Dog Bones

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Dog Bones

Dog Bones, Orkney is a prominent coastal feature located in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. Situated on the northeastern coast of the mainland, it is specifically classified as a headland or point due to its unique shape and geographical characteristics.

Stretching out into the North Sea, Dog Bones is named after its resemblance to a pair of crossed dog bones when viewed from above. The headland is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, with steep cliffs and jagged edges that have been shaped by centuries of erosion and weathering. These cliffs reach impressive heights, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the open sea.

The area is also notable for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty. Seabird colonies, including puffins, fulmars, and guillemots, can be observed nesting on the cliffs during the breeding season. The waters surrounding Dog Bones are frequented by various marine mammals, such as seals and dolphins, making it a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Dog Bones, Orkney is easily accessible by both land and sea, with walking paths and hiking trails leading to its peak. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views, explore the rock formations, and immerse themselves in the natural splendor of this unique coastal landmark.

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Dog Bones Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.355374/-2.8725477 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

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