The Point of Ring

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

The Point of Ring

Holm of Faray View to the island from the ferry to Kirkwall with Lavey Sound to the far right of picture.
Holm of Faray Credit: Andy Farrington

The Point of Ring is a prominent coastal feature located on the Orkney Islands, situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is a headland that extends into the North Sea, forming a distinct point along the coastline. The Point of Ring is characterized by its rugged cliffs and rocky terrain, which are largely composed of sandstone and sedimentary rocks.

Standing at an elevation of approximately 40 meters (130 feet) above sea level, the headland offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and the nearby islands. The Point of Ring is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and visitors seeking outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography.

The headland is home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes, which nest on the cliffs. The surrounding waters are also known for their rich marine life, with seals and dolphins occasionally spotted offshore.

In addition to its natural beauty, The Point of Ring holds historical significance. It is believed to have been a site of human occupation since ancient times, with archaeological evidence suggesting the presence of Neolithic settlements and burial sites in the vicinity.

Overall, The Point of Ring is a captivating coastal feature that offers a blend of natural wonders, wildlife diversity, and historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists exploring the stunning Orkney Islands.

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The Point of Ring Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.227792/-2.830949 or Grid Reference HY5238. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Holm of Faray View to the island from the ferry to Kirkwall with Lavey Sound to the far right of picture.
Holm of Faray
View to the island from the ferry to Kirkwall with Lavey Sound to the far right of picture.
Faray View to the island with Broad Sand Geo to the left and Long Sand Geo right on the shore. The abandoned dwelling to the left of picture on the horizon is Cott.
Faray
View to the island with Broad Sand Geo to the left and Long Sand Geo right on the shore. The abandoned dwelling to the left of picture on the horizon is Cott.
Langie Geos View to Faray with the abandoned Windywall dwelling left of picture.
Langie Geos
View to Faray with the abandoned Windywall dwelling left of picture.
Holm of Faray The western side of the island has a few geos. Tystie Geo and Outfloe Geo are visible here.
Holm of Faray
The western side of the island has a few geos. Tystie Geo and Outfloe Geo are visible here.
Point of Dogs Bones and Lavey Sound The southern tip of the Holm of Faray facing the northern tip of Faray.
Point of Dogs Bones and Lavey Sound
The southern tip of the Holm of Faray facing the northern tip of Faray.
Faray The remains of Quoy Farm are on top of the rise, while the cliff below is split by some geos.
Faray
The remains of Quoy Farm are on top of the rise, while the cliff below is split by some geos.
Cliffs of Faray The beginning of a sandy beach which is not very accessible. On top is an abandoned croft called Cott.
Cliffs of Faray
The beginning of a sandy beach which is not very accessible. On top is an abandoned croft called Cott.
The west coast of Faray Ruined crofts are behind, the largest one being called Roadside.
The west coast of Faray
Ruined crofts are behind, the largest one being called Roadside.
The west coast of Faray Langie Geos are to the left with Windywall croft behind. Holland croft is to the right.
The west coast of Faray
Langie Geos are to the left with Windywall croft behind. Holland croft is to the right.
Ruined farm, Faray Rapness Sound and Westray in background
Ruined farm, Faray
Rapness Sound and Westray in background
Cliffs, North end Holm of Faray These cliffs are found at the entrance/exit to Weatherness, which can be a very choppy stretch of water due to strong tides. The Holm of Faray is no longer inhabited except for about a month in springtime for lambing.
Cliffs, North end Holm of Faray
These cliffs are found at the entrance/exit to Weatherness, which can be a very choppy stretch of water due to strong tides. The Holm of Faray is no longer inhabited except for about a month in springtime for lambing.
Going ashore, Djubi Geo, Faray There are very few landing sites on the Island of Faray.  Djubi Geo is one of the best.  Depending on wind, weather and tides it is used for landing and taking off sheep.
Going ashore, Djubi Geo, Faray
There are very few landing sites on the Island of Faray. Djubi Geo is one of the best. Depending on wind, weather and tides it is used for landing and taking off sheep.
Lavey Sound and Holm of Faray Lavey Sound separates the northern tip of Faray (in the foreground) from the Holm of Faray except at low tide.  The small pile of rocks in the right foreground is a well located at HY529378, and Westray can be seen on the distant horizon.
Lavey Sound and Holm of Faray
Lavey Sound separates the northern tip of Faray (in the foreground) from the Holm of Faray except at low tide. The small pile of rocks in the right foreground is a well located at HY529378, and Westray can be seen on the distant horizon.
Burial Ground, Faray Most of the 30 or so gravestones date from the mid 1800s to the early 1900s. Stony rubble (not visible in the photo) in the southeast corner of the walled enclosure indicates the site of an earlier chapel.
Burial Ground, Faray
Most of the 30 or so gravestones date from the mid 1800s to the early 1900s. Stony rubble (not visible in the photo) in the southeast corner of the walled enclosure indicates the site of an earlier chapel.
Doggerboat Farmhouse (east side), Faray In 1881 Faray had nine named houses according to the census, however the island has neen uninhabited since shortly after World War II.
Doggerboat Farmhouse (east side), Faray
In 1881 Faray had nine named houses according to the census, however the island has neen uninhabited since shortly after World War II.
Long Sand, Faray The name suggested for this beautiful sandy beach is based on the 1880 (revised 1900, 2nd edition printed 1903) Ordnance Survey map's name for the large geo located halfway along the beach.  The scale for the referenced map is 6 inches = 1 mile.
Long Sand, Faray
The name suggested for this beautiful sandy beach is based on the 1880 (revised 1900, 2nd edition printed 1903) Ordnance Survey map's name for the large geo located halfway along the beach. The scale for the referenced map is 6 inches = 1 mile.
Hamar Farmhouse (south & east sides), Faray In 1881 Faray had nine named houses including Hamar (sometimes spelled Hammar).  The island's population was 72 people at that time of which 8 lived at Hamar including the island's school master and his wife and infant son.  Faray has been uninhabited since shortly after World War II.  Hamar was reroofed a few years ago to provide shelter for newborn lambs.
Hamar Farmhouse (south & east sides), Faray
In 1881 Faray had nine named houses including Hamar (sometimes spelled Hammar). The island's population was 72 people at that time of which 8 lived at Hamar including the island's school master and his wife and infant son. Faray has been uninhabited since shortly after World War II. Hamar was reroofed a few years ago to provide shelter for newborn lambs.
School, Faray The old school building has been restored to provide accommodations on the island during lambing season.  It appears on the 1880 Ordnance Survey map (revised 1900, 2nd edition printed 1903).
School, Faray
The old school building has been restored to provide accommodations on the island during lambing season. It appears on the 1880 Ordnance Survey map (revised 1900, 2nd edition printed 1903).
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The Point of Ring is located at Grid Ref: HY5238 (Lat: 59.227792, Lng: -2.830949)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///curtail.parkland.seeing. Near Backaland, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.227792,-2.830949
Blue Geo
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.2245316/-2.8306216
Skibbie Geo
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.2237413/-2.8301754
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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