Laws Point

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Laws Point

Laws Point, located in Orkney, is a prominent headland and coastal feature that juts out into the North Sea. Situated on the northeastern coast of mainland Orkney, this distinctive point is known for its rugged beauty and dramatic landscape.

The headland is characterized by its towering cliffs, which reach heights of up to 50 meters in some areas. These sheer cliffs are composed of layers of sandstone and are often adorned with vibrant green vegetation, adding a striking contrast to the surrounding sea. The point also features a rocky shoreline, with numerous small caves and arches carved out by the relentless waves over centuries.

Laws Point offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastal scenery, with vistas stretching out towards the neighboring islands of Shapinsay and Stronsay. On a clear day, visitors can even catch a glimpse of the distant Fair Isle, a small island located between Orkney and Shetland.

The area surrounding Laws Point is home to a rich and diverse array of wildlife. Birdwatchers flock to the headland to observe and photograph the numerous seabirds that nest on the cliffs, including puffins, guillemots, and fulmars. The surrounding waters are also teeming with marine life, with seals often spotted basking on the rocks and dolphins occasionally seen frolicking in the waves.

Laws Point is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers, with several walking trails offering access to the headland and its stunning views. Whether exploring the rugged coastline, observing the abundant wildlife, or simply taking in the majestic beauty of the North Sea, Laws Point is a must-visit location for anyone seeking a unique and captivating coastal experience in Orkney.

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Laws Point Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.34984/-2.8835721 or Grid Reference HY4951. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Walking on Papa Westray

stalked

Swans on the Shore

Usually you see swans on fresh water, but these ones were exploring the shore. These are dipping strata of the Middle Old Red Sandstone that makes up most of Orkney, even though they are not at all red in colour. Most of the land in this square is on the Holm of Papa, a small offshore island, the tip of which can be seen at upper right in this view.

Anne Burgess

Remains of a Fence

The stile for crossing the fence is still standing, but the fence it used to cross has gone.

Anne Burgess

Zigzag Rocks

I assume that the sea, having detached parts of the bedrock, has flipped the loose slabs over so that they are lying at an angle to the bedrock. I could have examined them more closely to test this hypothesis, but we were anxious to get to the pier in good time for our ferry, and my walking companion is not interested in geology and would have demurred.

Anne Burgess

Bay of Burland

The farm in the distance is called Blossom. At the far side of the bay is Redcraig Geo.

Anne Burgess

Two Ponies

Two ponies in a field above the beach with a distant view towards Hundland.

Rude Health

Pits, Bull Flag, Papa Westray, Orkney

From Link

: "A series of oval/amorphous scooped areas or pits may be kelp pits or quarry hollows. They measure 8m by 4m by 1m deep. They are filled with loose stone and are partially covered with grass."

Claire Pegrum

Bay of Burland, Papa Westray

Looking south to the abandoned buildings at Blossom.

Rob Burke

Mill Point, Papa Westray

There is the remains of a lade flowing past this ruin, so perhaps this is the mill that gives the point its name.

Rob Burke

Canoes at the roadside

Overlooking the tidal Loch of the Taing and North Wick on Papa Westray

Lis Burke

Chambered Cairn Remains

Remains of chambered cairn at the north end of Holm of Papa. In the distance you can just see the impressive Chambered Cairn at the south end of this tiny island and I think the longest chambered cairn in Orkney. There were Fulmars nesting in the stalls of the chambered cairn in the foreground.

Adam Ward

Holm of Papay

Isla17

View of the Holm of Papay, from the air

Arriving at Papay and just starting to turn into the island to land

hayley green

Cliffs, Holm of Papay

A view of the waves breaking on the cliffs around the side of the Holm of Papay, with the chambered cairn visible at the top

hayley green

From North Hill towards Holm of Papay

hayley green

From the Holm of Papay, back to Southwick

Managed at last to get a local fisherman to take us over to the Holm (thanks Jim, just seen here). Landed on the Holm and had to make our way over some very slippy rocks up to the chambered cairn, then down the ladder...

hayley green