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Red Craig

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Red Craig

Walking on Papa Westray
Walking on Papa Westray Credit: stalked

Red Craig is a prominent coastal feature located on the island of Orkney, off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Situated on the western side of the island, Red Craig is a distinctive headland or point that juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its striking red sandstone cliffs, which give the feature its name.

Rising to an elevation of approximately 20 meters, Red Craig offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastal landscape. The cliffs are characterized by their steep and rugged nature, with intricate patterns etched into the rock face by years of erosion and weathering. The red sandstone, which is rich in iron oxide, creates a vibrant and eye-catching contrast against the deep blue of the ocean.

The area surrounding Red Craig is of significant ecological importance. It serves as a habitat for various seabird species, including kittiwakes, fulmars, and guillemots, which nest and breed on the cliffs. The adjacent waters are also home to a diverse range of marine life, such as seals and dolphins, which can often be spotted from the headland.

Red Craig is a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers, who are drawn to its dramatic beauty and the opportunity to explore the rugged coastline. A network of walking trails allows visitors to navigate the area safely and enjoy its scenic vistas. Additionally, the headland provides an excellent vantage point for whale watching during the migration seasons.

Overall, Red Craig is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the stunning natural diversity and geological heritage of Orkney.

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Red Craig Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.334038/-2.8776602 or Grid Reference HY5050. 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.
Holm of Papay
Holm of Papay
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
Looking back at the Holm of Papay, from the water
Looking back at the Holm of Papay, from the water
Papa Westray Hostel
Papa Westray Hostel
Holland on Papa Westray Holland is the village centre on Papa Westray.
Holland on Papa Westray
Holland is the village centre on Papa Westray.
Ruined buildings near Mill Point on Papa Westray
Ruined buildings near Mill Point on Papa Westray
Papa Westray The Holm of Papa seen in the foreground.
Papa Westray
The Holm of Papa seen in the foreground.
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Red Craig is located at Grid Ref: HY5050 (Lat: 59.334038, Lng: -2.8776602)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///ballpoint.washable.correct. Near Pierowall, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Saoul Less Red Craig Bay of Burland Redcraig Geo Boglin Geo Bull Flag

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