ruined medieval church located on the island of Egilsay, in Orkney, Scotland. The site is recognized as the place of execution...

Egilsay
Egilsay

Egilsay (, Scots: Egilsay) is one of the Orkney Islands in Scotland, lying east of Rousay. The island is largely farmland and is known for its corncrakes...

Rousay
Rousay

Rousay (, Scots: Rousee; Old Norse: Hrólfsey meaning Rolf's Island) is a small, hilly island about 3 km (1.9 mi) north of Mainland, the largest island...

Trumland
Trumland

Trumland is a Category B listed house and associated estate on Rousay, in Orkney, Scotland, built in its present form in the 1870s. Designed by David...

Brinian
Brinian

Brinian is a village on the island of Rousay, in Orkney, Scotland. Trumland is situated to the west of the village, with Taversöe Tuick nearby. Brinian...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.17928,-2.9524794
Marker: cable
Lat/Long: 59.1752727/-2.9545149
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Point of the Clett Orkney
Cuthin Geo Orkney

Have you been to The Clett?

Leave your review of The Clett below (or comments, questions and feedback).

© 2024 UK Place Database | Privacy