The Churn

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

The Churn

Heatherhouse New bungalow on the Tankerness peninsula. The waters of Deer Sound can be seen beyond.
Heatherhouse Credit: Oliver Dixon

The Churn is a prominent coastal feature located on the island of Orkney, off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is a headland or point that juts out into the North Sea, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The Churn is characterized by its rugged cliffs, which rise dramatically from the crashing waves below. These cliffs are formed from layers of sandstone and shale, which have been eroded over time by the relentless power of the sea. As a result, the headland is marked by deep crevices and caves, adding to its unique charm.

The name "The Churn" is derived from the swirling and churning motion of the sea around the headland. The area is known for its turbulent waters, caused by strong tidal currents and powerful waves. This creates a captivating spectacle for visitors, as the sea crashes against the cliffs with great force, sending sprays of water high into the air.

In addition to its natural beauty, The Churn is also home to a diverse array of wildlife. Seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and fulmars can be spotted nesting on the cliffs, while seals and dolphins are often seen swimming in the waters below.

The Churn is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers, who are drawn to its wild and untamed beauty. It offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring power of nature.

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The Churn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.971043/-2.7922895 or Grid Reference HY5409. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Heatherhouse New bungalow on the Tankerness peninsula. The waters of Deer Sound can be seen beyond.
Heatherhouse
New bungalow on the Tankerness peninsula. The waters of Deer Sound can be seen beyond.
Ploughed field on Skibbowick Hill The houses on the skyline are off the Tankerness Hall Road <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HY5309">HY5309</a>. The bungalow with the red roof can be seen in closeup in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4524566">HY5309 : Modern bungalow on Fea Hill</a>.
Ploughed field on Skibbowick Hill
The houses on the skyline are off the Tankerness Hall Road HY5309. The bungalow with the red roof can be seen in closeup in HY5309 : Modern bungalow on Fea Hill.
Tankerness Hall Road The eastern end of the road is a cul de sac leading to Holland and Boondatoon only.
Tankerness Hall Road
The eastern end of the road is a cul de sac leading to Holland and Boondatoon only.
Disused enclosure The walls that remain are of substantial looking dry stone construction.
Disused enclosure
The walls that remain are of substantial looking dry stone construction.
Modern house On the road towards Rerwick Head. The island on the horizon is Stronsay.
Modern house
On the road towards Rerwick Head. The island on the horizon is Stronsay.
Farm buildings at Heatherhouse Seen from the road to Rerwick Head.
Farm buildings at Heatherhouse
Seen from the road to Rerwick Head.
Grunkeys farm On the OS map it is named Boondatoon but there is a signeboard in the garden beside it with the name Grunkeys.
Grunkeys farm
On the OS map it is named Boondatoon but there is a signeboard in the garden beside it with the name Grunkeys.
Ditch, Tankerness
Ditch, Tankerness
Ditch digging, Tankerness
Ditch digging, Tankerness
Boondatoon Pasture on the northern end of Tankerness.
Boondatoon
Pasture on the northern end of Tankerness.
Road to Rerwick Head Leaving the tar at Boondatoon.
Road to Rerwick Head
Leaving the tar at Boondatoon.
Coastal rock architecture The ubiquitous Orkney flagstones of Devonian age dipping gently into the sea at this point. A natural arch is shown on the map close by, but if it does exist it must be more of a tunnel under some rather loose looking rocks.
Coastal rock architecture
The ubiquitous Orkney flagstones of Devonian age dipping gently into the sea at this point. A natural arch is shown on the map close by, but if it does exist it must be more of a tunnel under some rather loose looking rocks.
Holland One of the many places in the Northern Isles named Holland or Houlland.
Holland
One of the many places in the Northern Isles named Holland or Houlland.
Hangie Bay , Tankerness Dramatic coastline east mainland , Orkney - Cormorants and Fulmars both nesting and perching on the cliffs.
Hangie Bay , Tankerness
Dramatic coastline east mainland , Orkney - Cormorants and Fulmars both nesting and perching on the cliffs.
Heatherhoose and farm Island of Shapinsay in the background.
Heatherhoose and farm
Island of Shapinsay in the background.
Kiln of Orwick Looking north from Kiln of Orwick to Rerwick Head and far away Shapinsay. Long rock at right is called Redgee.
Kiln of Orwick
Looking north from Kiln of Orwick to Rerwick Head and far away Shapinsay. Long rock at right is called Redgee.
Skerry to the south of  Lee Taing
Skerry to the south of Lee Taing
The Auskerry Protocol (#1) Heading along Tankerness Hall Road, which makes it sound very urban. Single track road, with passing places. Follow the line of the road and there is a lighthouse, way off in the distance...
The Auskerry Protocol (#1)
Heading along Tankerness Hall Road, which makes it sound very urban. Single track road, with passing places. Follow the line of the road and there is a lighthouse, way off in the distance...
Show me another place!

The Churn is located at Grid Ref: HY5409 (Lat: 58.971043, Lng: -2.7922895)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///vowing.expectant.hugs. Near Tankerness, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.971043,-2.7922895
The Ness
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.9673648/-2.7942203
Long Geo
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.9702187/-2.7916025
Castle of Bothege
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.9686259/-2.7916454
Bothe Geo
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.9683383/-2.7907227
Castle of Suckrow
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.9673538/-2.7927827
The Brough
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.9752732/-2.7925252
Murton
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.9722871/-2.792375
Craig of Ness
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.9736032/-2.7935122
Castle of Hoss
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.9746429/-2.7925681
The Churn
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.9714796/-2.7922462
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.9690442/-2.7943162
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.9697128/-2.795857
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.9704773/-2.797717
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.9712041/-2.7994638
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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