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Summons Head

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Summons Head

The Kame of Foula Britain's highest cliff (unless, like some, you think that the 'ledge' halfway down disqualifies it). It is, of course, impossible to take a meaningful photograph wholly within the square. In fact, it is probably impossible to stand up on two feet within the square!
The Kame of Foula Credit: Mike Pennington

Summons Head is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, which are part of Scotland. It is classified as a headland or a point, as it extends out into the North Sea. The headland is situated in the southwestern part of the Shetland mainland, near the town of Sandwick.

Summons Head is characterized by its rugged and dramatic cliffs that rise steeply from the sea, reaching heights of up to 180 meters (590 feet). The cliffs are composed of layers of sedimentary rocks, displaying various colors and textures, creating a visually striking landscape. The headland offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the vast expanse of the North Sea.

The area around Summons Head is known for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty. The cliffs provide nesting sites for a variety of seabirds, such as puffins, guillemots, and fulmars. Visitors to Summons Head may also catch a glimpse of seals basking on the rocks or swimming in the nearby waters.

Access to Summons Head is relatively easy, with a footpath leading from the nearby village of Hoswick. The path offers a pleasant walk along the coastline, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the rugged beauty of the area. The headland is also a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, who come to observe the abundant wildlife and experience the peacefulness of the surroundings.

In summary, Summons Head is a striking coastal feature in the Shetland Islands, renowned for its towering cliffs, diverse wildlife, and stunning panoramic views. It is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to explore the natural wonders of the area.

