Black Head

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Black Head

Loch of Quinnigeo, Walls, from the air
Loch of Quinnigeo, Walls, from the air Credit: Mike Pennington

Black Head is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago situated off the northeast coast of Scotland. It is a distinctive headland that juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, forming a notable point on the coastline.

Rising to an elevation of approximately 50 meters (164 feet), Black Head is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain. The headland is composed of ancient volcanic rocks, displaying fascinating geological formations and providing a habitat for various marine and bird species.

The surrounding waters of Black Head are teeming with marine life, making it a popular spot for divers and snorkelers. The area is home to an abundance of kelp forests, which provide shelter for numerous fish species, as well as seals and otters.

From a birdwatching perspective, Black Head offers excellent opportunities to observe a variety of seabirds. Visitors may spot Atlantic puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes, among others. During the breeding season, the cliffs become a bustling nesting ground, with thousands of seabirds making their presence known.

Access to Black Head is relatively easy, with a well-maintained coastal path leading to the headland. The path provides breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline, with the sheer cliffs of Black Head providing a dramatic backdrop against the vast expanse of the ocean.

Overall, Black Head is a captivating coastal feature, known for its rugged beauty, diverse marine life, and abundant bird species. It offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the stunning natural landscapes that the Shetland Islands are renowned for.

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Black Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.207355/-1.6265048 or Grid Reference HU2047. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Loch of Quinnigeo, Walls, from the air
Loch of Quinnigeo, Walls, from the air
Burrier Geo, Vaila, from the air
Burrier Geo, Vaila, from the air
Vaila House from the air
Vaila House from the air
Vaila House and the west end of Vaila from the air
Vaila House and the west end of Vaila from the air
Vaila House from the air
Vaila House from the air
Vaila House from the air
Vaila House from the air
Littlure Littlure with The Peak above the caravan and Uskies Geo beyond
Littlure
Littlure with The Peak above the caravan and Uskies Geo beyond
Natural rock arch into Maamy's Hole (island of Vaila) Natural rock arch into Maamy's Hole (island of Vaila)
Natural rock arch into Maamy's Hole (island of Vaila)
Natural rock arch into Maamy's Hole (island of Vaila)
Hotel at Burrastow. Run by a very good chef who is Belgian!
Hotel at Burrastow.
Run by a very good chef who is Belgian!
Mill ruins Old Shetland mill ruins on the inflow burn to Lera Voe, loch of Breck in the background.
Mill ruins
Old Shetland mill ruins on the inflow burn to Lera Voe, loch of Breck in the background.
Telephone box at Burrastow
Telephone box at Burrastow
Ruined Mill Remains of a 'Clack Mill'.
Ruined Mill
Remains of a 'Clack Mill'.
Ruined Mill Remains of a 'Clack Mill'
Ruined Mill
Remains of a 'Clack Mill'
Burrastow House
Burrastow House
House near Burrastow
House near Burrastow
Head of Lera Voe One of Shetland's many unassuming voes.
Head of Lera Voe
One of Shetland's many unassuming voes.
Cairn on Dounawall Showing signs of recent collapse. A cairn on The Hamar is visible beyond.
Cairn on Dounawall
Showing signs of recent collapse. A cairn on The Hamar is visible beyond.
Cliffs at Littlure A fine section of coast for easy walking in late September.
Cliffs at Littlure
A fine section of coast for easy walking in late September.
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Black Head is located at Grid Ref: HU2047 (Lat: 60.207355, Lng: -1.6265048)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///resolves.executive.dressy. Near Walls, Shetland Islands

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