Spo Ness

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Spo Ness

Old Milestone by the B9066, near Loch of Swartmill, Westray Parish By the B9066, in parish of Westray (District), Moss brae, opposite red telephone box.

Surveyed

Milestone Society National ID: OR_WYPWRP03.
Old Milestone by the B9066, near Loch of Swartmill, Westray Parish Credit: Milestone Society

Spo Ness is a prominent headland located in the Orkney Islands, which lie off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Situated on the northeastern coast of the island of Hoy, Spo Ness juts out into the North Sea, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding coastal landscape.

This coastal feature is characterized by its rugged cliffs and rocky terrain, creating a dramatic and picturesque setting. The headland rises steeply from the sea, reaching an elevation of approximately 85 meters (280 feet) at its highest point. The cliffs display various geological formations, including layers of sedimentary rocks that provide valuable insights into the region's geological history.

Spo Ness is an important landmark in the area and serves as a navigational aid for seafarers, helping to guide ships safely along the coast. The headland also offers an excellent vantage point for observing marine wildlife, such as seabirds, seals, and occasionally even whales.

Visitors to Spo Ness can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding coastline, with its pristine sandy beaches, secluded coves, and crystal-clear waters. The headland is accessible via a walking trail that winds its way along the cliffs, providing opportunities for hikers and nature enthusiasts to explore the area's natural beauty.

Overall, Spo Ness is a captivating coastal feature and a testament to the rugged and diverse landscapes that can be found in the Orkney Islands. Its unique geological formations, stunning views, and abundant wildlife make it a must-see destination for visitors to the region.

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

Spo Ness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.303758/-2.9063123 or Grid Reference HY4846. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old Milestone by the B9066, near Loch of Swartmill, Westray Parish By the B9066, in parish of Westray (District), Moss brae, opposite red telephone box.

Surveyed

Milestone Society National ID: OR_WYPWRP03.
Old Milestone by the B9066, near Loch of Swartmill, Westray Parish
By the B9066, in parish of Westray (District), Moss brae, opposite red telephone box. Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: OR_WYPWRP03.
Lively cattle in Skelwick South Langskaill Farm is on top of the rise behind.
Lively cattle in Skelwick
South Langskaill Farm is on top of the rise behind.
Road to Surrigarth The bay of Skel Wick is opening up ahead.
Road to Surrigarth
The bay of Skel Wick is opening up ahead.
Bench near Surrigarth Looking out over Skel Wick.
Bench near Surrigarth
Looking out over Skel Wick.
Point of Furrigeo A low headland on the southern side of Skel Wick.
Point of Furrigeo
A low headland on the southern side of Skel Wick.
Cattle at Surrigarth Looking inland towards Kirkhouse Farm.
Cattle at Surrigarth
Looking inland towards Kirkhouse Farm.
Village shop at Surrigarth Very well stocked for its size, and it has a good range of local bottled beer. The porch is fairly recent.
Village shop at Surrigarth
Very well stocked for its size, and it has a good range of local bottled beer. The porch is fairly recent.
Coast near Ramsay Looking towards Ramsay Ness on the side of Skel Wick.
Coast near Ramsay
Looking towards Ramsay Ness on the side of Skel Wick.
Cattle near Ramsay A fairly exposed position on the eastern side of Westray.
Cattle near Ramsay
A fairly exposed position on the eastern side of Westray.
Cattle on the move These ones were very eager to see me.
Cattle on the move
These ones were very eager to see me.
Cattle near North Tuan The farm behind, North Tuan, is now a ruin.
Cattle near North Tuan
The farm behind, North Tuan, is now a ruin.
Cut grass near Thorn Farm Looking out towards Spo Ness, with Papa Westray in the distance.
Cut grass near Thorn Farm
Looking out towards Spo Ness, with Papa Westray in the distance.
Road to Swartmill The Bay of Swartmill is laid out ahead. In the distance is the northern end of Westray.
Road to Swartmill
The Bay of Swartmill is laid out ahead. In the distance is the northern end of Westray.
Pile of silage bales at Swartmill Farm The pile was emitting a strong aroma.
Pile of silage bales at Swartmill Farm
The pile was emitting a strong aroma.
Bay of Swartmill A white sandy beach with the tide currently fairly high.
Bay of Swartmill
A white sandy beach with the tide currently fairly high.
Outflow from the Loch of Swartmill The inland loch drains into the sea here.
Outflow from the Loch of Swartmill
The inland loch drains into the sea here.
Barn near Smithquoy
Barn near Smithquoy
Coast below Smithquoy Looking to the northern end of the Bay of Swartmill.
Coast below Smithquoy
Looking to the northern end of the Bay of Swartmill.
Show me another place!

Spo Ness is located at Grid Ref: HY4846 (Lat: 59.303758, Lng: -2.9063123)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///seasick.chair.pacemaker. Near Pierowall, Orkney Islands

Related Wikis

Westside Church

Westside Church, (also known as Cross Kirk), is a ruined 12th century church located on the island of Westray in Orkney, Scotland. Archaeological excavations...

Holland House, Papa Westray

Holland Farm is a historic farm complex located on the island of Papa Westray in Orkney, Scotland. The two-storey harled flagstone house with crow-stepped...

Lady Kirk

The Lady Kirk (or St Mary's Kirk) at Pierowall is a ruined 17th-century church on the island of Westray, in Orkney, Scotland. The church was built in 1674...

Knap of Howar

The Knap of Howar () on the island of Papa Westray in Orkney, Scotland is a Neolithic farmstead which may be the oldest preserved stone house in northern...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.303758,-2.9063123
Spo Ness
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 59.3035894/-2.9049186
Generator Method: wind_turbine
Generator Source: wind
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 59.2995253/-2.9059136
Bay of Swartmill
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.3026957/-2.9140592
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.3000316/-2.9069266
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Spo Ness?

Leave your review of Spo Ness below (or comments, questions and feedback).