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Girndish

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Girndish

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

Girndish is a prominent coastal feature located in Orkney, a group of islands situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is specifically classified as a headland, which is a narrow stretch of land that extends into the sea. Girndish stands out due to its distinct geographical characteristics and its significance in the local landscape.

Rising up to an elevation of approximately 60 meters (197 feet), Girndish offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and nearby cliffs. Its rugged and rocky terrain makes it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking to explore Orkney's diverse coastline. The headland is also home to an array of bird species, including fulmars, kittiwakes, and puffins, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

Due to its strategic location, Girndish has played a significant role in maritime history, acting as a navigational landmark for ships traveling in the area. The headland's name is derived from the Old Norse word "grind," meaning "gateway," which reflects its historical association with seafaring activities.

In addition to its natural beauty, Girndish is also known for its historical and archaeological significance. The surrounding area is dotted with ancient settlements and burial sites, providing valuable insights into Orkney's rich prehistoric past. The proximity to Girndish makes it an ideal starting point for exploring these archaeological wonders, such as the nearby Neolithic village of Skara Brae, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Overall, Girndish is a captivating coastal feature that combines stunning natural landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a rich historical heritage, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the Orkney Islands.

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Girndish Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.226378/-2.5161507 or Grid Reference HY7037. 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
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.
Powerlines crossing the Clogg, Sanday
Powerlines crossing the Clogg, Sanday
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Girndish is located at Grid Ref: HY7037 (Lat: 59.226378, Lng: -2.5161507)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///undercuts.intruders.catchers. Near Kettletoft, Orkney Islands

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Point of Touthey Girndish Wasso Storehouse Geo

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.226378,-2.5161507
Created By: almien_coastlines mod
Lat/Long: 59.230605/-2.517749
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Tres Ness
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 59.2286158/-2.5116868
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Broch of Wasso
Archaeological Site: broch
Historic: archaeological_site
Website: https://canmore.org.uk/site/3564
Lat/Long: 59.2270332/-2.5112772
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Auld Mains Angus
Carlin Craig Banffshire

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