Katie's Pow

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Katie's Pow

Katie's Pow, located in Orkney, is a prominent coastal feature that stands out as a headland or point along the rugged coastline. Situated in the northeastern part of the main island, this geological formation offers breathtaking views and showcases the natural beauty of Orkney's coastal landscape.

Rising majestically from the surrounding sea, Katie's Pow is characterized by its sheer cliffs and rocky outcrops. The headland juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, forming a distinctive shape that captures the attention of visitors and locals alike. Its unique geological composition, consisting of layers of sandstone, conglomerate, and shale, showcases the region's rich geological history.

In addition to its geological significance, Katie's Pow is also renowned for its birdlife. The headland serves as a nesting site for various seabirds, including fulmars, puffins, and kittiwakes, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. The surrounding waters are home to diverse marine life, and sightings of seals and dolphins are not uncommon.

Access to Katie's Pow is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading visitors to the headland's edge. Once there, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, the vast expanse of the ocean, and the nearby islands. The site also offers a unique opportunity to witness the power of the crashing waves against the cliffs, especially during stormy weather.

Overall, Katie's Pow in Orkney is a captivating coastal feature, providing a glimpse into the region's geological history and offering a haven for various species of birds and marine life. Its stunning beauty and accessibility make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking to explore the natural wonders of Orkney's coastline.

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Katie's Pow Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.345628/-2.8810011 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

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

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 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

Approaching the tomb / chambered cairn

hayley green

Info Board, Holm of Papa Westray Cairn

hayley green

Inside the chambered cairn on the Holm of Papa Westray

Taken without flash or tripod, hence slight wobble - down a ladder via the roof and an excellent chambered cairn, 2 sections (one at each end) that need a further crawl to get into

hayley green