Northquoy

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Northquoy

Mirkady Point, Deerness, from the air Credit: Mike Pennington

Northquoy is a prominent headland located on the Orkney Islands, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Also known as Northquoy Point, it marks the northernmost tip of the island of Westray, which is part of the Orkney mainland.

Rising approximately 30 meters above sea level, Northquoy offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding North Sea and the neighboring islands. Its rugged and rocky coastal cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop to the area's natural beauty. The headland is characterized by its unique geological formations, with layers of sedimentary rocks, including sandstone and limestone, dating back millions of years.

The site is of great importance for its wildlife, with numerous seabird colonies nesting along the cliffs. Visitors can spot a variety of species, including guillemots, razorbills, puffins, and fulmars. The coastal waters around Northquoy are also home to seals, porpoises, and occasionally, even whales.

Northquoy is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and birdwatchers who come to explore the headland's rugged beauty and observe its diverse wildlife. The area is accessible by foot, with a well-marked coastal path leading visitors from the nearby village of Pierowall to the headland. The path offers stunning views and opportunities to encounter various plant and animal species along the way.

Overall, Northquoy is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the stunning natural landscape and rich biodiversity of the Orkney Islands.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Northquoy Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.948514/-2.8046687 or Grid Reference HY5307. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mirkady Point, Deerness, from the air

Mike Pennington

Keigar and Eve's Loch, Deerness, from the air

Mike Pennington

Od Points

On Mirkady Point one looks south and left to Scarf Point and right, here, to the Point of Od. Oddly, another is nearby HY5404 : The Point of Od

Derek Mayes

Mirkady Herring Curing Station

The building is well photographed but its history is not widely known. Built in 1846 by Mr Groat of Newhall it was used for about 30 years as a Herring Curing Station. It is remarkably intact and now a Cat. B listed building. More information here Link

and Link

Derek Mayes

The Old House, Mikardy Point

Late on a summers evening just after sunset the yellow lichen on the roof of the old house at Mikardy Point shows up well against the steely blue sky. Apparently an old herring curing station.:- Link

Adam Ward

Hurnip's Point View

Half an hour after sunset and the light is stunning. The old herring station at Mikardy Point seen from Hurnip's Point. Beyond is Wideford Hill above Kirkwall.

Adam Ward

Orcadian Summer Sky

Heading towards midnight and the light is moving round to the north - a typical orcadian sky in the summertime - when the weather is fine! Looking towards Mikardy Point from Braebuster.

Adam Ward

Halley Beach Sunset

Enjoying the late Orcadian evening on Halley Beach, Deerness - the sun is just about to set over Tankerness.

Adam Ward

Deerness, Orkney, loch and farmland

New Year's Day 2006, Braebuster House and farm steading on the skyline.

Karl Cooper

High tide, jetty, Tankerness

High tide on a windy day at jetty near Hall of Tankerness.

Adam Ward

Halley Beach, Deerness

A north-facing beach with shallow waters in Deerness. Seals can be seen here frequently, and the clarity of the water is such that they can be seen to be "hanging" in the water.

Mark Crook

Foreshore at end of Halley Beach, Deerness

The white sand beach gives way to rock outcroppings and stones at the easterly end. This area is very rich in birdlife.

Mark Crook

Eves Loch and Eves Howe, Deerness

This small loch is close to the shore and well away from any roads or paths, so birdlife here is extraordinarily rich. The howe, or broch, is the "lump" of land in the top right of the picture. The stone standing in the water is probably a "straining post" used to tension a wire fence to prevent cattle from getting from one field to the next by wading in the loch.

Mark Crook

Abandoned farmhouse of Mirkady, Deerness

This old farmhouse stands alone on a finger of land known as Mirkady Point, which projects into Deer Sound. Mirkady Point is no more than a couple of metres above sea level at the most and the shallow water of Deer Sound and the shelter it provides means that the beach slopes very gently, making for a prominent rocky foreshore.

Mark Crook

Mirkady Point, Deerness

This is the view to the southeast towards Hurnip's Point, showing the low-lying nature of the land around the sheltered Deer Sound. It contrasts with the large cliffs typical of the easterly-facing coastline.

Mark Crook

Typical farmland and settlement

This small settlement doesn't have a name as such, but enjoys a fabulous view over St Peter's Pool and Deer Sound, including Mirkady Point.

Mark Crook

Braebuster House, Deerness

Visible for miles around, Braebuster House is a well-known landmark, sitting in open farmland which slopes down to Deer Sound and the Oyster Skerries.

Mark Crook

Settlement at Keigar, Deerness

This settlement is on the B9051 minor road with passing places, approaching Halley Beach (SY5507). The land visible at the far side of the water is the Parish of Tankerness, behind that, the hills (SY4111) behind Kirkwall (SY4510).

Mark Crook

Show me another place!

Northquoy is located at Grid Ref: HY5307 (Lat: 58.948514, Lng: -2.8046687)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands