South Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

South Geo

Path to Quoyness Chambered Cairn, Sanday
Path to Quoyness Chambered Cairn, Sanday Credit: Alpin Stewart

South Geo is a prominent coastal feature located in the Orkney Islands, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is specifically positioned on the southernmost part of the island of Hoy. South Geo is a remarkable headland that juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, forming a distinctive point on the island's coastline.

The headland is characterized by its rugged cliffs, which rise dramatically from the sea, reaching heights of up to 300 meters (984 feet). These cliffs are composed of layers of sedimentary rock, displaying a variety of colors and textures, including sandstone, shale, and limestone. Over time, the relentless power of the ocean has eroded the base of the cliffs, creating sea caves and natural arches that add to the area's unique beauty.

South Geo is renowned for its exceptional panoramic views, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding seascape, neighboring islands, and the mainland of Scotland in the distance. It is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers, who come to admire the stunning coastal scenery and abundant wildlife. Visitors may spot various seabirds, such as puffins, razorbills, and guillemots, nesting along the cliffs, while seals and even whales can sometimes be spotted swimming offshore.

In addition to its natural allure, South Geo holds historical significance as well. The headland is home to the Old Man of Hoy, a striking sea stack that stands independently just off the coast. This iconic landmark attracts climbers from around the world, seeking to conquer its challenging vertical ascent.

Overall, South Geo in Orkney is a captivating and diverse coastal feature, offering a blend of natural beauty, geological wonders, and cultural heritage that make it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

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South Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.220838/-2.5916743 or Grid Reference HY6637. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Path to Quoyness Chambered Cairn, Sanday
Path to Quoyness Chambered Cairn, Sanday
Quoyness Chambered Cairn, Sanday
Quoyness Chambered Cairn, Sanday
Pier buildings, Kettletoft, Sanday
Pier buildings, Kettletoft, Sanday
Harbour at Kettletoft, Sanday
Harbour at Kettletoft, Sanday
Elsness from the Air Elsness is a peninsula almost cut off from the rest of Sanday.
Elsness from the Air
Elsness is a peninsula almost cut off from the rest of Sanday.
Kettletoft Pier - Sanday, Orkney An exposed mooring.
Kettletoft Pier - Sanday, Orkney
An exposed mooring.
Kettletoft The "capital" of Sanday.
Kettletoft
The "capital" of Sanday.
Quoyness Chambered Cairn The Orkney Islands are well provided for in well preserved chambered cairns.
Quoyness Chambered Cairn
The Orkney Islands are well provided for in well preserved chambered cairns.
Leaving Quoyness Cairn The narrow entrance to the cairn is about 9 metres long, including this open section. My companion is closing the gate which keeps unwelcome intruders out of the central cairn. Beyond the gate you can only progress on hands and knees in the dark, but the box on the wall contains a torch to help you see your way.
Leaving Quoyness Cairn
The narrow entrance to the cairn is about 9 metres long, including this open section. My companion is closing the gate which keeps unwelcome intruders out of the central cairn. Beyond the gate you can only progress on hands and knees in the dark, but the box on the wall contains a torch to help you see your way.
Kettletoft Hotel On the island of Sanday
Kettletoft Hotel
On the island of Sanday
Fishing boat at Kettletoft Pier Sanday
Fishing boat at Kettletoft Pier
Sanday
The Belsair, Kettletoft
The Belsair, Kettletoft
Quoyness Chambered Cairn
Quoyness Chambered Cairn
Across Sty Wick Looking across the bay of Sty Wick to Tres Ness on Sanday from the south west end of Quoy Ayre.
Across Sty Wick
Looking across the bay of Sty Wick to Tres Ness on Sanday from the south west end of Quoy Ayre.
Quoyness From a Nest Quoyness chambered cairn as seen from a Fulmars nest situated within another chambered cairn. There are numerous cairns on the Quoy Ness peninsula - must have been busy 5000 years ago. The Fulmars were not amused by my presence!
Quoyness From a Nest
Quoyness chambered cairn as seen from a Fulmars nest situated within another chambered cairn. There are numerous cairns on the Quoy Ness peninsula - must have been busy 5000 years ago. The Fulmars were not amused by my presence!
Kettletoft Bay Tide is going out and more of this square is being revealed.
Kettletoft Bay
Tide is going out and more of this square is being revealed.
Kettletoft Across The Bay Looking across Kettletoft Bay from near the Point of Holmsound.
Kettletoft Across The Bay
Looking across Kettletoft Bay from near the Point of Holmsound.
Holm Sound Looking towards the rocky islet of Holm of Elsness from just north of the Point of Holmsound.In the distance can be seen Mainland Orkney and the Spurness Wind Farm on Sanday itself.
Holm Sound
Looking towards the rocky islet of Holm of Elsness from just north of the Point of Holmsound.In the distance can be seen Mainland Orkney and the Spurness Wind Farm on Sanday itself.
Show me another place!

South Geo is located at Grid Ref: HY6637 (Lat: 59.220838, Lng: -2.5916743)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///feathers.sonic.trading. Near Kettletoft, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.220838,-2.5916743
North Geo
Natural: bay
Source: OS Street View
Lat/Long: 59.2228632/-2.5895826
Ronney
Place: locality
Source: OS Street View
Lat/Long: 59.222484/-2.5875808
Seal Skerry
Place: locality
Source: OS Street View
Lat/Long: 59.2231956/-2.5896323
South Geo
Natural: bay
Source: OS Street View
Lat/Long: 59.2206383/-2.5917424
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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