Mustard Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Mustard Geo

Egilsay: a view from Rousay Looking across the Rousay Sound from the isle of Rousay towards Egilsay, with the distinctive round tower of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2584979">HY4630 : Egilsay: St. Magnus church</a> roughly centre of the picture.

Behind Egilsay are Muckle Green Holm and its companion Little Green Holm, with Stronsay silhouetted right across the picture beyond.
Egilsay: a view from Rousay Credit: Chris Downer

Mustard Geo is a prominent coastal feature located on the island of Orkney, off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is a headland that juts out into the North Sea, forming a distinct and picturesque point. Mustard Geo is situated in the parish of Birsay, on the western coast of the island.

This coastal feature is characterized by its rugged and dramatic cliffs, which rise steeply from the sea. The cliffs are predominantly composed of sandstone and are known for their striking yellowish-brown coloration, which is said to resemble the shade of mustard, hence the name Mustard Geo. These cliffs provide a nesting habitat for various seabird species, including fulmars, guillemots, and razorbills.

Mustard Geo offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the North Sea. Visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of the crashing waves, the distant horizon, and the nearby Brough of Birsay, a small uninhabited tidal island. The area is also rich in wildlife, with sightings of seals, dolphins, and even occasional whales reported by lucky observers.

Access to Mustard Geo is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading from the nearby village of Birsay. The path follows the coastline, allowing visitors to explore the cliffs and enjoy the stunning scenery. However, caution is advised when approaching the cliff edges, as they can be unstable and dangerous.

Mustard Geo is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful and scenic coastal experience. Its unique geological features, abundant wildlife, and captivating views make it a must-visit location for anyone exploring the beautiful Orkney Islands.

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Mustard Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.167323/-2.9155027 or Grid Reference HY4731. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Egilsay: a view from Rousay Looking across the Rousay Sound from the isle of Rousay towards Egilsay, with the distinctive round tower of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2584979">HY4630 : Egilsay: St. Magnus church</a> roughly centre of the picture.

Behind Egilsay are Muckle Green Holm and its companion Little Green Holm, with Stronsay silhouetted right across the picture beyond.
Egilsay: a view from Rousay
Looking across the Rousay Sound from the isle of Rousay towards Egilsay, with the distinctive round tower of HY4630 : Egilsay: St. Magnus church roughly centre of the picture. Behind Egilsay are Muckle Green Holm and its companion Little Green Holm, with Stronsay silhouetted right across the picture beyond.
Mae Banks A sandy beach on the eastern side of Egilsay. Grugar Farm is a bit further inland.
Mae Banks
A sandy beach on the eastern side of Egilsay. Grugar Farm is a bit further inland.
Fishing boat passing Mae Banks A sandy stretch of coast on the eastern side of Egilsay.
Fishing boat passing Mae Banks
A sandy stretch of coast on the eastern side of Egilsay.
Beach below Maeness A view of Egilsay from a passing ferry, though the hills behind are on Rousay. St Magnus Church is far right.
Beach below Maeness
A view of Egilsay from a passing ferry, though the hills behind are on Rousay. St Magnus Church is far right.
Mae Ness A very low headland on Egilsay. St Magnus Church is in the centre, while Knitchen Hill on Rousay stands behind.
Mae Ness
A very low headland on Egilsay. St Magnus Church is in the centre, while Knitchen Hill on Rousay stands behind.
St. Magnus Church, Egilsay
St. Magnus Church, Egilsay
Egilsay: St. Magnus Kirk from the road Looking towards the distinctive round tower of this historic church, from the road running north-south along the island. A lump of the island of Rousay is in the background.
Egilsay: St. Magnus Kirk from the road
Looking towards the distinctive round tower of this historic church, from the road running north-south along the island. A lump of the island of Rousay is in the background.
Egilsay: southward view along the road The island crossroads is in the foreground of the picture, beyond which we look along the straight road running south. The island's postbox is on the right just beyond the junction.
Egilsay: southward view along the road
The island crossroads is in the foreground of the picture, beyond which we look along the straight road running south. The island's postbox is on the right just beyond the junction.
Egilsay: St. Magnus Kirk from the harbour Looking across the island's new jetty, on which is the road sign, towards its most famous landmark.
Egilsay: St. Magnus Kirk from the harbour
Looking across the island's new jetty, on which is the road sign, towards its most famous landmark.
Egilsay: gateway to Manse Beach A beach of white sand intermixed with outcrops of rock on the eastern side of the island.
Egilsay: gateway to Manse Beach
A beach of white sand intermixed with outcrops of rock on the eastern side of the island.
Egilsay: the road to the ferry Approaching the ferry slipway, which is hidden behind the house. The island of Rousay is in the background.
Egilsay: the road to the ferry
Approaching the ferry slipway, which is hidden behind the house. The island of Rousay is in the background.
Egilsay: the school The island's school is currently 'mothballed' because there are no children of primary school age on the island.
Egilsay: the school
The island's school is currently 'mothballed' because there are no children of primary school age on the island.
Egilsay: postbox № KW17 61 The island's postbox is attached to a large wooden pole by the crossroads and is emptied at 8:25 each morning except Sunday. The island of Rousay is in the distance.
Egilsay: postbox № KW17 61
The island's postbox is attached to a large wooden pole by the crossroads and is emptied at 8:25 each morning except Sunday. The island of Rousay is in the distance.
Egilsay: St. Magnus the Martyr monument The plaque states:

Erected by the rector and congregation of St. Magnus the Martyr by London Bridge, and the minister and congregation of St. Magnus cathedral Kirkwall, to mark the traditional spot where Earl Magnus was slain, A.D. c.1116 and to commemorate the octocentenary of St. Magnus cathedral, 1937.
Egilsay: St. Magnus the Martyr monument
The plaque states: Erected by the rector and congregation of St. Magnus the Martyr by London Bridge, and the minister and congregation of St. Magnus cathedral Kirkwall, to mark the traditional spot where Earl Magnus was slain, A.D. c.1116 and to commemorate the octocentenary of St. Magnus cathedral, 1937.
Egilsay: view past the postbox towards Rousay The island's postbox (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2584959">HY4630 : Egilsay: postbox № KW17 61</a>) provides a splash of colour on a grey, drizzly day as we look across the island towards the slopes of the neighbourning isle of Rousay.
Egilsay: view past the postbox towards Rousay
The island's postbox (see HY4630 : Egilsay: postbox № KW17 61) provides a splash of colour on a grey, drizzly day as we look across the island towards the slopes of the neighbourning isle of Rousay.
Egilsay: St. Magnus church The ruins of the 12th-century church dedicated to Earl Magnus, who was killed a short distance southeast of here in about 1116.<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/2697/egilsay-st-magnuss-church" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/2697/egilsay-st-magnuss-church">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>
Egilsay: St. Magnus church
The ruins of the 12th-century church dedicated to Earl Magnus, who was killed a short distance southeast of here in about 1116.LinkExternal link
Egilsay: welcome to Onziebust Nature Reserve Looking along the road east from the crossroads. The island across the water is Eday.
Egilsay: welcome to Onziebust Nature Reserve
Looking along the road east from the crossroads. The island across the water is Eday.
Egilsay: rocks at Manse Beach White sand and rocky outcrops on the east coast of the island.
Egilsay: rocks at Manse Beach
White sand and rocky outcrops on the east coast of the island.
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Mustard Geo is located at Grid Ref: HY4731 (Lat: 59.167323, Lng: -2.9155027)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///unloading.audible.gender. Near Brinian, Orkney Islands

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