Geo of Steinsa

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Geo of Steinsa

Shapinsay: Borroughston Broch One of many brochs, or remains of, in Orkney, the one here was excavated in the 1860s but fell into poor condition again before being properly restored in the 1990s. — Shapinsay: Borroughston Broch Credit: Chris Downer

Geo of Steinsa is a prominent coastal feature located on the island of Orkney, situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is characterized as a headland or point, jutting out into the North Sea. The geo, a local term used to describe a narrow inlet or cove, is surrounded by steep cliffs and rock formations, offering a picturesque and dramatic seascape.

The geography of Geo of Steinsa is dominated by rugged and jagged cliffs, which rise vertically from the sea. These cliffs are composed of sandstone and flagstone, exhibiting layers of sedimentary rocks that have been shaped by natural forces over millions of years. The exposed rock layers provide a fascinating glimpse into the geological history of the area.

The sea conditions around Geo of Steinsa can be unpredictable, with powerful waves crashing against the cliffs during storms, creating a spectacle of raw natural power. The constant erosion caused by the relentless force of the waves has sculpted the cliffs into intricate formations, including sea stacks and caves.

The area surrounding Geo of Steinsa is rich in biodiversity, with various seabirds, such as fulmars and kittiwakes, nesting on the cliff ledges. The surrounding waters also support a diverse marine ecosystem, with seals and dolphins occasionally spotted in the vicinity.

Due to its striking beauty and geological significance, Geo of Steinsa attracts visitors from both avid nature enthusiasts and geology enthusiasts. It offers an opportunity to appreciate the power of nature and witness the interplay between land and sea in a stunning coastal setting.

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Geo of Steinsa Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.057635/-2.8168617 or Grid Reference HY5319. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shapinsay: Borroughston Broch

One of many brochs, or remains of, in Orkney, the one here was excavated in the 1860s but fell into poor condition again before being properly restored in the 1990s.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: Borroughston Broch from the north

Another view of HY5421 : Shapinsay: Borroughston Broch, from the opposite side.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: the B9058 heads north

Looking along the last dead-straight mile of the main road across the island.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: hay bales and a sea view

Looking across one of the square patchwork fields of the island, with Rothiesholm Head on Stronsay in the distance.

Chris Downer

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.

Chris Downer

Shapinsay: the road to Quholm

A road runs at right-angles from the main B9058, and the regular angularity is no accident: David Balfour, who owned the island in the mid-1800s, divided most of the land into fields of 4 hectares - and it is particularly evident from aerial photography or large-scale mapping that this was done in a patchwork of squares. It is therefore natural that the roads will be straight and at right-angles to one another.

Chris Downer

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.

Chris Downer

Broch of Burroughston

This is the entrance passageway to the broch, which is sufficiently well preserved to be readily recognisable as such. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. See Link

for details.

Anne Burgess

Broch of Burroughston

The broch still stands to about a third of its likely original height, and its internal features, including stairs and the bases of partitions, have survived. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. See Link

for details.

Anne Burgess

Broch of Burroughston

Looking down from the top of the wall, you get a reasonable idea of the internal layout, including the partitions that create smaller side chambers. The grating is modern, and covers the well. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. See Link

for details.

Anne Burgess

Broch of Burroughston

One of the typical features of a broch is that it has two walls, with a stair spiralling up to the top between the walls. This is part of that staircase. The broch is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. See Link

for details.

Anne Burgess

Broch of Burroughston

Looking down on the interior of the broch. The grating over the well is modern, as is the plinth holding an information board. The broch is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. See Link

for details.

Anne Burgess

Broch of Burroughston

The interior from beside the entrance passageway. The information board and the grating are modern. The broch is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. See Link

for details.

Anne Burgess