Carlin Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Carlin Geo

Sanday ferry passing the Green Holms, from the air Credit: Mike Pennington

Carlin Geo is a prominent coastal feature located on the island of Orkney, Scotland. It is specifically situated on the eastern coast of the island, near the village of Birsay. Carlin Geo is classified as a headland or point, jutting out into the North Sea.

The name "Carlin Geo" is derived from the Old Norse language, with "Carlin" meaning "witch" and "Geo" meaning "inlet" or "cove." This name is believed to have originated from local folklore and legends surrounding the area.

Carlin Geo is known for its rugged and dramatic cliffs, which rise steeply from the rocky shoreline. The headland offers breathtaking views of the North Sea, with its crashing waves and rocky outcrops. The cliffs are composed of sandstone and shale, displaying layers of sedimentary rock formations that have been shaped by erosion over centuries.

The area surrounding Carlin Geo is rich in wildlife and is a popular spot for birdwatching. Visitors can often spot various seabirds, including fulmars, guillemots, and kittiwakes, nesting on the cliffs. The coastal waters are also home to seals and occasionally dolphins, adding to the natural beauty of the location.

Carlin Geo is accessible to the public and can be reached via a coastal path from Birsay. The headland is a popular destination for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful and scenic coastal walk. It is a significant and cherished landmark in the Orkney archipelago, showcasing the stunning coastal landscapes that the region is renowned for.

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Carlin Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.132788/-2.8265141 or Grid Reference HY5227. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sanday ferry passing the Green Holms, from the air

Mike Pennington

Muckle Green Holm

View from Whiteness Taing to the island.

Andy Farrington

Dwelling on Muckle Green Holm

This appears to be the only dwelling on the island, albeit long abandoned. It is to the west of the trig point and appears from aerial imagery to have landing pad just to the south of the house.

Andy Farrington

Sound of the Green Holms

Passing by Muckle Green Holm on route to Kirkwall.

Andy Farrington

Sound of the Green Holms

Passing Muckle Green Holm to the left and Little Green Holm to the right on the way back to Kirkwall.

Andy Farrington

Little Green Holm

Looking roughly NW, with Rousay in the background.

Ian Balcombe

Trig Point, Muckle Green Holm

Sitting above the cliffs and caves.

Ian Balcombe

Near Carlin Geo

The northern end of Muckle Green Holm. Directly beyond on the horizon the round tower of the norse church on Egilsay can just be made out. The ferry we were heading north on made an almost right angled turn here out into the oncoming tidal current, which took us southwards, across the Fall of Warness, to near War Ness.

Ian Balcombe

Sound of the Green Holms

Looking NW through the gap between the two holms.

Ian Balcombe

Tidal energy generator, Eday

Unique at this time. Works like a wind turbine, but with the ocean currents providing the energy. The circle in the middle, looking like an aero-engine is the bit that does the stuff. The contraption travels up and down the two legs just like a lift, and obviously sits on the sea floor when in use.

Ian Balcombe

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Carlin Geo is located at Grid Ref: HY5227 (Lat: 59.132788, Lng: -2.8265141)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands