1. Home
  2. Scotland
  3. Highlands and Islands
  4. Shetland Islands
  5. Shetland
  6. Geo of Breistacks

Geo of Breistacks

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Geo of Breistacks

Storm Beach These boulders, thrown up by the waves to form a storm beach 30 metres above the sea, demonstrate the power of the seas which pound the exposed north side of Papa Stour
Storm Beach Credit: Anne Burgess

Geo of Breistacks is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is situated on the west coast of the Mainland, the largest island in the Shetland archipelago. Geo refers to a narrow inlet or bay that is typically formed by the erosion of a headland, and Breistacks is one such headland that has given rise to this geological formation.

The Geo of Breistacks is characterized by its dramatic cliffs, which rise steeply from the sea, creating a stunning visual spectacle. The cliffs are composed of sedimentary rocks, primarily sandstone and shale, which exhibit layers formed over millions of years. These rock layers provide valuable insights into the geological history of the area.

This coastal feature is known for its rich biodiversity, serving as a habitat for numerous seabird colonies. It is not uncommon to spot species such as puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars nesting on the cliffs. The surrounding waters are also home to an array of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and various fish species.

The Geo of Breistacks offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, with the open sea stretching out to the horizon. It is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers who seek to capture the beauty of this rugged coastal environment.

