Galt Ness

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Galt Ness

Galt Skerry Navigation Buoy The Orkney Ports Handbook (5th edition) 2012 describes this as a north cardinal buoy, which is sited to the north west of Galt Skerry with a view across to Shapinsay. I passed by the buoy twice in the same day when visiting Westray, although the conditions on the return journey didn't make for a particularly good picture with lots of mist and drizzle on the crossing.
Galt Skerry Navigation Buoy Credit: Andy Farrington

Galt Ness is a prominent coastal feature located on the northeastern coast of Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney archipelago, Scotland. It is a headland that juts out into the North Sea, forming a distinct point along the coastline.

The headland of Galt Ness is characterized by its rugged cliffs, rising steeply from the sea, and its distinctive geological formations. These cliffs, made primarily of Old Red Sandstone, display layers of sedimentary rock that offer glimpses into the region's ancient geological history. The exposed rock faces reveal the passage of time and the impact of natural forces, with weathering and erosion creating a dramatic landscape.

Galt Ness offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastal scenery. From the headland, visitors can see the expanse of the North Sea stretching out towards the horizon, as well as the nearby islands in the Orkney archipelago. The headland also provides an ideal vantage point for observing seabirds, such as puffins, gannets, and kittiwakes, which nest on the cliffs during the breeding season.

The area around Galt Ness is rich in archaeological sites and historical significance. Nearby, there are remnants of ancient settlements, burial mounds, and standing stones, which indicate human occupation dating back thousands of years. The headland itself has seen human activity throughout history, with evidence of farming and fishing activities.

Overall, Galt Ness is a captivating coastal feature that offers a combination of stunning natural beauty, geological interest, and archaeological significance. It attracts visitors seeking to explore the unique landscape and immerse themselves in the rich history of the Orkney Islands.

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Galt Ness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.077486/-2.9018213 or Grid Reference HY4821. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Galt Skerry Navigation Buoy The Orkney Ports Handbook (5th edition) 2012 describes this as a north cardinal buoy, which is sited to the north west of Galt Skerry with a view across to Shapinsay. I passed by the buoy twice in the same day when visiting Westray, although the conditions on the return journey didn't make for a particularly good picture with lots of mist and drizzle on the crossing.
Galt Skerry Navigation Buoy
The Orkney Ports Handbook (5th edition) 2012 describes this as a north cardinal buoy, which is sited to the north west of Galt Skerry with a view across to Shapinsay. I passed by the buoy twice in the same day when visiting Westray, although the conditions on the return journey didn't make for a particularly good picture with lots of mist and drizzle on the crossing.
Banks of Runabout Several Nissen Huts stand as reminder of WWII activities in this area which housed a coastal battery to protect Kirkwall.
Banks of Runabout
Several Nissen Huts stand as reminder of WWII activities in this area which housed a coastal battery to protect Kirkwall.
Banks of Runabout Low cliffs and a precariously placed building on the north side of Shapinsay.
Banks of Runabout
Low cliffs and a precariously placed building on the north side of Shapinsay.
Galt Skerry buoy Cardinal buoy off a reef north of Shapinsay.
Galt Skerry buoy
Cardinal buoy off a reef north of Shapinsay.
Banks of Runabout The steep sandy banks don't look very stable. On top is one of the Nissen huts supporting the coastal defences on Salt Ness.
Banks of Runabout
The steep sandy banks don't look very stable. On top is one of the Nissen huts supporting the coastal defences on Salt Ness.
Galt Skerry buoy
Galt Skerry buoy
Coastal erosion at Banks of Runabout
Coastal erosion at Banks of Runabout
Garth This is the last farm on the north end of the western tip on Shapinsay.
Garth
This is the last farm on the north end of the western tip on Shapinsay.
Coastal erosion The soft cliffs are collapsing and eroding away. A worry as the remains of a wartime coastal battery lie here and some of the features are in danger of collapsing into the sea. The buildings in the middle distance, looking a little like Nissen huts, will have been generator houses for searchlights etc.
Coastal erosion
The soft cliffs are collapsing and eroding away. A worry as the remains of a wartime coastal battery lie here and some of the features are in danger of collapsing into the sea. The buildings in the middle distance, looking a little like Nissen huts, will have been generator houses for searchlights etc.
The Galt Viewed from the Varagen, an inter-island ferry. Veantrow Bay is beyond.
The Galt
Viewed from the Varagen, an inter-island ferry. Veantrow Bay is beyond.
Shapinsay, Farm of Garth Farm of Garth has an excellent stock of Orkney rare farm animals.
Shapinsay, Farm of Garth
Farm of Garth has an excellent stock of Orkney rare farm animals.
Ware Geo, Shapinsay Looking along Veantrow Bay toward Ware Geo.
Ware Geo, Shapinsay
Looking along Veantrow Bay toward Ware Geo.
Galtness Coast Gun Battery Director Tower and Searchlight of WWII Galtness Coastal Gun Battery on island of Shapinsay in the Orkney Islands.  Photograph taken from Sanday ferry.
Galtness Coast Gun Battery
Director Tower and Searchlight of WWII Galtness Coastal Gun Battery on island of Shapinsay in the Orkney Islands. Photograph taken from Sanday ferry.
Galtness Gun Battery This WW2 gun battery commands the sea approach to Kirkwall. Like <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/14949">HY4719 : Galtness Coast Gun Battery</a> this was taken from a ferry, but in better weather.
Galtness Gun Battery
This WW2 gun battery commands the sea approach to Kirkwall. Like HY4719 : Galtness Coast Gun Battery this was taken from a ferry, but in better weather.
Galtness Coastal Gun Battery Director Tower and Searchlight of WWII Galtness Coastal Gun Battery on Shapinsay taken from the ferry on route to Westray.
Galtness Coastal Gun Battery
Director Tower and Searchlight of WWII Galtness Coastal Gun Battery on Shapinsay taken from the ferry on route to Westray.
Gun Battery Seen from the ferry on the way to Kirkwall.
Gun Battery
Seen from the ferry on the way to Kirkwall.
Galtness Coastal Gun Battery One of many World War II relics, reflecting the importance of Orkney as a naval base during the War.
Galtness Coastal Gun Battery
One of many World War II relics, reflecting the importance of Orkney as a naval base during the War.
Salt Ness Second World War defensive buildings on the island of Shapinsay. Photographer location from in-camera GPS.
Salt Ness
Second World War defensive buildings on the island of Shapinsay. Photographer location from in-camera GPS.
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Galt Ness is located at Grid Ref: HY4821 (Lat: 59.077486, Lng: -2.9018213)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///disengage.jigging.humble. Near Balfour, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.077486,-2.9018213
The Galt
Place: locality
Source: OS7
Lat/Long: 59.0771755/-2.9004728
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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