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South Geo of Hangie

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

South Geo of Hangie

North Ronaldsay: the lighthouse The lighthouse was built after a complicated history of lighthouse arrangements in Orkney. The first beacon here was the Old Beacon, which survives to the southeast, built in 1789. It was extinguished in 1809 after Start Point lighthouse (on Sanday) had begun operation as it was considered superfluous. However, this proved inauspicious and the present lighthouse was constructed in 1852. Thanks to the low-lying nature of North Ronaldsay, the lighthouse is the tallest land-based one in Britain, standing 42m in height to reach the 43m elevation of the light above sea level. The lighthouse was automated in 1998, since when the various outbuildings have been converted to holiday accommodation, a café/small museum, and a wool mill.
North Ronaldsay: the lighthouse Credit: Chris Downer

South Geo of Hangie is a prominent coastal feature located in the Orkney Islands, specifically on the southwestern coast of the island of Hoy in Scotland. It is a headland that extends out into the North Atlantic Ocean, forming a distinctive point that overlooks the tumultuous waters below.

The South Geo of Hangie is characterized by its rugged and dramatic cliffs that rise up to approximately 200 meters (656 feet) above sea level. The cliffs are composed of sandstone and are known for their striking geological formations, including caves, stacks, and arches, which have been shaped by the relentless erosion of the sea over thousands of years.

This coastal feature offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, with panoramic vistas of the ocean and the neighboring islands. It is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers who are drawn to its natural beauty and the opportunity to witness the power of the sea firsthand.

The South Geo of Hangie is also home to a diverse range of seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, and puffins, which nest in the cliffs during the breeding season. Their presence adds to the area's ecological significance and attracts birdwatchers from around the world.

Access to the South Geo of Hangie is possible via a coastal path that winds its way along the cliff tops, providing visitors with a chance to explore the area and appreciate its unique geological features. However, caution is advised due to the steep and potentially hazardous nature of the cliffs.

Overall, South Geo of Hangie is a remarkable coastal feature that showcases the raw beauty of nature and offers a captivating experience for those who venture to its shores.

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South Geo of Hangie Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.388017/-2.4080713 or Grid Reference HY7655. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

