Cuthin Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Cuthin 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

Cuthin Geo is a prominent headland located on the northeastern coast of Orkney, Scotland. It is situated near the village of Cuthin, overlooking the North Sea. This coastal feature is known for its rugged cliffs, rocky shoreline, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The headland is characterized by its steep and jagged cliffs, which rise to a height of approximately 30 meters above sea level. These cliffs are composed of layers of sandstone and shale, displaying a variety of colors and textures. The relentless action of the waves crashing against the cliffs has created natural arches, caves, and stacks, adding to the dramatic beauty of the area.

Cuthin Geo is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and the Orkney countryside, with its rolling green hills and scattered coastal settlements. The headland provides a vantage point for observing marine wildlife, such as seabirds, seals, and occasionally even dolphins and whales.

Access to Cuthin Geo is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading from the nearby village to the headland. Visitors are advised to exercise caution, as the cliffs can be unstable, and the area can be exposed to strong winds and rough seas. It is recommended to wear appropriate footwear and bring binoculars to fully enjoy the diverse wildlife and natural beauty that Cuthin Geo has to offer.

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Cuthin Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.178391/-2.9524022 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!

Cuthin Geo is located at Grid Ref: HY4532 (Lat: 59.178391, Lng: -2.9524022)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///marked.lease.hurtles. Near Brinian, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.178391,-2.9524022
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1746404/-2.9567358
Marker: cable
Lat/Long: 59.1752727/-2.9545149
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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