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Black Hole of Yeldan

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Black Hole of Yeldan

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

The Black Hole of Yeldan is a striking coastal feature located on the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Situated on a headland and extending into the North Sea, it is a point of great geological interest and natural beauty. The Black Hole of Yeldan is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, rugged landscape, and its unique rock formations.

The headland is characterized by steep cliffs that plunge dramatically into the sea, creating a breathtaking sight. The black color of the rocks gives the area its distinctive name, as they appear to be dark and foreboding. These cliffs provide a nesting site for a variety of seabirds, including guillemots and puffins, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers.

The rock formations found at the Black Hole of Yeldan are a result of millions of years of erosion caused by the relentless crashing of the waves. The constant wear and tear of the sea have carved out caves, arches, and stacks along the coastline, forming a unique and visually captivating landscape.

Visitors to the Black Hole of Yeldan can explore the area on foot along the coastal path, which offers breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs and the vast expanse of the North Sea. The headland is also home to a variety of plant species that have adapted to the harsh coastal conditions, adding to the area's natural beauty.

Overall, the Black Hole of Yeldan is a remarkable coastal feature that combines stunning geological formations, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views, making it a must-see attraction for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

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Black Hole of Yeldan Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.072942/-2.8991554 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.
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.
Banks of Runabout From the way this Second World War building has been undermined, you can see how the sea has altered the coast of Shapinsay in the last 7 decades. Photographer location from in-camera GPS.
Banks of Runabout
From the way this Second World War building has been undermined, you can see how the sea has altered the coast of Shapinsay in the last 7 decades. Photographer location from in-camera GPS.
Salt Ness A headland on Shapinsay with the remains of a coastal defence battery.
Salt Ness
A headland on Shapinsay with the remains of a coastal defence battery.
Banks of Runabout and Saltness Traffic off Shapinsay
Banks of Runabout and Saltness
Traffic off Shapinsay
Salt Ness A low headland distinguished by its wartime relics.
Salt Ness
A low headland distinguished by its wartime relics.
Banks of Cot The shore of the Bay of Furrowend, with Waltness on the rise behind.
Banks of Cot
The shore of the Bay of Furrowend, with Waltness on the rise behind.
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Black Hole of Yeldan is located at Grid Ref: HY4821 (Lat: 59.072942, Lng: -2.8991554)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///unloading.ketchup.flying. Near Balfour, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Rocky Noust Sand Clett Galt Ness Galt Skerry Little Galt Skerry Crab Pow

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Located within 500m of 59.072942,-2.8991554
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Lat/Long: 59.0771755/-2.9004728
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The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
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