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Head Craig

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Head Craig

Eday - On Vinquoy Hill with view to Carrick House
Eday - On Vinquoy Hill with view to Carrick House Credit: Colin Park

Head Craig is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, an archipelago in the northernmost part of Scotland. Situated on the northeastern coast of the island of Mainland, it is a headland that extends out into the North Sea. The rugged and dramatic landscape of Head Craig makes it a significant geological and geographical feature in the region.

The headland is characterized by its towering cliffs, which rise to a height of approximately 60 meters (197 feet) above sea level. The cliffs are composed of sandstone and are weathered by the relentless pounding of the waves, creating a striking visual spectacle. The coastline around Head Craig is dotted with rocky outcrops and sea stacks, further enhancing its natural beauty.

Due to its exposed location, Head Craig is subject to strong winds and powerful ocean currents. This makes it a popular spot for birdwatchers, as it serves as a nesting site for various seabird species, including guillemots, razorbills, and puffins. The area is also home to a diverse range of marine life, with seals and dolphins often seen in the surrounding waters.

In addition to its natural beauty, Head Craig holds historical significance. It is believed that the headland was used as a lookout point during ancient times, providing early inhabitants with a strategic vantage point to monitor the sea. Today, visitors can explore the area and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline, making Head Craig a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

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Head Craig Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.222109/-2.7873987 or Grid Reference HY5537. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Eday - On Vinquoy Hill with view to Carrick House
Eday - On Vinquoy Hill with view to Carrick House
Eday; Vinquoy Hill Chambered Cairn
Eday; Vinquoy Hill Chambered Cairn
Eday; Stone of Setter The tallest standing stone on the Orkney Islands
Eday; Stone of Setter
The tallest standing stone on the Orkney Islands
Vinquoy Hill Second TuMP of the day with Jim Bloomer, Richard and Tricky Speirs on a sunny morning on Eday. Name: Vinquoy Hill Hill number:12227 Height: 76m / 249ft Parent (Ma/M):none Area:23: Orkney Islands Class:0 Grid ref: HY561385 (est) Drop: 69m Col: 7m HY556340
Vinquoy Hill
Second TuMP of the day with Jim Bloomer, Richard and Tricky Speirs on a sunny morning on Eday. Name: Vinquoy Hill Hill number:12227 Height: 76m / 249ft Parent (Ma/M):none Area:23: Orkney Islands Class:0 Grid ref: HY561385 (est) Drop: 69m Col: 7m HY556340
Eday: path to Red Head A kissing gate and a fingerpost indicate the way to Red Head, passing the Calf Sound lighthouse.
Eday: path to Red Head
A kissing gate and a fingerpost indicate the way to Red Head, passing the Calf Sound lighthouse.
Eday: a straight wall leads to a straight road Looking along a wall as it descends quite steeply to Carrick Farm. Beyond it, and in the next square east, is the lane leading to the island's main road. The island of Sanday is in the background.
Eday: a straight wall leads to a straight road
Looking along a wall as it descends quite steeply to Carrick Farm. Beyond it, and in the next square east, is the lane leading to the island's main road. The island of Sanday is in the background.
Eday: concrete viewfinder on Vinquoy Hill Looking across Calf Sound from the top of Vinquoy Hill. The diagram, rather crudely drawn, confirms that the island fully in view is the Calf of Eday, and the distant land to the right is Sanday.
Eday: concrete viewfinder on Vinquoy Hill
Looking across Calf Sound from the top of Vinquoy Hill. The diagram, rather crudely drawn, confirms that the island fully in view is the Calf of Eday, and the distant land to the right is Sanday.
Eday: chambered cairn on Vinquoy Hill This ancient burial place is situated just south of the very summit of Vinquoy Hill.
Eday: chambered cairn on Vinquoy Hill
This ancient burial place is situated just south of the very summit of Vinquoy Hill.
Eday: view east along Calf Sound Looking along Calf Sound to the village of the same name, Calfsound, from the slopes of Vinquoy Hill. Sanday is in the distance.
Eday: view east along Calf Sound
Looking along Calf Sound to the village of the same name, Calfsound, from the slopes of Vinquoy Hill. Sanday is in the distance.
Eday: the Stone of Setter An ancient standing stone, standing 15 feet in height, as is perhaps not evident from the photo.
Eday: the Stone of Setter
An ancient standing stone, standing 15 feet in height, as is perhaps not evident from the photo.
Carrick House, Eday Looking west. The eastern tip of Calf of Eday can just be seen, and in the distance, Sanday.
Carrick House, Eday
Looking west. The eastern tip of Calf of Eday can just be seen, and in the distance, Sanday.
Stone of Setter, Isle of Eday The Stone of Setter is a striking landmark on the Isle of Eday it lies just a short distance from Mill Loch where a colony of breeding divers can be seen and heard during the spring. There is a good path up the nearby hill to see an impressive chambered tomb and great views to the other islands from the viewpoint on Vinquoy Hill.
Stone of Setter, Isle of Eday
The Stone of Setter is a striking landmark on the Isle of Eday it lies just a short distance from Mill Loch where a colony of breeding divers can be seen and heard during the spring. There is a good path up the nearby hill to see an impressive chambered tomb and great views to the other islands from the viewpoint on Vinquoy Hill.
Vinquoy chambered tomb Well preserved Maeshowe type tomb with four side chambers.
Vinquoy chambered tomb
Well preserved Maeshowe type tomb with four side chambers.
Mill Loch, Eday Haunt of Loons, especially The Red-throated diver.
Mill Loch, Eday
Haunt of Loons, especially The Red-throated diver.
Threshing mill at Red House Partly restored
Threshing mill at Red House
Partly restored
Hide at Mill Loch, Eday This hide gives good views over the loch, which is frequented by red-throated divers amongst other birds.
Hide at Mill Loch, Eday
This hide gives good views over the loch, which is frequented by red-throated divers amongst other birds.
Stone of Setter, Eday The stone of Setter is across the road from the hide at Mill Loch and is the starting point for a waymarked walk around Red Head, which can be seen in the distance.
Stone of Setter, Eday
The stone of Setter is across the road from the hide at Mill Loch and is the starting point for a waymarked walk around Red Head, which can be seen in the distance.
Braeside chambered tomb, Eday This tomb lies on the waymarked walk from the Stone of Setter around Red Head. Its long narrow chamber is divided into three compartments by upright slabs.
Braeside chambered tomb, Eday
This tomb lies on the waymarked walk from the Stone of Setter around Red Head. Its long narrow chamber is divided into three compartments by upright slabs.
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Head Craig is located at Grid Ref: HY5537 (Lat: 59.222109, Lng: -2.7873987)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.222109,-2.7873987
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.2192183/-2.7857155
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.2200694/-2.7854982
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.2205813/-2.785348
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.2209313/-2.7850878
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Generator Method: wind_turbine
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Generator Type: horizontal_axis
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Lat/Long: 59.223502/-2.7840123
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.2221937/-2.7845325
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.2221268/-2.7841169
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Lat/Long: 59.2228131/-2.7835509
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.2235226/-2.783221
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.2241636/-2.7829206
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.2248896/-2.7825719
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.2256718/-2.7821857
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The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
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