North Ronaldsay: the lighthouse The lighthouse was built after a complicated history of lighthouse arrangements in Orkney. The first beacon here was the Old Beacon, which survives to the southeast, built in 1789. It was extinguished in 1809 after Start Point lighthouse (on Sanday) had begun operation as it was considered superfluous. However, this proved inauspicious and the present lighthouse was constructed in 1852. Thanks to the low-lying nature of North Ronaldsay, the lighthouse is the tallest land-based one in Britain, standing 42m in height to reach the 43m elevation of the light above sea level. The lighthouse was automated in 1998, since when the various outbuildings have been converted to holiday accommodation, a café/small museum, and a wool mill.
North Ronaldsay: the lighthouse
The lighthouse was built after a complicated history of lighthouse arrangements in Orkney. The first beacon here was the Old Beacon, which survives to the southeast, built in 1789. It was extinguished in 1809 after Start Point lighthouse (on Sanday) had begun operation as it was considered superfluous. However, this proved inauspicious and the present lighthouse was constructed in 1852. Thanks to the low-lying nature of North Ronaldsay, the lighthouse is the tallest land-based one in Britain, standing 42m in height to reach the 43m elevation of the light above sea level. The lighthouse was automated in 1998, since when the various outbuildings have been converted to holiday accommodation, a café/small museum, and a wool mill.
North Ronaldsay: looking down from the lighthouse A vertical view from the balcony of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4705846">HY7855 : North Ronaldsay: the lighthouse</a>, on some of the associated buildings; those in the picture have been converted to holiday accommodation since the lighthouse's automation in 1998.
North Ronaldsay: looking down from the lighthouse
A vertical view from the balcony of HY7855 : North Ronaldsay: the lighthouse, on some of the associated buildings; those in the picture have been converted to holiday accommodation since the lighthouse's automation in 1998.
North Ronaldsay: the light in the lighthouse A closer look at the light and lenses at the top of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4705846">HY7855 : North Ronaldsay: the lighthouse</a>. The light here is surrounded by lenses and the whole apparatus revolves at a speed such that the lenses are ten seconds apart from any given viewpoint. This gives the appearance of the light flashing every ten seconds, which is the distinctive 'character' of this particular light, although the light itself does not physically flash.
North Ronaldsay: the light in the lighthouse
A closer look at the light and lenses at the top of HY7855 : North Ronaldsay: the lighthouse. The light here is surrounded by lenses and the whole apparatus revolves at a speed such that the lenses are ten seconds apart from any given viewpoint. This gives the appearance of the light flashing every ten seconds, which is the distinctive 'character' of this particular light, although the light itself does not physically flash.
North Ronaldsay: towards Dennis Head from the lighthouse Looking across the eastern edge of the island from the top of the lighthouse, towards its predecessor, the Old Beacon, on Dennis Head.
North Ronaldsay: towards Dennis Head from the lighthouse
Looking across the eastern edge of the island from the top of the lighthouse, towards its predecessor, the Old Beacon, on Dennis Head.
North Ronaldsay: across Dennis Loch Looking along a dry-stone enclosure wall and across Dennis Loch, with a distant view beyond Linklet Bay of some of the buildings in the more populated southwest of the island.
North Ronaldsay: across Dennis Loch
Looking along a dry-stone enclosure wall and across Dennis Loch, with a distant view beyond Linklet Bay of some of the buildings in the more populated southwest of the island.
North Ronalsday: crues on Dennis Head The coast along this eastern edge of Dennis Head is peppered with crues, mainly circular. A crue is a dry-stone enclosure used for the gathering of sheep. There are many sheep in this area - a large group of them can be seen in the background, towards the lighthouse. I notice that the large-scale OS map marks them as planticrues. A web search for planticrue suggests that this is an alternate word for 'planticrub', which appears to be based in Shetland and is a similar structure for growing crops (hence the 'plant' bit, I guess).
North Ronalsday: crues on Dennis Head
The coast along this eastern edge of Dennis Head is peppered with crues, mainly circular. A crue is a dry-stone enclosure used for the gathering of sheep. There are many sheep in this area - a large group of them can be seen in the background, towards the lighthouse. I notice that the large-scale OS map marks them as planticrues. A web search for planticrue suggests that this is an alternate word for 'planticrub', which appears to be based in Shetland and is a similar structure for growing crops (hence the 'plant' bit, I guess).
North Ronaldsay: fog horn and some crues Looking down from the lighthouse towards the fog horn and, to the right, some crues both square and circular. For more information on the word crue, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4705941">HY7855 : North Ronalsday: crues on Dennis Head</a>.
North Ronaldsay: fog horn and some crues
Looking down from the lighthouse towards the fog horn and, to the right, some crues both square and circular. For more information on the word crue, see HY7855 : North Ronalsday: crues on Dennis Head.
North Ronaldsay: sheep on the rocks of Bay of Sjaivar North Ronaldsay is known for its seaweed-eating sheep, which graze at will around this eastern coast. Four of them here scarper as I approach; another followed later and, being further out in the midst of the rocks, was quite well camouflaged.
North Ronaldsay: sheep on the rocks of Bay of Sjaivar
North Ronaldsay is known for its seaweed-eating sheep, which graze at will around this eastern coast. Four of them here scarper as I approach; another followed later and, being further out in the midst of the rocks, was quite well camouflaged.
