Kirk Taing

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Kirk Taing

Over Tresness, Isle of Sanday. The Bay of Newark is in the lower left of this aerial photograph, with Cata Sand and the Bay of Tresness on the other side of the spit of land.
Over Tresness, Isle of Sanday. Credit: Mark Crook

Kirk Taing is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is classified as a headland or point due to its geographical characteristics and its prominent elevation above the surrounding landscape.

Situated on the western coast of the main Orkney island, Kirk Taing offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding sea and the rugged coastline. The headland is characterized by steep cliffs that rise dramatically from the shoreline, creating a stunning natural spectacle. The cliffs are composed of sandstone and are often buffeted by the strong winds and crashing waves that are typical of the region.

Kirk Taing is also notable for its historical significance. The name "Kirk Taing" is derived from the Old Norse term "kirkja" meaning church and "ting" meaning assembly or meeting place. This suggests that the headland was once used as a gathering point or a site for religious rituals by the ancient Norse settlers who inhabited the area.

Today, Kirk Taing attracts visitors who are captivated by its natural beauty and historical allure. It is a popular spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts, who can explore the headland's various trails and observe the diverse flora and fauna that call this rugged landscape home. The headland also offers a tranquil setting for those seeking solitude and a chance to connect with nature.

In conclusion, Kirk Taing is a striking coastal feature in Orkney, known for its dramatic cliffs, stunning views, and historical significance. It is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the natural wonders of this captivating archipelago.

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Kirk Taing Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.232731/-2.5241675 or Grid Reference HY7038. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Over Tresness, Isle of Sanday. The Bay of Newark is in the lower left of this aerial photograph, with Cata Sand and the Bay of Tresness on the other side of the spit of land.
Over Tresness, Isle of Sanday.
The Bay of Newark is in the lower left of this aerial photograph, with Cata Sand and the Bay of Tresness on the other side of the spit of land.
Tres Ness trig on Sanday
Tres Ness trig on Sanday
Tres Ness on Sanday
Tres Ness on Sanday
Cruis Taing at Tres Ness on Sanday
Cruis Taing at Tres Ness on Sanday
Cata Sand Dunes and Beach Looking NNE along almost 3km of pristine sand. This is the seaward side of the Cata Sand dune complex.
Cata Sand Dunes and Beach
Looking NNE along almost 3km of pristine sand. This is the seaward side of the Cata Sand dune complex.
Aerial view of Tress Ness Sanday is laid out behind the promontory of Tress Ness. The sea is partially covering Cata Sand which is split by a narrow strip of land from the Bay of Newark. The view was taken from the morning flight from Kirkwall on the Mainland of Orkney to Sumburgh at the south tip of Mainland Shetland.
Aerial view of Tress Ness
Sanday is laid out behind the promontory of Tress Ness. The sea is partially covering Cata Sand which is split by a narrow strip of land from the Bay of Newark. The view was taken from the morning flight from Kirkwall on the Mainland of Orkney to Sumburgh at the south tip of Mainland Shetland.
Tresness, Sanday, Orkney There's supposed to be a visitor attraction here - The Engine House, but we couldn't find it!
Tresness, Sanday, Orkney
There's supposed to be a visitor attraction here - The Engine House, but we couldn't find it!
The Engine House, Tresness, Sanday, Orkney Orknet tourism page <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.orknet.co.uk/tourism/sanday.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.orknet.co.uk/tourism/sanday.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> says "The old farm steading at Tressness has an octagonal roofed horse engine house. The horse powered device was used to turn a threshing machine in the barn next door." The octagonal roof is clearly visible on satellite photos. CANMORE (The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland) <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/3562/details/sanday+tresness+house/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/3562/details/sanday+tresness+house/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> has a site record with further details and more photos.
The Engine House, Tresness, Sanday, Orkney
Orknet tourism page LinkExternal link says "The old farm steading at Tressness has an octagonal roofed horse engine house. The horse powered device was used to turn a threshing machine in the barn next door." The octagonal roof is clearly visible on satellite photos. CANMORE (The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland) LinkExternal link has a site record with further details and more photos.
Tresness, The Engine House, Sanday, Orkney We weren't exactly sure where the Engine House was, as we expected a visitor attraction, but the house was in a spectacular location, nevertheless.
Tresness, The Engine House, Sanday, Orkney
We weren't exactly sure where the Engine House was, as we expected a visitor attraction, but the house was in a spectacular location, nevertheless.
Lochan near Hangie Head, Sanday, Orkney Another wonderful Orkney name!
Lochan near Hangie Head, Sanday, Orkney
Another wonderful Orkney name!
Tresness Trig, Sanday, Orkney
Tresness Trig, Sanday, Orkney
Chambered Cairn, Tresness, Sanday, Orkney Had to perch precariously at the edge of the impressive 9 m high cliff to get this photo!
Chambered Cairn, Tresness, Sanday, Orkney
Had to perch precariously at the edge of the impressive 9 m high cliff to get this photo!
Power lines, Sanday, Orkney The photo shows the power lines crossing The Clogg to serve the properties on the Tres Ness peninsula.
Power lines, Sanday, Orkney
The photo shows the power lines crossing The Clogg to serve the properties on the Tres Ness peninsula.
Shoreline by Cata Sand, Sanday
Shoreline by Cata Sand, Sanday
Flooded track at Tresness, Sanday
Flooded track at Tresness, Sanday
Trig point at Tresness, Sanday
Trig point at Tresness, Sanday
Wall by the shore at Tres Ness, Sanday
Wall by the shore at Tres Ness, Sanday
Old building at Tresness, Sanday This may have been a tank used to store water for the surrounding farm.
Old building at Tresness, Sanday
This may have been a tank used to store water for the surrounding farm.
Show me another place!

Kirk Taing is located at Grid Ref: HY7038 (Lat: 59.232731, Lng: -2.5241675)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///retraced.flinches.should. Near Kettletoft, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.232731,-2.5241675
Created By: almien_coastlines mod
Lat/Long: 59.234464/-2.523189
Created By: almien_coastlines mod
Lat/Long: 59.235356/-2.521928
Created By: almien_coastlines mod
Lat/Long: 59.230605/-2.517749
Bay of Tresness
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.2325824/-2.5292802
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.2350772/-2.5210728
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.2361345/-2.5207945
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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