Tobacco Rock

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Tobacco Rock

Spit at Ayre Sound, Sanday Credit: Alpin Stewart

Tobacco Rock is a prominent coastal feature located on the island of Orkney, in Scotland. Situated on the northeastern coast of the island, this headland is known for its distinctive shape and stunning views of the surrounding coastline. The name "Tobacco Rock" is derived from its resemblance to a tobacco pipe when viewed from a certain angle.

This point of interest is characterized by its rugged cliffs, which rise dramatically from the North Sea. The cliffs of Tobacco Rock are composed of sandstone and are known to reach heights of up to 50 meters in some areas. The rock formations in this area are the result of millions of years of erosion by wind and waves, creating a fascinating landscape that attracts both locals and tourists alike.

Visitors to Tobacco Rock can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and the nearby coastline. The headland provides an ideal vantage point for bird watching, as it is a popular nesting site for various seabird species, including puffins and guillemots. The crashing waves against the cliffs also create a mesmerizing display for nature enthusiasts.

Access to Tobacco Rock is relatively easy, with a well-maintained path leading visitors to the headland. There are also designated viewpoints and benches for visitors to rest and take in the stunning scenery. The area is well signposted, providing information about the geology, wildlife, and history of the site.

Overall, Tobacco Rock is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the natural beauty of Orkney's coastline. Its unique shape, geological formations, and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the region.

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Tobacco Rock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.276715/-2.3731544 or Grid Reference HY7843. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Spit at Ayre Sound, Sanday

Alpin Stewart

Lighthouse at Start Point, Sanday

Alpin Stewart

Sanday - Looking across Scuthvie Bay to Start Point lighthouse

With its vertical black and white stripes Start Point lighthouse on the far eastern tip of the island of Sanday in the Orkneys is painted like no other. It is seen here across the arc of Scuthvie Bay, from the beach seen in HY7644 : Sanday - Sand and dunes bordering Scuthvie Bay. The lighthouse dates from 1806, receiving its conspicuous stripes just over a century later in 1915. For more information on this lighthouse, see Link

Rob Farrow

Start Point Lighthouse

Stevenson lighthouse at Start Point, Sanday, Orkney. First lit in 1806, on October 2nd. Image taken on the 200th anniversary. The first revolving light lighthouse in Scotland and the only one to be painted in black and white vertical stripes. 23m tower, 4th order Fresnel lens. Character: 2 flashes per 20 seconds. Accessible only at low tide as the causeway is now washed away due to rising sea levels. Wellies advisable even at low tide. The light stands close to Mount Misery, a chambered cairn, and is in the SE of Start Point (now a tidal island.) Start Point is the easternmost point of Sanday.

Beth Loft

Ayre Sound, Start Point, Sanday

The strandline behind Sophie marks the limit of most high tides. Where she is standing floods, cutting off the island behind, and Start Point lighthouse.We didn't get to the lighthouse, because once we reached the marram behind her, she was worried that the tide would flood in, cutting us off for the night. Back to the car then.

Ian Balcombe

Start Point, Sanday

The eastern extremity of Sanday, with the lighthouse, as seen from a BA [or it might have been BEA] Viscount. For a better image of the lighthouse see HY7843 : Start Point Lighthouse. The black and white decor in that photo is not evident in this one - it might have had a make-over since it was taken in 1974.

M J Richardson

Visitor Book

Where, but on a remote Orkney island, would you find a visitor book? Carefully wrapped in plastic with a couple of pencils in case you forgot your own. Plenty of people make entries on the weather, bird life, etc. No idea who finally reads it all, but it would make an interesting publication.

Peter Amsden

Beach art at Ayre Sound, Sanday, Orkney

Oysterplants were found on the white sands nearby. In the distance is Start Point and its very distinctive lighthouse. To the right is Mount Misery, a chambered cairn. At high tides Ayre Sound floods and Start Point becomes an island.

Greg Fitchett

Start Point Lighthouse, Sanday, Orkney

The lighthouse has operated since 1806 and was automated in 1962. The solar panels were recently installed. I'm not sure of the purpose of the round tower, with its series of slab steps spiraling upwards in the abandoned building in the foreground. A kiln perhaps?

Greg Fitchett

Tidal Hazard Notice, Sanday, Orkney

It took us four attempts before we could safely cross to the island!

Becky Williamson

Scuthvie Circular, Sanday, Orkney

Becky Williamson

Start Point Lighthouse, Sanday, Orkney

Becky Williamson

Plaque at Start Point Lighthouse, Sanday, Orkney

Becky Williamson

Plaque at Start Point Lighthouse, Sanday, Orkney

Becky Williamson

Information Board at Start Point Lighthouse, Sanday, Orkney

Becky Williamson

Sanday: Ayre Sound stands between us and the lighthouse

Unfortunately our visit did not coincide with the low tide, so we were unable to access the lighthouse and instead had to be satisfied with the view from here. Ayre Sound is very narrow in this picture; we didn't miss the tide by much so it is only just coming in.

Chris Downer