Mid Sound

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Mid Sound

Mid Sound is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is characterized as a headland that extends into the North Sea, forming a distinct point along the coastline.

The headland of Mid Sound is composed of rugged cliffs, which rise steeply from the sea, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. These cliffs are mainly comprised of sandstone and are often covered with vibrant green vegetation, adding to the natural beauty of the location.

Mid Sound is known for its strong tidal currents, which are created by the convergence of the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. These currents make the area a challenging navigational route for ships and boats, adding to the allure and intrigue of the site.

Due to its strategic position, Mid Sound has historically been of great importance for maritime activities. It has served as a crucial landmark for sailors and fishermen, acting as a guide and reference point for their journeys. The headland also boasts a lighthouse, which has been operational since the 19th century, aiding in navigation and ensuring the safety of vessels passing through the area.

In addition to its maritime significance, Mid Sound is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The surrounding waters are home to a diverse range of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and various seabird species. The headland's cliffs provide nesting sites for seabirds like puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers.

Overall, Mid Sound is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the rugged beauty and rich biodiversity of Orkney's coastline.

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Mid Sound Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.357873/-2.8802279 or Grid Reference HY5052. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Walking on Papa Westray

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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

Two Ponies

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

Rude Health

View Along Fence And Wall Near Berry Hill

Rude Health

Loch of Ness

The Loch of Ness and the bay of North Wick beyond, on Papay (Papa Westray), Orkney.

Shirley Grant

Fowl Craig

As its name suggests, a nesting site for seabirds. This is within the RSPB North Hill reserve on Papa Westray.

Lis 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

Guillemots and razorbills on Fowl Craig

The guillemots are the grey and white birds to the right of the picture. The ledges of the craig provide nest sites for 200 razorbills and 1600 guillemots.

Rob Burke

Razorbill on Fowl Craig, Papa Westray

Only a small part of the craig can be seen from the cliff-top path, but this razorbill obligingly stood at a corner.

Rob Burke

Canoes at the roadside

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

Lis Burke

House at Hundland

A traditional Papa Westray house, long and low.

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