Visitors to the area are advised to take caution while exploring the Geo of Breistacks, as the cliffs can be unstable, and the terrain may be challenging. Nonetheless, the awe-inspiring natural beauty and unique geological features make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the wonders of the Shetland Islands.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Geo of Breistacks Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.342294/-1.7002523 or Grid Reference HU1662. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Storm Beach These boulders, thrown up by the waves to form a storm beach 30 metres above the sea, demonstrate the power of the seas which pound the exposed north side of Papa Stour
Storm Beach
These boulders, thrown up by the waves to form a storm beach 30 metres above the sea, demonstrate the power of the seas which pound the exposed north side of Papa Stour
Plantiecrub near Flaes Point A plantiecrub is a small walled enclosure in which cabbage seedlings are grown until they are big enough to plant out in croft gardens. They are usually built well away from the croft to protect the seedlings against the crofters' hens.
Plantiecrub near Flaes Point
A plantiecrub is a small walled enclosure in which cabbage seedlings are grown until they are big enough to plant out in croft gardens. They are usually built well away from the croft to protect the seedlings against the crofters' hens.
Ruined Meal Mills Several traditional mills straddle this little burn. Inside the building was a fixed lower millstone, and a rotating upper millstone driven by the water falling on to the paddles below, which were mounted at 45º to the vertical drive shaft.
Ruined Meal Mills
Several traditional mills straddle this little burn. Inside the building was a fixed lower millstone, and a rotating upper millstone driven by the water falling on to the paddles below, which were mounted at 45º to the vertical drive shaft.
The Loch that Ebbs and Flows The interior of Papa Stour is mainly moorland, though there are several lochans in the central part. This one's curious name reflects its closeness to the sea, from which it is cut off only by an ayre or shingle spit.
The Loch that Ebbs and Flows
The interior of Papa Stour is mainly moorland, though there are several lochans in the central part. This one's curious name reflects its closeness to the sea, from which it is cut off only by an ayre or shingle spit.
Lang Geo One of the many inlets typical of the north coast of Papa Stour.
Lang Geo
One of the many inlets typical of the north coast of Papa Stour.
Hurdibrack The last stretch of the footpath back from the west side of the island. In the middle distance is the wall which crosses the entire island, separating the arable land in the east from the pasture to the west.
Hurdibrack
The last stretch of the footpath back from the west side of the island. In the middle distance is the wall which crosses the entire island, separating the arable land in the east from the pasture to the west.
The Wall This is the wall which cuts across the whole island. The west side (left) has a steep face to prevent animals climbing over it. The east (right) side has a sloping face so that any animals which have managed to cross it can easily be driven back on to the pasture land.
The Wall
This is the wall which cuts across the whole island. The west side (left) has a steep face to prevent animals climbing over it. The east (right) side has a sloping face so that any animals which have managed to cross it can easily be driven back on to the pasture land.
Robie's Noust This is a very dull shot of a square which would certainly have yielded a more interesting image if we had had time to explore it before the ferry left.
Robie's Noust
This is a very dull shot of a square which would certainly have yielded a more interesting image if we had had time to explore it before the ferry left.
The Dales As with the next-door square, HU1861 would certainly have yielded a more interesting shot if we had not had to rush to catch the ferry!
The Dales
As with the next-door square, HU1861 would certainly have yielded a more interesting shot if we had not had to rush to catch the ferry!
Ruined House
Ruined House
Ruined house The number of ruined buildings on the island seem to far outnumber those still habitable or used.
Ruined house
The number of ruined buildings on the island seem to far outnumber those still habitable or used.
Road and ruins This is the main road for the island. Even this close to the pier the ruins of abandoned crofts can be found just off the road.
Road and ruins
This is the main road for the island. Even this close to the pier the ruins of abandoned crofts can be found just off the road.
View towards Papa Stour Airstrip The cleared and smoothed ground in the upper right of the image is the airstrip for Papa Stour which is located in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU1759">HU1759</a>.
View towards Papa Stour Airstrip
The cleared and smoothed ground in the upper right of the image is the airstrip for Papa Stour which is located in HU1759.
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.
Rocky coastline
Rocky coastline
View from North Ness The view here is from North Ness towards the highest point on the island. The ground shown in the foreground is typical of this rather barren area.
View from North Ness
The view here is from North Ness towards the highest point on the island. The ground shown in the foreground is typical of this rather barren area.
The "New" Pier The image here is taken from the old pier looking towards the new pier. The line of rusting fenceposts serves no useful purpose. The rocks along the shoreline are very popular with young seals - although they proved to be somewhat camera-shy.
The "New" Pier
The image here is taken from the old pier looking towards the new pier. The line of rusting fenceposts serves no useful purpose. The rocks along the shoreline are very popular with young seals - although they proved to be somewhat camera-shy.
A puzzling wall The purpose of this isolated section of wall is far from clear: you might think that perhaps it was in place to stop sheep wandering down onto the rocks beyond, but it would seem to be easy enough for them to walk around the wall.
A puzzling wall
The purpose of this isolated section of wall is far from clear: you might think that perhaps it was in place to stop sheep wandering down onto the rocks beyond, but it would seem to be easy enough for them to walk around the wall.
Show me another place!

Geo of Breistacks is located at Grid Ref: HU1662 (Lat: 60.342294, Lng: -1.7002523)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///secondly.existence.jiffy. Near Walls, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

Lang Geo Lamba Ness Domi Geo Skerry of Lambaness Brim Taing Brei Stacks

Related Wikis

Papa Stour
Papa Stour

Papa Stour (Scots: Papa Stour) is one of the Shetland Islands in Scotland, with a population of under fifteen people, some of whom immigrated after an...

Biggings
Biggings

Biggings is a village on the island of Papa Stour, in Shetland, Scotland. Papa Stour's church is situated at the south of Biggings. A homestead of Duke...

Maiden Stack
Maiden Stack

The Maiden Stack or Frau Stack is a tiny stack in the western Shetland Islands to the north of Brei Holm and east of Housa Voe in Papa Stour. It is so...

Papa Stour Airstrip
Papa Stour Airstrip

Papa Stour Airstrip is a small airstrip in the village of Biggings on the island of Papa Stour. Shetland, Scotland. == History == Papa Stour Airstrip opened...

Gaadie Hole Shetland
Pund Geo Shetland

Have you been to Geo of Breistacks?

Leave your review of Geo of Breistacks below (or comments, questions and feedback).

© 2024 UK Place Database | Privacy