Kuddi

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Kuddi

Fogla Skerry and Lyra Stack, Papa Stour, from Huxter, Sandness
Fogla Skerry and Lyra Stack, Papa Stour, from Huxter, Sandness Credit: Mike Pennington

Kuddi is a captivating coastal feature located in Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland. This scenic headland juts out into the North Sea, forming a prominent point along the rugged coastline of the islands.

Situated amidst the dramatic landscape of Shetland, Kuddi offers breathtaking views of the surrounding seascape. The headland is characterized by its sheer cliffs, which rise majestically from the crashing waves below. These cliffs are composed of resilient rock formations, showcasing the geological history of the region.

Kuddi serves as a picturesque vantage point for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Visitors can witness the untamed beauty of the North Sea, with its ever-changing colors and powerful waves. On clear days, the headland provides an excellent spot for birdwatching, as numerous seabirds can be seen nesting and soaring above the cliffs.

The coastal feature is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Hardy plants and grasses cling to the rocky ledges, adapting to the harsh coastal conditions. Seals and otters can often be spotted swimming in the waters surrounding Kuddi, adding to the area's natural charm.

Access to Kuddi is generally via foot, with visitors following designated coastal paths. The headland is a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers seeking to immerse themselves in Shetland's wild and unspoiled environment.

In summary, Kuddi is a captivating headland and point in Shetland, offering stunning views of the North Sea and a rich display of wildlife. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the dramatic beauty of Scotland's coastal landscapes.

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Kuddi Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.334172/-1.7454771 or Grid Reference HU1461. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Fogla Skerry and Lyra Stack, Papa Stour, from Huxter, Sandness
Fogla Skerry and Lyra Stack, Papa Stour, from Huxter, Sandness
Aesha Head One of the many fine stretches of coast on Papa Stours, Aesha Head is the furthest west point of the main island, though there are various smaller islands and skerries beyond.
Aesha Head
One of the many fine stretches of coast on Papa Stours, Aesha Head is the furthest west point of the main island, though there are various smaller islands and skerries beyond.
Natural Arch, Aesha Head This is a closer view of the fine arch in Aesha Head, with a glimpse of Lyra Skerry beyond.
Natural Arch, Aesha Head
This is a closer view of the fine arch in Aesha Head, with a glimpse of Lyra Skerry beyond.
Kirstan's Hole Actually, it isn't the Kirstan's Hole (or Christie's Hole) shown on the maps, but a second hole which opened suddenly a few years ago, where previously there had been a depression in the ground, into the same sea-cave system as the original Kirstan's Hole.
Kirstan's Hole
Actually, it isn't the Kirstan's Hole (or Christie's Hole) shown on the maps, but a second hole which opened suddenly a few years ago, where previously there had been a depression in the ground, into the same sea-cave system as the original Kirstan's Hole.
Remains of Observation Post The concrete and iron are the only remains of a World War Two observation post that used to stand here.  As can be seen from the image, in good visibility this location provides an excellent view of the surrounding area.
Remains of Observation Post
The concrete and iron are the only remains of a World War Two observation post that used to stand here. As can be seen from the image, in good visibility this location provides an excellent view of the surrounding area.
Unnamed Sea Stack Off Breigeo Head, Papa Stour (Big Isle of the Priests) At less than 20 metres high this little stack is not as impressive as it's compatriots such as a little down the coast <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU1461">HU1461</a>, but facing out onto the North Atlantic the situation is wild and imposing.

As with most sea stacks, this has probably formed and survived through being constituted from rock that is more solid and stable than that washed out from around them.  In many cases this results in providing ideal rock climbing routes in spectacular locations.  In this case, the rock visible in this image is of a good solid nature but as can be seen more clearly in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/798611">HU1560 : The problem with sea stacks...</a> it is overhanging and in addition lacks much in the way of cracks in which to place rock climbing protection.  Taken together these would make this an extremely difficult climb even if top roped.  The side of the stack facing away to the right of the image is also overhanging, albeit to a lesser extent, but the rock is somewhat green and slimy making it an unattractive ascent route.

