Grey Stones

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Grey Stones

Triangulation pillar, Burray Ness, Burray, Orkney Looking towards Copinsay.
Triangulation pillar, Burray Ness, Burray, Orkney Credit: Claire Pegrum

Grey Stones is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, an archipelago in Scotland. Specifically, it is a headland or point that juts out into the North Sea, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The name "Grey Stones" accurately describes the appearance of this geological marvel, as it is composed of rugged, weathered rocks that have a distinct gray hue.

The headland is situated near the village of Stromness, which is known for its rich maritime history and charming streets. Grey Stones itself is a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts due to its unique geological formations and the abundance of wildlife that inhabit the area.

The rocks that comprise Grey Stones are mainly sedimentary in nature, with layers of sandstone, shale, and limestone visible. Over time, the relentless pounding of the waves has shaped the headland, creating striking cliffs and caves. These cliffs are a haven for seabirds, with various species such as puffins, guillemots, and fulmars nesting in the rocky crevices.

The headland also offers a vantage point to observe the diverse marine life in the surrounding waters. Seals, dolphins, and even occasional sightings of orcas can be spotted from Grey Stones. In addition, the location provides an opportunity for visitors to witness breathtaking sunsets over the sea.

Overall, Grey Stones in Orkney is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the raw natural beauty and geological history of the region. Its rugged cliffs, gray rocks, and abundant wildlife make it an enchanting destination for those seeking a connection with nature.

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Grey Stones Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.850469/-2.8631204 or Grid Reference ND5096. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Triangulation pillar, Burray Ness, Burray, Orkney Looking towards Copinsay.
Triangulation pillar, Burray Ness, Burray, Orkney
Looking towards Copinsay.
Burray Ness. Just one more of the countless shipping hazards on Orkney.
Burray Ness.
Just one more of the countless shipping hazards on Orkney.
Exposed wave-cut platform The tide was on the flood and everything was disappearing rather too quickly. South Ronaldsay in the distance.
Exposed wave-cut platform
The tide was on the flood and everything was disappearing rather too quickly. South Ronaldsay in the distance.
Old wall at Brattlee Ber Mainland Orkney on the horizon.
Old wall at Brattlee Ber
Mainland Orkney on the horizon.
Quick-growing Rock Pool Taken from a rapidly-submerging wave-cut platform. Not that the rocks were noticeably moving. Eustasy rather than isostasy.
Quick-growing Rock Pool
Taken from a rapidly-submerging wave-cut platform. Not that the rocks were noticeably moving. Eustasy rather than isostasy.
Wave-cut platform near Wife's Geo With South Ronaldsay on the horizon.
Wave-cut platform near Wife's Geo
With South Ronaldsay on the horizon.
Exposed reef near Wife's Geo With Copinsay on the horizon.
Exposed reef near Wife's Geo
With Copinsay on the horizon.
Wave-cut platform near Wife's Geo The cliffs, although not vertiginously high, are very difficult to get down, or up. I had to walk quite a way along them to find access to the wave-cut platform.
Wave-cut platform near Wife's Geo
The cliffs, although not vertiginously high, are very difficult to get down, or up. I had to walk quite a way along them to find access to the wave-cut platform.
Submerging reef Taken from the clifftops near Ness. Where I had taken my photos from earlier was already underwater.
Submerging reef
Taken from the clifftops near Ness. Where I had taken my photos from earlier was already underwater.
Geese and moorland at Burray Ness With Copinsay in the distance. This is only a mile from my house and it's the first time I've been. That's not because I don't go out much, it's because Orkney has thousands of other places to see too.
Geese and moorland at Burray Ness
With Copinsay in the distance. This is only a mile from my house and it's the first time I've been. That's not because I don't go out much, it's because Orkney has thousands of other places to see too.
Sea kayakers near Burray Ness With Copinsay in the background. Kayakers are deceptively fast travellers.
Sea kayakers near Burray Ness
With Copinsay in the background. Kayakers are deceptively fast travellers.
Approaching Burray Ness I couldn't work out why the OS pillar wasn't visible.
Approaching Burray Ness
I couldn't work out why the OS pillar wasn't visible.
Near Burray Ness The pools are marked on the 1:25,000 map. Several turned out to be the flooded foundations (concrete floored), of old military buildings.
Near Burray Ness
The pools are marked on the 1:25,000 map. Several turned out to be the flooded foundations (concrete floored), of old military buildings.
Flooded foundations, Burray Ness The water was just an inch or two deep and covered a concrete floor. Part of the military infrastructure which supported the gun emplacement which was once here.
Flooded foundations, Burray Ness
The water was just an inch or two deep and covered a concrete floor. Part of the military infrastructure which supported the gun emplacement which was once here.
Trig Point, Burray Ness Hidden behind the low-lying building (possibly a magazine), until the very last moment.
Trig Point, Burray Ness
Hidden behind the low-lying building (possibly a magazine), until the very last moment.
Trig point, Burray Ness Taken from the roof of what I think was a magazine. The upturned anchor is an air-vent.
Trig point, Burray Ness
Taken from the roof of what I think was a magazine. The upturned anchor is an air-vent.
Old gun battery site, Burray Ness The concrete circles will have been bases for the guns, with the building probably housing the ammunition.
Old gun battery site, Burray Ness
The concrete circles will have been bases for the guns, with the building probably housing the ammunition.
Site of gun battery, Burray Ness The mountings for the guns in the foreground, magazine in the background.
Site of gun battery, Burray Ness
The mountings for the guns in the foreground, magazine in the background.
Show me another place!

Grey Stones is located at Grid Ref: ND5096 (Lat: 58.850469, Lng: -2.8631204)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///ruins.tangent.door. Near Holm, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.850469,-2.8631204
Burray Ness
Place: locality
Source: OS7
Lat/Long: 58.8527034/-2.8592899
Burray Haas
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.8522367/-2.8655664
East Broch of Burray (Iron Age)
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.8530721/-2.8629825
Brattlee Ber
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.8503475/-2.8662803
Grey Stones
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.8516591/-2.8607625
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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