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Ship Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Ship Geo

Walking on Papa Westray
Walking on Papa Westray Credit: stalked

Ship Geo is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, an archipelago in Scotland. It is classified as a headland or point due to its distinctive shape and its position jutting out into the sea. Ship Geo is situated on the mainland of Orkney, near the village of Deerness.

The name "Ship Geo" is derived from the Old Norse word "geirr," which means a triangular piece of land. This is fitting, as the headland indeed has a triangular shape when viewed from above. The name "Ship" is believed to have been added due to its resemblance to the shape of a ship's prow.

Ship Geo is composed of rugged cliffs made up of layers of sandstone and sedimentary rocks. These cliffs rise steeply from the shoreline, reaching heights of approximately 30 meters (98 feet). The exposed rocks display various geological formations, showcasing the area's rich geological history.

The headland offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the North Sea. It is known for its dramatic scenery, with crashing waves and sea spray adding to its allure. Ship Geo is also home to a variety of seabirds, including fulmars, kittiwakes, and guillemots, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.

Due to its unique shape and natural beauty, Ship Geo attracts both locals and tourists alike. It is a popular destination for hiking and photography, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning coastal landscape of Orkney.

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Ship Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.350511/-2.8638589 or Grid Reference HY5051. 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.
Pits, Bull Flag, Papa Westray, Orkney From <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://canmore.org.uk/event/639213" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://canmore.org.uk/event/639213">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> : "A series of oval/amorphous scooped areas or pits may be kelp pits or quarry hollows. They measure 8m by 4m by 1m deep. They are filled with loose stone and are partially covered with grass."
Pits, Bull Flag, Papa Westray, Orkney
From LinkExternal link : "A series of oval/amorphous scooped areas or pits may be kelp pits or quarry hollows. They measure 8m by 4m by 1m deep. They are filled with loose stone and are partially covered with grass."
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.
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
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...
Approaching the tomb / chambered cairn
Approaching the tomb / chambered cairn
Info Board, Holm of Papa Westray Cairn
Info Board, Holm of Papa Westray Cairn
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Ship Geo is located at Grid Ref: HY5051 (Lat: 59.350511, Lng: -2.8638589)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///repaying.conducted.into. Near Pierowall, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

South Cruive Ship Geo Cairn Head Teistie Taing Bay of South Cruive Sand Geo

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