Geo of Oxen

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Geo of Oxen

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 Oxen is a prominent coastal feature located in the northwestern coast of Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney archipelago, Scotland. This headland, also referred to as the Point of Oxen, juts out into the cold waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. It is situated about 6 miles west of the town of Stromness.

The Geo of Oxen is characterized by its rugged terrain, with steep cliffs towering above the sea. These cliffs are composed of weathered sandstone and have been sculpted over centuries by the relentless waves and strong winds. The headland offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the vast expanse of the ocean.

This coastal feature is not only visually stunning but also holds great geological significance. The cliffs of Geo of Oxen provide valuable insights into the region's geological history, displaying layers of sedimentary rock that have been formed over millions of years. Fossilized remains of ancient marine life, including ammonites and brachiopods, can also be found embedded within the rock formations.

The Geo of Oxen is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and birdwatchers. The headland's strategic location and proximity to the sea make it an ideal spot for observing various seabirds, such as puffins, fulmars, and guillemots. The area is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including wildflowers, seabird colonies, and occasional seals basking on the rocks.

Overall, the Geo of Oxen is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the raw beauty and geological richness of the Orkney Islands.

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Geo of Oxen Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.061013/-2.8138033 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: a line of running cows

Maybe 'running' is a bit of an exaggeration, but these cows approached us in line at a bit of a canter before deciding that there was nothing to interest them. A few minutes later they did the same, in similar formation, at the far end of the field.

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