Big Less

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Big Less

Big Ness is a prominent headland located on the coast of Orkney, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is positioned on the eastern side of the mainland and is characterized by its distinctive shape and stunning coastal features.

Rising to an impressive height of approximately 30 meters, Big Ness juts out into the North Sea, providing spectacular views of the surrounding coastal landscape. The headland is composed of a mixture of rocky cliffs and grassy slopes, creating a diverse and visually striking topography.

The coastal area around Big Ness is known for its rich biodiversity. The rocky cliffs provide nesting sites for various seabirds, including guillemots, puffins, and fulmars. The surrounding waters are home to a variety of marine life, and it is not uncommon to spot seals, dolphins, and even whales in the vicinity.

Big Ness is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers. Its dramatic cliffs, coupled with the panoramic vistas of the North Sea, make it an ideal spot for capturing breathtaking images. The headland is also a fantastic location for coastal walks, offering opportunities to explore the rugged shoreline and observe the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this unique habitat.

Overall, Big Ness is a stunning coastal feature that showcases the natural beauty and diversity of Orkney's landscape. Whether visiting for the views, wildlife spotting, or outdoor activities, this headland proves to be a captivating destination for locals and tourists alike.

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Big Less Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.356117/-2.8756271 or Grid Reference HY5052. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Walking on Papa Westray

stalked

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.

Anne Burgess

Remains of a Fence

The stile for crossing the fence is still standing, but the fence it used to cross has gone.

Anne Burgess

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.

Anne Burgess

Two Ponies

Two ponies in a field above the beach with a distant view towards Hundland.

Rude Health

View Along Fence And Wall Near Berry Hill

Rude Health

Loch of Ness

The Loch of Ness and the bay of North Wick beyond, on Papay (Papa Westray), Orkney.

Shirley Grant

Bay of Burland, Papa Westray

Looking south to the abandoned buildings at Blossom.

Rob Burke

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.

Rob Burke

Guillemots and razorbills on Fowl Craig

The guillemots are the grey and white birds to the right of the picture. The ledges of the craig provide nest sites for 200 razorbills and 1600 guillemots.

Rob Burke

Razorbill on Fowl Craig, Papa Westray

Only a small part of the craig can be seen from the cliff-top path, but this razorbill obligingly stood at a corner.

Rob Burke

Canoes at the roadside

Overlooking the tidal Loch of the Taing and North Wick on Papa Westray

Lis Burke

House at Hundland

A traditional Papa Westray house, long and low.

Lis Burke

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.

Adam Ward