Doon Hellia

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Doon Hellia

Craw Nev Having got accustomed to all the rocks in Orkney being in fairly orderly strata with a gentle dip, I was astonished to see this headland of extensively deformed rock. — Craw Nev Credit: Anne Burgess

Doon Hellia is a prominent coastal feature located on the mainland of Orkney, Scotland. Situated on the eastern coast, it is a headland that juts out into the North Sea, forming a distinctive point along the coastline. The name "Doon Hellia" is derived from the Old Norse language, reflecting the historical influence of the Vikings in the region.

This headland is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, with steep cliffs rising from the sea. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the vast expanse of the North Sea and the neighboring islands of Orkney. Doon Hellia is known for its picturesque beauty, attracting visitors who appreciate the wild and untamed nature of the Scottish coastline.

The headland is a popular spot for birdwatching, as it provides a habitat for various bird species, including puffins, kittiwakes, and fulmars. Many visitors come during the breeding season to observe the fascinating behaviors of these seabirds.

In addition to its natural beauty, Doon Hellia also holds historical significance. The area is dotted with ancient archaeological sites, including the remains of a broch, which is an Iron Age stone tower. These remnants offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Orkney and provide an opportunity for exploration and discovery.

Overall, Doon Hellia is a captivating coastal feature that combines stunning natural scenery with a touch of history. Its dramatic cliffs, diverse birdlife, and archaeological sites make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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Doon Hellia Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.267514/-2.8758602 or Grid Reference HY5042. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Craw Nev

Having got accustomed to all the rocks in Orkney being in fairly orderly strata with a gentle dip, I was astonished to see this headland of extensively deformed rock.

Anne Burgess

Boardwalk

For the convenience of those walking to and from the cliff path, a boardwalk has been provided to get across a rough or wet patch.

Anne Burgess

Pink Campion

Red Campion and White Campion, both of which occur here, are known to hybridise. This pale-flowered plant is probably such a hybrid.

Anne Burgess

Puffin (Fratercula arctica)

Although we were assured by several people that there were hundreds of Puffins at the Castle of Burrian, we saw only a few, of which this one posed obligingly for several minutes for us.

Anne Burgess

Cove at Saaclay

The old six-inch map suggests that Saaclay is the name of the promontory from which this view was taken, but none of the maps names the cove itself.

Anne Burgess

Castle o' Burrian

The name seems to be applied to the sea stack rather than just to the prehistoric site on its summit. It is supposed to be one of the best places to see Puffins, but we saw even fewer here than we had seen at the Brough of Birsay or the Brough of Bigging the previous day.

Anne Burgess

Castle o' Burrian

From here you can clearly see that this is a rock stack, cut off from the land at high tide.

Anne Burgess

Bare Rowa

Bare Rowa seems to be the name of the bay or cove enclosed by the headland here.

Anne Burgess

White Campion (Silene latifolia)

The cliffs were thick with both White Campion and Red Campion, and a range of hybrids of all shades of pink.

Anne Burgess

Bight of Stangerhead

The bay and the cliffs on the right are in this square, but Stanger Head itself is in the next square.

Anne Burgess

Red Campion (Silene dioica)

One of the numerous fine large clumps of Red Campion along the cliffs.

Anne Burgess

Sea Campion (Silene uniflora)

This campion is fairly common alongside the clifftop path.

Anne Burgess

Thrift (Armeria maritima)

A particularly fine clump of Thrift or Sea Pink.

Anne Burgess

Rack Wick

A bay which penetrates towards the central spine of Westray.

Bill Boaden

Rapness Mill, Westray

Two storey grain mill with repairs in modern materials that was placed on the at risk register in 1990. Canmore date it to the 18th century but a walking guide apparently by Orkney Island Council claims it to be built about 1850. Immediately prior to 1933 the Harcus family are said to work the mill. The 1843-1882 OS map shows the mill but I can't find an earlier detailed map.

Jo and Steve Turner