Big Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Big Geo

Shapinsay: postbox № KW17 57 A standard lamp box dating from post-1994, mounted on an unusually short metal pole. Serving the northern part of the island, it is one of four postboxes on Shapinsay.
Shapinsay: postbox № KW17 57 Credit: Chris Downer

Big Geo is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is identified as a headland or point due to its distinct geographical characteristics. The name "Big Geo" originates from the Old Norse word "geir," meaning a narrow inlet or gully, which accurately describes the feature.

Situated on the western coast of the island, Big Geo juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, forming a prominent and eye-catching landform. It is composed of rugged cliffs that rise vertically from the sea, reaching heights of approximately 50 meters. The cliffs are predominantly composed of sandstone and shale, displaying intricate layers and patterns that have been shaped by the relentless forces of erosion over millions of years.

Due to its exposed location, Big Geo experiences the full force of the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in dramatic coastal erosion. The constant battering of waves and strong currents have sculpted the cliffs, creating caves, arches, and stacks that add to the overall allure of the feature. These geological formations serve as habitats for various seabirds, including fulmars, puffins, and guillemots, making Big Geo an important site for ornithological studies and wildlife enthusiasts.

The striking beauty and geological significance of Big Geo have made it a popular attraction for visitors who are eager to witness the power of nature at work. Its commanding presence, coupled with the surrounding scenic landscape, makes Big Geo an iconic landmark on the Orkney coastline.

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Big Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.049614/-2.8227896 or Grid Reference HY5218. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shapinsay: postbox № KW17 57 A standard lamp box dating from post-1994, mounted on an unusually short metal pole. Serving the northern part of the island, it is one of four postboxes on Shapinsay.
Shapinsay: postbox № KW17 57
A standard lamp box dating from post-1994, mounted on an unusually short metal pole. Serving the northern part of the island, it is one of four postboxes on Shapinsay.
Shapinsay: red phone box on the B9058 The phone box stands alongside the road but far enough onto someone's garden that it is probably the location of the former North Shapinsay post office, which existed from 1935 until closure on 30 June 1975.
Shapinsay: red phone box on the B9058
The phone box stands alongside the road but far enough onto someone's garden that it is probably the location of the former North Shapinsay post office, which existed from 1935 until closure on 30 June 1975.
Ruined Buildings The map says that these ruins are beside Venezuela Cottage.
Ruined Buildings
The map says that these ruins are beside Venezuela Cottage.
Standing Stone in Shapinsay
Standing Stone in Shapinsay
Baled Hay at North Hill Mainland Orkney in the distance.
Baled Hay at North Hill
Mainland Orkney in the distance.
Track at North Hill Looking northwest.
Track at North Hill
Looking northwest.
Fields at North Hill I think that is Mull Head on Mainland (Orkney) to the right. The white speck towards the left horizon is the lighthouse on Auskerry.
Fields at North Hill
I think that is Mull Head on Mainland (Orkney) to the right. The white speck towards the left horizon is the lighthouse on Auskerry.
Inkerman House Shapinsay looking Northward
Inkerman House Shapinsay looking Northward
Close up of Inkerman
Close up of Inkerman
Lucknow Farm Shapinsay
Lucknow Farm Shapinsay
Lucknow Farm Shapinsay Looking southwards
Lucknow Farm Shapinsay Looking southwards
Collapsed Building - coastal erosion This was at one time a substantial small holding. Now vanishing after many years of coastal erosion.
Collapsed Building - coastal erosion
This was at one time a substantial small holding. Now vanishing after many years of coastal erosion.
Strand separating sea and loch Naturally occurring 'Strand'  between Veantrow Bay on the left and Lairo Water on the right.
Strand separating sea and loch
Naturally occurring 'Strand' between Veantrow Bay on the left and Lairo Water on the right.
Lochend Area from Ventro Bay, Shapinsay
Lochend Area from Ventro Bay, Shapinsay
Proper Red GPO Phonebox You wait all day for something red to photo, then two come at once!
Proper Red GPO Phonebox
You wait all day for something red to photo, then two come at once!
Downhill to Girnigoe Vertically challenged signpost.
Downhill to Girnigoe
Vertically challenged signpost.
Looking towards the crossroads The buildings beyond the junction are the old schoolhouse.
Looking towards the crossroads
The buildings beyond the junction are the old schoolhouse.
Old faithful A bit of choke and this would start.
Old faithful
A bit of choke and this would start.
Show me another place!

Big Geo is located at Grid Ref: HY5218 (Lat: 59.049614, Lng: -2.8227896)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///hound.shine.trusts. Near Balfour, Orkney Islands

Related Wikis

Linton Chapel

Linton Chapel is a ruined chapel on the east coast of Shapinsay, Orkney (Grid Reference HY5218). The chapel is thought to date as early as the 12th century...

Bay of Linton

The Bay of Linton is a bay on the east coast on the island of Shapinsay in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. To the north of Linton Bay are the headlands...

Mor Stein

Mor Stein is a neolithic standing stone in the southeastern part of the island of Shapinsay, Orkney Islands, Scotland. Shapinsay is one of the two large...

Lairo Water

Lairo Water is a surface water body known as an ayre situated on the western coast of Shapinsay in the Orkney Islands. This brackish water body is separated...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.049614,-2.8227896
Linton Chapel
Historic: ruins
Wikidata: Q6554900
Wikipedia: en:Linton Chapel
Lat/Long: 59.0522646/-2.8195659
Marker: cable
Lat/Long: 59.0456016/-2.824232
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0539431/-2.8245136
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0529376/-2.8254578
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0517127/-2.824401
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0462321/-2.8272629
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0479703/-2.8301382
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0476282/-2.8287435
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0472667/-2.827405
Kirkhill farmstead (remains)
Historic: archaeological_site
Lat/Long: 59.0526499/-2.8211094
Linton Chapel burial ground
Historic: archaeological_site
Lat/Long: 59.0521372/-2.821563
Bay of Crook
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.0465039/-2.8213191
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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