Gaining access to the stack also presents some problems.  The water foaming around the stack prevents easy access by boat and even on a comparatively calm day such as that pictured here would make swimming to the stack a highly dangerous exercise.  The first visit to the top of the stack recorded by climbers is shown in the image <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/798611">HU1560 : The problem with sea stacks...</a>.  For this, the only viable route to the stack was by Tyrolean traverse.
Unnamed Sea Stack Off Breigeo Head, Papa Stour (Big Isle of the Priests)
At less than 20 metres high this little stack is not as impressive as it's compatriots such as a little down the coast HU1461, but facing out onto the North Atlantic the situation is wild and imposing. As with most sea stacks, this has probably formed and survived through being constituted from rock that is more solid and stable than that washed out from around them. In many cases this results in providing ideal rock climbing routes in spectacular locations. In this case, the rock visible in this image is of a good solid nature but as can be seen more clearly in HU1560 : The problem with sea stacks... it is overhanging and in addition lacks much in the way of cracks in which to place rock climbing protection. Taken together these would make this an extremely difficult climb even if top roped. The side of the stack facing away to the right of the image is also overhanging, albeit to a lesser extent, but the rock is somewhat green and slimy making it an unattractive ascent route. Gaining access to the stack also presents some problems. The water foaming around the stack prevents easy access by boat and even on a comparatively calm day such as that pictured here would make swimming to the stack a highly dangerous exercise. The first visit to the top of the stack recorded by climbers is shown in the image HU1560 : The problem with sea stacks.... For this, the only viable route to the stack was by Tyrolean traverse.
The problem with sea stacks... The problem with sea stacks is how to get to them.

The sea conditions at the base of this one pretty much eliminate the possibilities of swimming.  One workable technique used here was to string a 100m abseil rope across the geo laying the rope on the top of the stack.  The rope can then be used for a tyrolean traverse to get over to the stack and back from it.
The problem with sea stacks...
The problem with sea stacks is how to get to them. The sea conditions at the base of this one pretty much eliminate the possibilities of swimming. One workable technique used here was to string a 100m abseil rope across the geo laying the rope on the top of the stack. The rope can then be used for a tyrolean traverse to get over to the stack and back from it.
Snolda Sea Stack
Snolda Sea Stack
Lyra Stack Lyra Stack lies just to the south of Lyra Skerry which is the land in the right half of this image.
Lyra Stack
Lyra Stack lies just to the south of Lyra Skerry which is the land in the right half of this image.
Summit shelter The well constructed circular stone wall surrounds the triangulation pillar at the highest point on Papa Stour.  The wall provides excellent shelter from the inevitable Atlantic winds.
Summit shelter
The well constructed circular stone wall surrounds the triangulation pillar at the highest point on Papa Stour. The wall provides excellent shelter from the inevitable Atlantic winds.
Clifftop at Akers Geo The image shows typical clifftops in the area: gradual erosion of edge and very shortly cropped grass indicative of overgrazing by sheep.
Clifftop at Akers Geo
The image shows typical clifftops in the area: gradual erosion of edge and very shortly cropped grass indicative of overgrazing by sheep.
Cliffs on the northeastern side of Akers Geo
Cliffs on the northeastern side of Akers Geo
Natural Arch at Cribbie Another example of one of the many natural arches found around the coastline of Papa Stour.
Natural Arch at Cribbie
Another example of one of the many natural arches found around the coastline of Papa Stour.
Cliffs beneath Virda Field Just to the right of the image is Virda Field, the highest point on Papa Stour.
Cliffs beneath Virda Field
Just to the right of the image is Virda Field, the highest point on Papa Stour.
Southwest View from Virda Field The view here is from the northern slopes of Virda Field across Akers Geo and Hund Geo.  The top sea stack Snolda is just visible in the distance.
Southwest View from Virda Field
The view here is from the northern slopes of Virda Field across Akers Geo and Hund Geo. The top sea stack Snolda is just visible in the distance.
Path to Triangulation Pillar A footpath to the Papa Stour triangulation pillar
Path to Triangulation Pillar
A footpath to the Papa Stour triangulation pillar
View of path View of path across Papa Stour from the Triangulation Pillar
View of path
View of path across Papa Stour from the Triangulation Pillar
Look out post remains Virda Field old lookout station remains
Look out post remains
Virda Field old lookout station remains
Show me another place!

Kuddi is located at Grid Ref: HU1461 (Lat: 60.334172, Lng: -1.7454771)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///punt.degrading.easygoing. Near Walls, Shetland Islands

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