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Little Less

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Little Less

Walking on Papa Westray
Walking on Papa Westray Credit: stalked

Little Less is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, a group of islands situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. This headland, also referred to as a point, is nestled on the eastern side of Mainland, the largest island in the archipelago. Little Less encompasses a rugged and picturesque landscape characterized by steep cliffs that plunge dramatically into the North Sea.

The headland offers breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean, with its elevated position providing an excellent vantage point for observing marine life and seabirds. It is not uncommon to spot various species of seabirds, including puffins, gannets, and fulmars, nesting on the cliffs or fishing in the nearby waters.

The coastal area around Little Less is known for its rich biodiversity, with an abundance of marine life thriving in the nutrient-rich waters. Seals and dolphins can often be seen frolicking in the waves, while occasionally, lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of whales passing by during their migration seasons.

Access to Little Less is relatively easy, as there are well-defined paths and trails that lead to the headland from nearby villages. These paths wind through stunning coastal heathlands, providing opportunities for nature enthusiasts to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna that call this area home.

Overall, Little Less is a captivating coastal feature in Orkney that offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of nature. Whether it is enjoying the panoramic views, observing wildlife, or exploring the surrounding trails, this headland is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a memorable coastal experience in the region.

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Little Less Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.355214/-2.8762898 or Grid Reference HY5052. 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.
Two Ponies Two ponies in a field above the beach with a distant view towards Hundland.
Two Ponies
Two ponies in a field above the beach with a distant view towards Hundland.
Loch of Ness The Loch of Ness and the bay of North Wick beyond, on Papay (Papa Westray), Orkney.
Loch of Ness
The Loch of Ness and the bay of North Wick beyond, on Papay (Papa Westray), Orkney.
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.
Canoes at the roadside Overlooking the tidal Loch of the Taing and North Wick on Papa Westray
Canoes at the roadside
Overlooking the tidal Loch of the Taing and North Wick on Papa Westray
House at Hundland A traditional Papa Westray house, long and low.
House at Hundland
A traditional Papa Westray house, long and low.
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 North Hill towards Holm of Papay
From North Hill towards Holm of Papay
Flag stones
Flag stones
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...
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Little Less is located at Grid Ref: HY5052 (Lat: 59.355214, Lng: -2.8762898)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///hulk.topics.stun. Near Pierowall, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Dog Bones Holm of Papa Sheepy Geo North Cruive Lessy Sound Surhoose Taing

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