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Sand Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Sand Geo

Walking on Papa Westray
Walking on Papa Westray Credit: stalked

Sand Geo is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, a group of islands off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is classified as a headland, also commonly referred to as a point, due to its distinct shape and geographical features. The headland extends out into the North Sea, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.

Sand Geo is characterized by its sandy beach, which stretches along the base of the headland and is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. The beach is known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking during the summer months.

The headland itself is composed of rugged cliffs, rising up to impressive heights and providing a dramatic backdrop to the beach. These cliffs are formed from layers of sedimentary rocks, showcasing a variety of colors and textures. The geological composition of the headland also includes pockets of sandstone and shale, adding to its unique and diverse landscape.

Sand Geo is home to a rich array of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The headland supports a variety of plant species, including wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs, providing habitat for a range of insects and small mammals. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, and visitors may spot seals, dolphins, and seabirds such as puffins and gannets.

Overall, Sand Geo is a breathtaking coastal feature that combines natural beauty with geological interest, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Orkney's stunning coastal scenery.

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Sand Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.34345/-2.8789755 or Grid Reference HY5051. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Walking on Papa Westray
Walking on Papa Westray
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.
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.
Remains of a Fence The stile for crossing the fence is still standing, but the fence it used to cross has gone.
Remains of a Fence
The stile for crossing the fence is still standing, but the fence it used to cross has gone.
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.
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.
Bay of Burland The farm in the distance is called Blossom. At the far side of the bay is Redcraig Geo.
Bay of Burland
The farm in the distance is called Blossom. At the far side of the bay is Redcraig Geo.
Pits, Bull Flag, Papa Westray, Orkney From <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://canmore.org.uk/event/639213" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://canmore.org.uk/event/639213">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> : "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."
Pits, Bull Flag, Papa Westray, Orkney
From LinkExternal 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."
Bay of Burland, Papa Westray Looking south to the abandoned buildings at Blossom.
Bay of Burland, Papa Westray
Looking south to the abandoned buildings at Blossom.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Holm of Papay
Holm of Papay
View of the Holm of Papay, from the air Arriving at Papay and just starting to turn into the island to land
View of the Holm of Papay, from the air
Arriving at Papay and just starting to turn into the island to land
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
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
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...
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...
Approaching the tomb / chambered cairn
Approaching the tomb / chambered cairn
Info Board, Holm of Papa Westray Cairn
Info Board, Holm of Papa Westray Cairn
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
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
Sheltered cove, Holm of Papay, with Kittiwakes nesting
Sheltered cove, Holm of Papay, with Kittiwakes nesting
Cliff view, Holm of Papay
Cliff view, Holm of Papay
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Sand Geo is located at Grid Ref: HY5051 (Lat: 59.34345, Lng: -2.8789755)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///downsize.urban.resting. Near Pierowall, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Ship Geo Sand Geo Cairn Head Teistie Taing Scarf Geo Bay of South Cruive

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