North Ronaldsay: a sheep’s skull on a crue at Dennis Head An ornament, presumably placed there by hand, on the wall of one of the crues on the coast of Dennis Head. The Old Beacon, clad in scaffolding, is in the background. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4705941">HY7855 : North Ronalsday: crues on Dennis Head</a> for more information on the crues.
North Ronaldsay: a sheep’s skull on a crue at Dennis Head
An ornament, presumably placed there by hand, on the wall of one of the crues on the coast of Dennis Head. The Old Beacon, clad in scaffolding, is in the background. See HY7855 : North Ronalsday: crues on Dennis Head for more information on the crues.
North Ronaldsay: Linklet Bay beach on a cloudless day A pristine view along the beach on this glorious summer's day.
North Ronaldsay: Linklet Bay beach on a cloudless day
A pristine view along the beach on this glorious summer's day.
North Ronaldsay: rocky coastline along Linklet Bay The fine sandy beach just off to our right gives way to this stretch of low rocks, as we look towards the Old Beacon at the distant Dennis Head.
North Ronaldsay: rocky coastline along Linklet Bay
The fine sandy beach just off to our right gives way to this stretch of low rocks, as we look towards the Old Beacon at the distant Dennis Head.
North Ronaldsay: workings in the wool mill The small yarn industry has been a reality on the island since the mid 1990s, and has been based here in one of the former lighthouse buildings since 2003. The visitor is guided around all the workings for a small additional charge to the lighthouse tour. More information will be found on their website: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.northronaldsayyarn.co.uk/about.asp" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.northronaldsayyarn.co.uk/about.asp">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> Such is the multi-tasking way of these island communities, I would see the same young lady who showed us round later in the day, donning a high-vis jacket marshalling at the airfield when the plane home came in.
North Ronaldsay: workings in the wool mill
The small yarn industry has been a reality on the island since the mid 1990s, and has been based here in one of the former lighthouse buildings since 2003. The visitor is guided around all the workings for a small additional charge to the lighthouse tour. More information will be found on their website: LinkExternal link Such is the multi-tasking way of these island communities, I would see the same young lady who showed us round later in the day, donning a high-vis jacket marshalling at the airfield when the plane home came in.
North Ronaldsay: Point of Sinsoss and Seal Skerry Looking north from the top of the lighthouse, across the headland at Point of Sinsoss. Seal Skerry is just an offshore rock but, from the map, it is clear that at higher tides it is larger and almost meets the island itself. The loch in front of the shore is the curiously named Trolla Vatn.
North Ronaldsay: Point of Sinsoss and Seal Skerry
Looking north from the top of the lighthouse, across the headland at Point of Sinsoss. Seal Skerry is just an offshore rock but, from the map, it is clear that at higher tides it is larger and almost meets the island itself. The loch in front of the shore is the curiously named Trolla Vatn.
North Ronaldsay: a view over the island Looking southwest across the whole island from the top of the lighthouse.
North Ronaldsay: a view over the island
Looking southwest across the whole island from the top of the lighthouse.
North Ronaldsay: a typical island croft house Many of the croft houses of North Ronaldsay have these flagstone roofs; it seems to be a particular feature of this island.
North Ronaldsay: a typical island croft house
Many of the croft houses of North Ronaldsay have these flagstone roofs; it seems to be a particular feature of this island.
North Ronaldsay: rocks, sand and a lighthouse view Looking across the northwest edge of Linklet Bay, the distant lighthouse faintly reflected in the sand between outcrops of rock.
North Ronaldsay: rocks, sand and a lighthouse view
Looking across the northwest edge of Linklet Bay, the distant lighthouse faintly reflected in the sand between outcrops of rock.
North Ronaldsay: different coloured sheep Three sheep, each a different colour, on the large expanse of grass to the south of the lighthouse.
North Ronaldsay: different coloured sheep
Three sheep, each a different colour, on the large expanse of grass to the south of the lighthouse.
North Ronaldsay from the air
North Ronaldsay from the air
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South Geo of Hangie is located at Grid Ref: HY7655 (Lat: 59.388017, Lng: -2.4080713)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///number.tortoises.widget. Near Hollandstoun, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Lenswick North Geo of Hangie Geo of Coorse Nose of the Ridgeo Brae of Breck Grithamy Dyke

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.388017,-2.4080713
Geo of Coorse
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.3880965/-2.4153415
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Garso Wick
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.3883853/-2.4025574
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North Geo of Hangie
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.388582/-2.4086728
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South Geo of Hangie
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.3879482/-2.4081042
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Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.386164/-2.4110323
OpenStreetMap
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Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.3854455/-2.4110645
OpenStreetMap
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Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.384865/-2.411086
OpenStreetMap
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Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.3844101/-2.4110779
OpenStreetMap
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Historic: memorial
Material: stone
Lat/Long: 59.3844721/-2.4127021
OpenStreetMap
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Man Made: water_well
Pump: no
Lat/Long: 59.3855597/-2.4106893
OpenStreetMap
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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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