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Swannies Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Swannies Geo

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

Located on the island of South Ronaldsay in Orkney, Swannies Geo is a prominent coastal feature that serves as a headland or point along the rugged coastline. This geological formation is characterized by its steep cliffs, jagged rocks, and a captivating natural arch. Swannies Geo offers breathtaking panoramic views of the North Sea and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

The headland is composed of sedimentary rocks, primarily sandstone and shale, which have been shaped by the relentless force of ocean waves over thousands of years. These rock formations display intricate patterns and layers, providing a glimpse into the region's geological history. Swannies Geo is also home to a variety of seabird species, including guillemots, kittiwakes, and fulmars, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

Access to Swannies Geo is relatively easy, with a well-maintained coastal path leading visitors to the site. As one approaches the headland, the dramatic cliffs rise above, creating a sense of awe and wonder. The area is surrounded by wildflowers and grasses, adding to the natural beauty of the landscape.

Due to its exposed location, Swannies Geo can be subject to harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and rough seas. Therefore, visitors are advised to take necessary precautions and stay within designated areas for their safety.

Swannies Geo is not only a picturesque coastal feature but also an important geological and ecological site, showcasing the raw power of nature and its impact on the Orkney landscape.

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Swannies Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.233172/-2.8265936 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.
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.
Sany Geo, near Weatherness Looking southwest towards the island of Faray and Eday.
Sany Geo, near Weatherness
Looking southwest towards the island of Faray and Eday.
Weather Ness, Rapness, Orkney The rocky outcrop on the right is separated from Westray by the sea.
Weather Ness, Rapness, Orkney
The rocky outcrop on the right is separated from Westray by the sea.
Weatherness, Westray The hut marks the point where the underwater telephone cables first came ashore on Westray.
Weatherness, Westray
The hut marks the point where the underwater telephone cables first came ashore on Westray.
Coral Sands On a sheltered beach, a close inspections shows the sands to be mainly coral; a lovely place to pass a sunny afternoon.
Coral Sands
On a sheltered beach, a close inspections shows the sands to be mainly coral; a lovely place to pass a sunny afternoon.
Weather Ness Exposure to the easterly winds here comes as a surprise after the sheltered approach towards the old telegraph station on the point of Weather Ness.
Weather Ness
Exposure to the easterly winds here comes as a surprise after the sheltered approach towards the old telegraph station on the point of Weather Ness.
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.
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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Swannies Geo is located at Grid Ref: HY5238 (Lat: 59.233172, Lng: -2.8265936)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///double.walked.keep. Near Backaland, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Inniens Bay Lavey Sound Tystie Geo Swannies Geo Drippies Geo Quoy Noust

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.233172,-2.8265936
Created By: almien_coastlines mod
Lat/Long: 59.231768/-2.82663
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Created By: almien_coastlines mod
Lat/Long: 59.233055/-2.832617
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Created By: almien_coastlines mod
Lat/Long: 59.237017/-2.829349
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Swing Geo Orkney
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