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Summons Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.151322/-2.0980155 or Grid Reference HT9440. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Kame of Foula Britain's highest cliff (unless, like some, you think that the 'ledge' halfway down disqualifies it). It is, of course, impossible to take a meaningful photograph wholly within the square. In fact, it is probably impossible to stand up on two feet within the square!
The Kame of Foula
Britain's highest cliff (unless, like some, you think that the 'ledge' halfway down disqualifies it). It is, of course, impossible to take a meaningful photograph wholly within the square. In fact, it is probably impossible to stand up on two feet within the square!
View from Da Kame to Da Sneug, Foula The highest hill on Foula and the second highest in Shetland. Taken from near da Kame. On the left are the Lochs o' da Fleck and the Loch o' Ouvrafandel is in the distance.
View from Da Kame to Da Sneug, Foula
The highest hill on Foula and the second highest in Shetland. Taken from near da Kame. On the left are the Lochs o' da Fleck and the Loch o' Ouvrafandel is in the distance.
Gaada Stack The stack has two separate arches. This is the eastern arch.
Gaada Stack
The stack has two separate arches. This is the eastern arch.
Da Nort Bank On this slope the skuas attacked and the sheep tried to chase me over the cliff. It was the nesting season but both skuas and sheep meant business.
Da Nort Bank
On this slope the skuas attacked and the sheep tried to chase me over the cliff. It was the nesting season but both skuas and sheep meant business.
The cliffs of Foula The highest point, the Kame, is in the mist.
The cliffs of Foula
The highest point, the Kame, is in the mist.
The croft of Harrier 1964 The skuas did not attack if you were on the island road, but it was always useful to carry a long bonxie stick, and wave it in the air above your head when they sized you up.
The croft of Harrier 1964
The skuas did not attack if you were on the island road, but it was always useful to carry a long bonxie stick, and wave it in the air above your head when they sized you up.
South Harrier Rough and improved grazings at South Harrier. The hill at extreme left is The Kame, the second highest seacliffs in UK.
South Harrier
Rough and improved grazings at South Harrier. The hill at extreme left is The Kame, the second highest seacliffs in UK.
Gaada Stack from Hamnafield, Foula The house on the left is North Harrier and further back towards the coast is Ristie.
Gaada Stack from Hamnafield, Foula
The house on the left is North Harrier and further back towards the coast is Ristie.
Gaada Stack, Foula Gaada Stack's three pillars tower over the rugged north coast of the island of Foula, with its stacks, steep-sided geos, and a storm beach called Da Stanes.
Gaada Stack, Foula
Gaada Stack's three pillars tower over the rugged north coast of the island of Foula, with its stacks, steep-sided geos, and a storm beach called Da Stanes.
Hiorawick Coastal View Foula (population: 30) is one of Britain's most remote inhabited islands and leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits. Foula's natural heritage is exceptionally rich and diverse for such a small area. The name means 'Bird Island' in Old Norse and Foula is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds, a National Scenic Area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its plants, birds and geology.
Hiorawick Coastal View
Foula (population: 30) is one of Britain's most remote inhabited islands and leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits. Foula's natural heritage is exceptionally rich and diverse for such a small area. The name means 'Bird Island' in Old Norse and Foula is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds, a National Scenic Area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its plants, birds and geology.
Da Kame A super scenic spot today with Tricky Speirs. Name: Da Kame Hill number: 103797 Height: 376m / 1234ft Area: 22: Shetland Islands Class: 3 Grid ref: HT940400 (est) Drop: 60m Col: 316m HT944397
Da Kame
A super scenic spot today with Tricky Speirs. Name: Da Kame Hill number: 103797 Height: 376m / 1234ft Area: 22: Shetland Islands Class: 3 Grid ref: HT940400 (est) Drop: 60m Col: 316m HT944397
Fulmars Attack This is one of a number of Fulmars that decided to attack Tricky Speirs and me as we descended beside Blobers Burn.
Fulmars Attack
This is one of a number of Fulmars that decided to attack Tricky Speirs and me as we descended beside Blobers Burn.
Skiordar Memorial And Seat A modest ridge in the N of the island of Foula in Shetland, Skiordar rises to around 75m (246 feet) 1¼ miles (2 km) north northwest of Ham. Extending out from the steep slopes characteristic of the west of the island, it is crossed by the road which runs to the north of the island. There is a memorial at its summit. A great view today towards Gaada Stack.
Skiordar Memorial And Seat
A modest ridge in the N of the island of Foula in Shetland, Skiordar rises to around 75m (246 feet) 1¼ miles (2 km) north northwest of Ham. Extending out from the steep slopes characteristic of the west of the island, it is crossed by the road which runs to the north of the island. There is a memorial at its summit. A great view today towards Gaada Stack.
Ristie and the Foula stacks from the side of Soberlie Gaada Stack and da Sheepie are the prominent stacks. Ristie is the isolated croft house.
Ristie and the Foula stacks from the side of Soberlie
Gaada Stack and da Sheepie are the prominent stacks. Ristie is the isolated croft house.
Below Da Nort Bank Beneath the steep straight coastline of Da Nort Bank. No GPS in 1964 so this is my best estimate.
Below Da Nort Bank
Beneath the steep straight coastline of Da Nort Bank. No GPS in 1964 so this is my best estimate.
Da Est Hoevdi The sharp coastline of Foula close to the Gaada Stack (reputedly the best known rock arch in Scotland).
Da Est Hoevdi
The sharp coastline of Foula close to the Gaada Stack (reputedly the best known rock arch in Scotland).
Fishing boat off the northern coast of Foula A dramatic coastline for the local fishermen to work. The area is known locally as North Bay.
Fishing boat off the northern coast of Foula
A dramatic coastline for the local fishermen to work. The area is known locally as North Bay.
Descending from Da Kame Note the ponies on the cliff edge near the circular lochan
Descending from Da Kame
Note the ponies on the cliff edge near the circular lochan
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Summons Head is located at Grid Ref: HT9440 (Lat: 60.151322, Lng: -2.0980155)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///lobbed.date.conquests. Near Walls, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

Da Lochs o da Fleck Da Clay Pool Da Shoaters Da Hogg o Trottsann Summons Head Da Nort Bank

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.151322,-2.0980155
North Bank
Place: locality
Source: npe
Lat/Long: 60.1486624/-2.1004917
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Soberlie
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 60.1525062/-2.0892933
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Klaverman Shetland
Blowup Nose Kincardineshire

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